You found our list of the best employee scheduling software.
Employee scheduling software are online apps and programs that help managers assign work shifts to staff. These programs often include features such as drag-and-drop scheduling displays, shift swaps, coworker communication tools, and reporting. The purpose of these tools is to automate and simplify the scheduling process so that business leaders can focus on other management tasks. There are both free and paid software options available. These tools and apps are also known as “staff scheduling software” or “work scheduling software.”
Scheduling tools are a subset of HR software and remote work platforms, and are similar to time tracking software and employee management software.
This article contains:
- online employee scheduling apps
- free staff scheduling software
- work scheduling software
- workforce scheduling software
- shift scheduling software
Here is the list!
List of employee scheduling software
Here is a list of the best work scheduling software for both hourly employees and salaried workforces.
1. ZoomShift
ZoomShift is a scheduling tool for hourly employees. The program enables managers and business owners to track employee time, prevent timesheet errors, and run payroll in minutes. The drag and drop schedule builder simplifies the shift assignment process, and the app makes it easy to swap or reassign shifts seamlessly. Communication features allow for real-time conversation between colleagues, and streamline conversations into a centralized platform. The software also includes PTO tracking tools that make it easier to manage leave and availability. ZoomShift also compares staffing costs to sales and includes labor forecasting tools.
ZoomShift is best for small to medium businesses that want an easy way to schedule and communicate with employees.
Key Features:
- Free mobile app
- Drag and drop schedule builder
- Team collaboration and communication tools
- Schedule sharing via email, push, text
- Customisable time clock software and app with geofencing technology.
- Easy to use clock in and clock out functionality.
- Timesheet error prevention measures
- Customizable payroll reports
Learn more about ZoomShift.
2. Workforce
Workforce is one of the most popular employee scheduling platforms. The program includes an easy-to-use employee app, and also offers managers tools that make it easy to build, edit, and share schedules on the move. The mobile platform includes push notifications and real time updates to keep the whole team updated on changes or requests.
The software takes online attendance tracking to the next level with features like unique pin codes, GPS tracking, and photo verification. Workforce also regularly solicits feedback from employees and managers by providing per-shift performance ratings and surveys.
Workforce’s analytics tools compare projections with results and scheduled shifts with actual hours worked. These comparisons allow for filtering by day, and calculate costs in real time. Also, Workforce’s labor compliance tools allow managers to differentiate workers by location to better follow state-specific laws. Plus, managers can program rules for different types of shifts.
Key Features:
- Labor compliance tools
- Customizable shift differentials
- Overtime alerts & distinctions
- Workforce analytics
- App enabled schedule editing
- Real time feed
- Wide integration
- Notifications & messaging
- Feedback tools and performance ratings per shift
- Accuracy and error prevention
- Data-driven scheduling
Learn more about Workforce.
3. Humanity
Humanity is an enterprise shift scheduling software built to integrate seamlessly with leading HR software. The compatibility with HCM software creates a more cohesive system that eliminates double data entry and makes onboarding, payroll, and human resource management a more seamless process for all parties.
The platform aims to reduce scheduling time by up to 80% through the use of automated technology and customizable rules. The program includes robust data and analytics tools that empower employers to collect and interpret data in a way that improves the scheduling systems.
While Humanity caters to larger companies, the employee experience is central in the platform’s design. The software offers a mobile app with a self-service portal that enables employees to communicate with colleagues and swap shifts in real time. The product’s main mission is to improve employee experiences while increasing worker retention rates.
Key Features:
- Automation
- Flex scheduling
- Time clock tools
- Enterprise management
- Demand-driven scheduling
- Compliance features
- Mobile shift management
- Wide integration
Learn more about Humanity.
4. Homebase
Homebase is one of the better free employees scheduling tools. The unpaid version of the program supports an unlimited number of staff for a single location, making it an ideal choice for smaller operations like restaurants or independent retailers with hourly workers.
The app’s sharing features enable employees and managers to instantly communicate updates, swaps, and approvals, helping the whole team access the most accurate schedule. Homebase is mobile-friendly, making it easy to access and update from any device. Forecasting tools like scheduling conflict alerts and overtime calculators help business owners staff optimally while controlling costs.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop tool
- Scheduling confirmation
- Communication features
- Integrations with payroll software
- User-friendly interface
- 24/7 Customer support
- Mobile app
Learn more about Homebase.
5. When I Work
When I Work is a standard workforce scheduling software that facilitates the building, sharing, and tracking of schedules. The mobile interface mimics social media platforms with a live feed, chat, and simple navigation to schedules or requests. Features like one click auto scheduling and instant sharing add to the convenience. When I Work also includes labor forecasting tools that help managers calculate costs and manage budgets as well as projecting staffing needs. Also, schedule enforcement capabilities ensure employees can only punch in at the correct times and locations.
Key Features:
- Online time clock and attendance
- Budgeting and labor forecasting
- Contractor management
- Team news feeds, alerts, and real time chats
- Automated shift distribution
- One click auto scheduling
- Payroll and resource management
- Performance metrics, reporting, and analytics
- Easy shift swapping
- Mobile app
Learn more about When I Work.
