Best Employee Scheduling Apps

The hunt for the best employee scheduling app is a journey every business owner or shift manager knows all too well. From mom-and-pop stores to multinational corporations, ensuring your team is ideally placed without unnecessary gaps or overlaps is no minor feat.

7Shifts

7Shifts is a scheduling app tailored for restaurants, taking into account the unique challenges eateries face. The platform streamlines schedules, time clocks, communication, and payroll. 

Features

• Shift Trading: Allows employees to swap shifts without managerial intervention.
• Weather Forecasting: Prepares restaurants for potential foot traffic based on the weather.
• Labor Compliance: Ensures restaurants adhere to labor laws and regulations.
• Labor Budgeting Tools: Control costs effectively.
• Employee Engagement Metrics: Monitor team morale.

Pricing

• Starter: $19.99 per location/month.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing based on requirements.

Pros

• Niche features targeting the restaurant industry.
• Focus on both the business and employee aspects.
• Promotes employee autonomy with shift trading.

Cons

• It may not be suitable for non-restaurant businesses.
• Prices can be steep for smaller establishments.

When I Work

When I Work offers tools for businesses to manage scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly employees. The software provides iOS and Android apps for employees to access their schedules and time clock. It features functionalities for recording time off, checking employee availability, and handling shift swaps. Integration options with payroll systems are available to assist in the payroll process. A 14-day free trial is available for evaluation.

Features

• Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Simplify scheduling with an easy-to-use interface.
• Team Tasking: Assign tasks to team members during their shifts.
• Attendance Tracking: Monitor punctuality and address tardiness.
• Team Messaging: Enhances communication between the workforce.
• Time Clock App: Allows easy clock-in and out from mobile devices.

Pricing

• Free for smaller teams.
• Paid plans start from $2/user per month.

Pros

• Highly intuitive, especially for managers.
• Comprehensive attendance tracking.
• A robust free plan suitable for small businesses.
• Integration with payroll providers like ADP and Paychex.

Cons

• Limited advanced HR features.
• Lacks niche features for specialized industries.
• The tasking feature can feel basic compared to standalone task management tools.

Homebase

Homebase Homebase helps small businesses manage their work schedules, time clocks, payroll, HR, and more—so they can focus on their people.

Features

• Hiring Tools: Post job openings and onboard new employees.
• Time Tracking: Employees can clock in and out, allowing for precise payroll processing.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of stock and supplies.
• Sales Forecasting: Predict busy hours to plan shifts accordingly.
• Local Labor Law Compliance: Avoid legal pitfalls with built-in checks.

Pricing

• Basic: Free with core scheduling features.
• Plus: $16/location per month with added features.

Pros

• A holistic approach to business management.
• Simplifies the hiring process.
• Offers inventory management, a rarity in scheduling apps.
• Legal compliance tools provide peace of mind.

Cons

• It can feel bloated for businesses only seeking scheduling solutions.
• Inventory features may not match dedicated inventory tools.
• Some analytics are only available in higher-tier plans.

Deputy

Deputy provides a comprehensive web-based workforce management solution. It streamlines scheduling, timesheets, tasks, and employee communication. With user-friendly apps and seamless payroll integration, Deputy aims to simplify administrative processes. It offers enhanced visibility and control over business and workforce management tasks.

Features

• Auto-Scheduling: Uses AI to create optimal schedules.
• Performance Management: Monitor and review employee performance.
• Newsfeed: A centralized hub for company updates and announcements.
• Tasking: Assign and track tasks alongside shifts.

Pricing

• Scheduling: $2.50/user per month.
• Premium: $4.50/user per month with complete features.

Pros

• Harnesses AI for efficient scheduling.
• Encourages continuous performance feedback.
• Centralized communication with the Newsfeed.
• Integration with POS and HR software.

Cons

• Pricing can add up for large teams.
• Some features may overlap with existing company tools.
• Mobile app experience can sometimes be inconsistent.

Connecteam

Connecteam is a workforce management app designed to streamline business processes for managers. This app aids in business growth by offering features that enhance productivity and flexibility for employees. With Connecteam, users can create mobile-friendly custom checklists, forms, and reports; schedule shifts (including night shifts); track work hours using a GPS-enabled time clock; facilitate employee communication; improve professional skills; and manage daily tasks.

Features

• Job Scheduling: Plan shifts and roles easily.
• In-app Chat: Facilitate team discussions without leaving the app.
• Training Modules: Onboard and train your team using the platform.

Pricing

• Free with basic features.
• Advanced plans start at $39/month for up to 50 users.

Pros

• All-in-one platform for collaboration and scheduling.
• Simplifies employee training.
• A competitive pricing model.

