Best employee scheduling software
Do you want to go straight to the answer? For most people, the best employee scheduling software is Homebase.
A strong employee scheduling software is crucial for any thriving business.
Not only does it make life easier for managers, but it also prevents employees from engaging in guesswork. A good software goes beyond simple daily and weekly schedule management. They allow employees to request time off or team changes that can be approved or denied in real time.
Some software even integrate a chat and employee messages.
Whether you are a start-up, a small business, or a chain of businesses, the right scheduling software can streamline the efficiency of your human resources. I have created this guide to help you find the one that best suits your organization.
The 9 best employee scheduling software of 2020
What is the best employee scheduling software? After thorough research, I have narrowed down the list to nine options that you can consider.
Homebase - Best employee schedule planning software.
CakeHR - Complete HR software with employee schedule planning.
Humanity - This is the best solution for team exchanges and for filling real-time openings.
Technical specifications The best for time tracking and accounting integration.
7 teams - Best employee scheduling software for restaurants.
Payers Calendar - Best employee scheduling software for customization.
When I work- The best free employee scheduling software.
Deputy- This is the best solution for scheduling employees working in multiple locations.
Shiftboard Best scheduling software for shift workers.
Below you will find in-depth reviews of each of them. I will cover the features, benefits, costs, and any other considerations as we move forward.
Review of employee scheduling software
Homebase - The best employee scheduling software
- Free basic plan
- Unlimited number of employees
- Online Programming
- Timestamp from any device
Sorry, the text "-•." cannot be translated as it does not contain any meaningful words or context. If you provide more content or context, I would be happy to help with the translation Start
More than 100,000 businesses trust Homebase for their employee scheduling needs. Homebase is free for businesses with a single location.
The programming functions of this software are simple and easy to use for everyone. You can schedule an employee's work hours in just a few clicks using the drag-and-drop dashboard. The software will even help you track labor costs.
Set up alerts when workers miss a clock-in or are about to work overtime. Your staff will also receive updates when schedules are published. They will also be notified through reminders of their work hours.
In addition to scheduling functions, Homebase has a clock-in feature and time sheets for payroll. Allow your staff to clock in from any device, including your point of sale (POS) system.
Here is a brief overview of the plans and pricing for employee scheduling at Homebase
Basic - Free
Unlimited number of employees
Online programming
Watches, breaks, and overtime hours
Preparing timesheets for payroll
Employee availability preferences and leave requests
Team communication messenger
Essential products - $16 per month per location
Advanced programming
Automated Programming
Late employee alerts
Availability approvals
Personal notes with a twist
Automated reminders to employees
Employee Performance Tracking
Plus - $40 per month per location
Sales forecasts and work objectives
Overtime Alerts
GPS and photos
Preventing early punch-ins
Custom settings for breaks and overtime hours
Work time restrictions
OPT Policies
All monthly rates assume you subscribe to an annual contract. Homebase offers monthly packages for 20% more.
The mobile application Homebase is another reason why this scheduling software ranks high on our list. Its use is free for you and your staff. Everyone can therefore view and manage their schedules on the go.
CakeHR - The best comprehensive HR software with employee scheduling
- Custom pricing
Interactive team planning
- Predefined team models
- Access to mobile applications
-• Start
In addition to employee scheduling, CakeHR has solutions for:
Timesheets
Performance
Leave management
Expenses
Recruitment
Integrating your employees and automating the HR process is simple. CakeHR provides tons of self-service tools and solutions for employees.
Here are some of the main features of employee scheduling planning:
Interactive team planning
Support for a single website and multiple websites
Dedicated team leaders
Management of employee availability
Access to mobile applications
Predefined team templates
Daily, weekly, and monthly reports
The price of CakeHR is also a little different. Simply select the services you want, enter the number of active employees you have, and choose between monthly or annual billing.
Your personalized rate based on these characteristics will appear automatically on the screen. So, you do not need to wait for a CakeHR salesperson to contact you to provide you with a quote.
To give you an idea of the price, a work schedule for 20 employees would cost $50 per month with an annual contract. Adding timesheets would increase this rate to $80.
Humanity - The best for job posting exchange and real-time filling of openings
- Starting from $3/month per user
- Self-scheduling functions
- Employees can exchange their positions
- Easy to use and manage
Sorry, the text "-•" cannot be translated because it does not contain any recognizable words or phrases Start
Humanity is one of the most popular employee scheduling platforms on the market today. It is used by large companies such as Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, Nike, Yelp, Safeway, and Squarespace.