6. Deputy
Deputy is a work scheduling platform that aims to simplify the shift assignment process. Like many similar tools, the program includes drag and drop functionality, a mobile app, and communication capabilities. One standout feature is that Deputy provides skills tracking and distinguishes workers based on training certifications. This feature helps managers staff qualified employees on particular shifts or projects, and is ideal for fields with specializations such as construction and healthcare. Deputy also includes fair workweek compliance tools to ensure employers compensate employees for last minute changes in regions governed by such laws. The program also has multi-location and group scheduling functions that help leaders better organize and track the workforce.
Key Features:
- Employee lifecycle management
- Skills tracking/Training
- GPS tracking
- Automated employee scheduling
- Leave management functionality
- Multi-location and group scheduling
- Labor and payroll forecasting
- Notable customer service
- In-app communication
Learn more about Deputy.
7. Connecteam
Connecteam is one of the more robust employee scheduling apps. Beyond scheduling features, the software also doubles as an employee engagement tool. Notable features of this software include virtual onboarding and training tools, surveys and polls, and a social-media style news feed that facilitates peer recognition. The software permits leaders to not only assign shifts but also tasks, making Connecteam a great choice for managing salaried and contracted employees as well as hourly workers. The program enables employees to reject or accept shifts and provides action updates, and color-codes in-app behavior. Connecteam streamlines communication and assignments and functions as an all-in-one hub for dispersed teams.
Key Features:
- Employee rewards & recognition
- Pulse surveys
- News feed, company directory, group chat, and file sharing
- Dispatch & work order management
- Online punch clock and salaried employee tracking
- Real-time scheduling & shift swap
- Multi-location & group scheduling
- Easy to use single-button commands and easy to read color coding
Learn more about Connecteam.
8. Clockshark
Clockshark is a mobile time tracking and scheduling software designed primarily for field service companies. The program enables managers to set specifications for jobs and oversee assignments. Clockshark provides GPS-functionality and location tracking to restrict clock-ins to on-site areas and help employers keep tabs on workforce distribution. The program helps with payroll by providing quick and easy reports and enabling administrators to input multiple billing rates as well as distinguish between billable or non billable hours. Clockshark has simple scheduling functions and an easy to use mobile application.
Key Features:
- Drag and drop scheduling
- Billing rate and type distinction
- GPS-enabled geofencing and all-day location tracking
- Online punch card with biometric recognition
- Quick reports, including timesheet, payroll, budget forecasting, and job cost tracking
- Ease of use, intuitiveness & smart automation
- Customizations & customer service
Learn more about Clockshark.
9. Float
Float is a resource management software geared towards creative and collaborative projects. The central dashboard has a clean, color-coded layout that makes it easy to view workloads at a glance. Assigning or editing tasks is a simple, single-click process. The platform is searchable and contains a designated area for updates. Float includes project management tools like boards and budgets, and even the ability to plan roles for future hires. The platform is ideal for scheduling creative, project-based teams.
Key Features:
- Messaging platform
- Project tracking tools
- Forecasting and workload projections
- Data analytics & specific reporting
- Scrolling functionality
- Ability to add notes & details
- Global view at a glance
- Clean visual displays/timelines
Learn more about Float.
10. Resource Guru.
Resource Guru is a task scheduling software with a drag-and-drop team timeline. Managers can search for capable staff within a centralized directory and contact team members within the app. The program generates daily agendas that outline the team member’s tasks, and also sends email reminders.
The platform makes it easy to view team assignments and progress at a glance, is searchable, and includes filtering options. Resource Guru also provides a meeting room scheduling feature and equipment management tool. The software also has milestone tracking and project forecasting tool, making it easy to conceptualize progress and keep assignments on schedule. Plus, administrators can grant permissions and visibility to other users, enabling leaders to share updates with teammates, clients, and shareholders.
Key Features:
- Calendar management & synchronization
- Reporting capabilities
- Daily reminders via email
- Filtering options
- Grouping features
- Customizable permissions & visibility
- Task management tracking
- Equipment management and room booking
- Milestone tracking and project forecasting
- Web-based platform
- Easy to format and navigate, responsive design
Learn more about Resource Guru.
Conclusion
Scheduling is an important responsibility, and can be time consuming without the right tools. Luckily, the automation and templates that software provides can cut down the assignment process significantly. The data-driven, unbiased nature of the programs eliminate accusations of unfair scheduling or favoritism, and self-serve portals give employees the power and responsibility to find coverage.
These programs provide valuable analytics and insights that help organizational leaders improve human capital management, budgets, and general operations, and generate actionable reports. Plus, many software tools include compliance features that help organizations adhere to labor laws. Workforce scheduling software can even aid with payroll and billing.
The help these programs provide is substantial. By handling the routine aspects of staff assignment, scheduling software empowers employers to focus energy on higher-level functions like improving products and services, boosting output, and building better company culture.
Next, check out our guide to team management skills and this list of the best PEOs for remote teams.
Angela Robinson