I would recommend Humanité to businesses operating in sectors with narrow margins. This software gives you the ability to optimize your schedules in the most cost-effective way.
Using Humanity to ensure local, state, and federal compliance in terms of labor laws for things like break frequency, hours worked, and time between shifts.
Humanity has an automatic scheduling function that will optimize schedules by applying variables related to seniority and employee preferences.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of humanity is the ability for employees to exchange their positions. Assuming that the exchange fits within your predefined rules, these requests can be automatically approved with limited supervisor involvement.
The Humanity mobile application allows you and your staff to easily manage real-time scheduling needs. Managers can view open shifts for pickup and quickly find replacements for any absences.
Humanity integrates with top supply chain management software like BambooHR, ADP, and Workday.
The pricing of humanity is very simple. There are two plans at the following annual rates:
Start - $3 per month per user ($80 minimum)
Classic - $4 per month per user ($80 minimum)
You can also sign up for Humanity on a month-to-month basis. These rates are $3.50 and $5 per user, respectively. However, short-term plans are subject to a minimum of $100 per month.
The Starter package comes with everything you need to manage employee schedules. But for an additional dollar per month, the Classic package comes with advanced features such as:
Automatic programming
Work and budget in real time
Compliance
Reports and analysis
Time and presence
Geolocated arrival and departure schedules
Secure messaging
Overall, Humanity has everything you could need or ask for in an employee scheduling tool.
Technical sheets - The best for time tracking and accounting integration
- Starting from $8/month per user
- Create and assign teams
- Real-time GPS capabilities
- Alerts for team changes
Sorry, it seems like there was an error in the text provided. Can you please provide the correct content that needs to be translated into English? Start
TSheets is powered by QuickBooks, which tops our list of the best accounting software for small businesses. Just like QuickBooks, TSheets is a high-quality choice for employee scheduling, thanks to its reputable brand.
Like employee names, spreadsheets are made for tracking employee time.
This is a mobile timesheet where employees can clock in and out from anywhere. The app uses real-time GPS features to hold your staff accountable for hours worked. It's perfect for those of you with a mobile workforce.
Employers only have access to GPS data when employees are on duty, giving your workers the privacy and respect they deserve.
In addition to time tracking functions, spreadsheets also have exceptional tools for employee scheduling. It is easy to create and assign teams from your computer or smartphone using the drag-and-drop scheduling program. You can also easily repeat schedules with just one click.
Spreadsheets also allow you to schedule workers based on their job. Create a new job by adding information for the day, time, and client. Then simply assign as many workers as you need to this job.
Employees will receive alerts for team changes and assignments. Everyone will have access to the information through the intuitive mobile application TSheets.
Here is a brief overview of the plans and prices of the technical data sheets
Premium
$8 per user per month
Basic fee of $20 per month
Free mobile application with GPS
Real-time reports
Alerts and notifications
Attachments to photos
Clock with facial recognition
Elite
$10 per month per user
Base fee of 40 dollars
Report on project estimates compared to actual numbers
Activity feed and messaging
Time sheet signatures
Geofencing
These two plans are available for free with a 14-day trial period.
TSheets integrates with other platforms such as QuickBooks, Expensify, Gusto, Xero, Sage, Square, and many more. This will also help simplify your accounting process.
7shifts - The best scheduling software for restaurants
- Starting from $19.99/month
- Industry-specific solutions
- Unlimited programming
- Detailed reports
Sorry, but the text "-•" does not have a meaningful translation in English Start
7shifts is an industry-specific solution. It is an employee scheduling software designed for restaurants. Over 250,000 restaurants around the world use 7shifts.
With this software, you will be able to save time and reduce costs. These two elements are essential for running a restaurant with profit margins.
Like most employee scheduling software we've seen, 7shifts has a drag-and-drop generator that makes schedule creation easy. The tool helps you take into account overtime hours, employee availability, and regional labor laws.
Your staff can access schedules via email or mobile app.
7shifts has integrated communication tools for employees. There are group chats, direct messages, announcements, and team feedback features.
You will also have access to a weekly work and budget tool, detailed reports, an intuitive dashboard, and point of sale integration. All of this helps you manage your payroll system and your accounting as well.
The 7-team system is ideal for restaurants, big and small. With multi-site support, you can manage employee schedules at each location.
Let's take a quick look at the plans and prices for the 7 teams.
Amuse-bouche - $19.99 per month per location ($215.88 billed annually)
Unlimited programming
Timing
Notifications
Leave requests and availability
Free mobile application
Main course - $43.99 per month per location ($479.88 billed annually)
Programming Models
Budget tool for work
Solid reports
The Works - $76.99 per month per location ($839.88 billed annually)
Local Work Compliance
Manager's logbook
Optimal work tool (for forecasting staffing needs)
Experience feedback
Gourmet - $150 per month per location ($1,620 billed annually)
View of the company's operational performance
Automatic Programming
Integrated task management
Support and integration of sales points
7shifts also offers some additional options:
Overview of Places - $5 per month per place
Task management - $12.99 per month per location
Importation of sales data - one-time fee of 100
Account opening - one-time fee of 150
Small restaurants can benefit from the free 7shift plan forever. You can enjoy all the basic scheduling features for one location and up to ten employees.
Paycor Scheduling - The best employee scheduling software for customization
- Customized pricing plans
- Models for faster planning
- Automate break times
- Detailed report
Sorry, but the text "-•" does not have a clear meaning or content to be translated into English Start
Formerly Ximble, Paycor Scheduling is the perfect solution to optimize the efficiency of your scheduling. Managers can quickly go through the planning process while making optimal decisions for the company.
All members of your staff will have clear visibility of their schedules in advance, so that everyone stays well-informed.
Paycor allows you to create templates for faster scheduling. Simply drag and drop employees to assign them positions in a few clicks. You can even automate the way your staff takes breaks and when they take them to ensure that you are fully covered at all times.
Your employees can proactively set in advance the day and time of availability. You can then plan according to their needs and preferences.
Paycor Scheduling also features detailed reports and analysis. You will receive detailed information on costs related to overstaffing or understaffing.
The industries that can benefit from Paycor Scheduling include the following
Education
Healthcare
Non-profit association
Fabrication
Professional services
Retail
Paycor also offers additional products for recruitment, employee onboarding, human resources, time and attendance, payroll, taxes, and learning management.
The company offers two employee scheduling products: Paycor Scheduling and Paycor Scheduling Pro.
No prices are listed online for either. You will need to fill out a form answering a few questions about your business to receive a personalized quote from a representative. This adds an extra step to the process, but it is worth it for those of you who want a customized solution.
When I Work - The best free software for employee scheduling
- Starting from 0
- Paid plans start at $2/month
- Programming in one click
- Payroll integration
-• Start
More than 100,000 companies in over 50 countries use When I Work for employee scheduling. This means that over a million employees are scheduled on this software.
From small brands to large organizations like Dunkin Donuts, Ben & Jerry's, Cold Stone Creamery, Jamba Juice, Massage Envy, and Verizon, When I Work is a top choice to consider.
Here are the main features of When I Work:
Programming in one click
Confirmation and notification of team coverage
Sharing of schedules
Employment forecast
Overtime control
Execution of the calendar
Work Reports
Payroll integration
Compared to other employee scheduling software we have covered, When I Work stands out for its unique pricing.
When I Work has an exceptional free plan, and even the paid software is inexpensive.
Free - $0
One location and up to 75 users
Team planning
Team availability
Team messaging
The trade of services
Leave requests
Basic - $2 per user per month
Schedule templates
Multi-site support
Job sites
Overtime visibility
Pro - $2.50 per user per month
Automatic programming
Employment forecasting
Team and team tasks
The calls for bids
You can add scoring and attendance to any plan for $2 per month per user.
Adjoint - The best for scheduling employees working at multiple sites
- Starting from $2/month per user
- Perfect for multiple locations
- Robust features
- Free trial available
Invalid input. Please provide the text you would like translated Start
Deputy is another well-known and trusted employee scheduling solution. It is used at over 200,000 workplaces around the world, including at Amazon, Nike, NASA, Peloton, and Ace Hardware.
Let's examine some of the key features of Deputy:
Automatic Programming
Break planning
Free mobile application
Calendar by set of skills and qualifications
Coverage leave and unavailability
Managing overtime and fatigue
Monitor engagement
Legal compliance
Job exchange
I recommend Deputy to large companies with multiple sites. It is an excellent solution for managing employees who also work at multiple sites.
Among the sectors that the deputy usually works with are healthcare, hospitality, reception, entertainment, logistics, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Despite the robustness of its features and the popularity of Deputy, the software is surprisingly affordable.
Employee scheduling software starts at only $2.50 per month per employee. Billing is done monthly. If you want to combine employee scheduling with timesheets and attendance, it is $4.50 per month per user. Save up to 11% with an annual contract for the combo pack. Deputy offers special pricing for charitable, non-profit, and community organizations that meet specific criteria.
You can try Deputy today by signing up for a free trial. No credit card is required.
Shiftboard - The best scheduling software for hourly workers
- Starting from $3 per month per user
- Automatically assign workers
- Making last-minute changes
- Improve communication
Sorry, but the text "-•." does not have a clear meaning or context to be translated into English Start
The Shiftboard software has tons of features designed to optimize the employee scheduling process. It has everything you need to ensure managers run smoothly while providing your staff with the necessary information to do their job well.
With Shiftboard, you can easily assign the most qualified workers to specific teams.
Improve your communication on schedules and make last minute changes when certain situations arise.
Shiftboard helps you improve efficiency by reducing overtime costs, forecasting demand, and automatically assigning workers to specific teams. You can also view open teams for pickup and send group notifications to your team.
Compliance rules are another advantage of Shiftboard. This will help you eliminate errors regarding elements such as employment contracts, seniority rules, mandatory rest periods, and employee references.
For example, an employee whose qualifications have expired would automatically be blocked from the schedule.
The Shiftboard mobile application is easy to use for everyone. You and your management staff can handle everything in the background, while your employees can benefit from real-time scheduling and alerts. Set up open shift trades or require supervisor approval for shift swap requests.
Teamwork plans start at $3 per month per user. You have three options to choose from:
Basic
Professional
Company
Unfortunately, the pricing details for each plan are not specified online. You will need to request a demo based on your organization's needs to get an accurate quote.
How to choose the best work schedule planning software for your business
With such a long list of options, finding the best employee scheduling software for your business may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, we have a methodology that you can use to narrow down your search.
Company Size
The number of your employees and the number of sites will have a strong impact on your decision. A company with ten employees in one store will have different needs than a company with 100 employees spread across six sites.
Industry
There are industry-specific solutions available on the market for employee scheduling software.
For example, if you are a restaurant owner, seven shifts will be the best choice for you. Restaurant managers and owners have scheduling needs that are different from those of office jobs in the corporate world.
Mobile access
The best employee scheduling solutions should be provided with a free mobile application.
You want to ensure that the application has administrative functions for schedule management, as well as functions for employees to view schedules and make requests. The best applications include alerts for staff and managers.
For example, an employee may be informed of a team change or the opening of a new team. However, a manager will be notified if someone is about to work overtime or has not clocked in for their shift.
Time tracking
Most employee scheduling solutions also include time tracking tools. Since the two go hand in hand, it makes sense to get them from the same provider.
Some software have comprehensive functions for scheduling and clocks, while others offer time tracking as a supplement.
Price
Obviously, employee scheduling software is supposed to make your life easier. It is meant to improve operational efficiency and reduce labor costs. But make sure to find a solution that fits your budget.
Each software has a different pricing structure. There are many options that charge a monthly fee based on the number of employees you have. Some of them are subject to monthly minimums.
Some solutions offer tiered pricing, while others have an unlimited number of employees for each plan.
If you are a small organization with basic scheduling needs, you can even benefit from a free employee scheduling software.
Conclusion
Here is a brief overview of the best employee scheduling software on our list:
Homebase - Best employee scheduling software.
CakeHR - Comprehensive HR software with employee schedule planning.
Humanity - This is the best solution for team exchanges and for filling openings in real time.
Technical specifications The best for time tracking and accounting integration.
7 teams - Best employee scheduling software for restaurants.
Payer's Calendar - Personalized solutions for employee scheduling software.
When I work- The best free employee scheduling software.
Member of Parliament- This is the best solution for scheduling employees working in multiple locations.
Shiftboard - Customized solution for managing hourly workers.
Based on this guide, I am confident that you will find what you are looking for. Whatever your type of business or industry, there is an option for you above.