Cons

• Businesses with existing communication tools might find it redundant.
• Training modules, while handy, may not replace specialized LMS platforms.

MakeShift

MakeShift provides a cloud-based scheduling solution aimed at enhancing the experience for both managers and employees. It is designed for easy setup and use, allowing for quick schedule creation, accurate attendance tracking, and real-time communication with staff, regardless of team size. Customers using MakeShift often report fewer open shifts, improved work-life balance, and increased employee satisfaction, potentially leading to positive financial outcomes. For those interested in exploring MakeShift's features, there's a 14-day free trial available.

Features

• Interactive Dashboard: Streamlines all scheduling activities.
• Employee Availability Tracking: Ensures there's no over-booking or understaffing.
• Communication Hub: Facilitates seamless interaction between team members.

Pricing 

• Starting at $2/user per month with tiered pricing for additional features.

Pros

• Clean, intuitive interface.
• Efficient communication tools.

Cons

• Limited integrations with other platforms.

Sling Scheduling

Sling is a software designed for businesses with shift-based employees. It offers scheduling, messaging, time tracking, task management, and reporting features. Both managers and employees can use Sling to centralize and manage their work-related tasks on one platform.

Features

• Robust Scheduling Module: Easily manage shifts, breaks, and assignments.
• Integrated Messaging: Stay in touch with your team without needing third-party apps.
• Employee Availability Management: Makes over-booking obsolete.
• Budgeting Tools: Analyze labor-related expenses.
• Task Assignments: Beyond scheduling – assign and track tasks.

Pricing

• Essential: Free with basic features.
• Business: $2/user per month, including advanced features.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set.
• Seamless communication between team members.
• Keep a close eye on your staffing budget.
• Incorporates broad workforce management tools.
• Efficient labor cost analysis.

Cons

• Sling can be overwhelming for first-time users.
• Advanced features, especially in the paid plans, can feel cumbersome.

ClockShark

ClockShark is a cloud-based software designed for construction and field service businesses. It offers time tracking, shift scheduling, and job management from initiation to completion. ClockShark aims to streamline time tracking, enhance payroll efficiency, and provide insights into job costs.

Features

• GPS Location Tracking: Monitor on-field employees.
• Job Costing Features: Estimate and track job costs.
• Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Hassle-free shift planning.

Pricing 

• Plans start at $25/month for basic features.

Pros

• Perfect for on-the-go businesses.
• Accurate time tracking tools.

Cons

• It might be overkill for office-bound teams.

Agendrix

Agendrix offers a cloud-based platform with a flexible pricing model and no setup fees, prioritizing affordability and accessibility. Its recent HR module enhances onboarding, centralizes records, and offers feedback through surveys. The "High fives" feature promotes a positive work culture. Overall, Agendrix streamlines scheduling, communication, and workforce management, aiming to meet both business and employee needs.

Features

• Overtime Alerts: Deal with mandatory overtime shifts and avoid labor law violations.
• Employee Portal: For preferences, leaves, and availability.
• Real-time Modifications: Instantly update all stakeholders about changes.
• Staff scheduling: Efficiently create, adjust, and publish work schedules.
• Time and attendance: Track hours using any device as a punch clock, automatically updating timesheets.
• Employee requests management: Approve leaves, shift replacements, and swaps directly in the app.
• Communication: Real-time platform-based team communication.
• Reporting and analytics: Detailed insights into attendance and scheduling data.

Pricing 

• Starting at $1/user per week.

Pros

• High customization capabilities.
• Immediate notifications ensure everyone's in the loop.

Cons

• The learning curve for those new to digital scheduling.

HotSchedules

HotSchedules is tailored for the hospitality sector, turning chaos into order with its specialized tools. The Fourth Intelligence platform owns and powers HotSchedules, which seeks to streamline workforce management and improve operational insights.

Features

• Training Platform: Quickly onboard new team members.
• Labor Compliance Tools: Keep overtime and labor costs in check.
• Mobile Access: Employees can swap, pick up, or release shifts quickly.
• Work-Life Balance: Tools for automatic shift pickups or time-off requests.
• Communication: Synced calendars, notifications, and messaging to update teams on schedule changes.
• Manager Tools: Efficient schedule creation, one-click approvals, and labor forecasting to manage costs.
• Compliance Management: Features to minimize compliance risks.
• Messaging: Broadcast and one-on-one messaging to foster team collaboration.
• Time & Attendance: Integrated tools for accurate payroll processing, including geofencing and overtime alerts.
• LogBook: Digital consolidation of shift notes, tasks, and messages for improved communication.
• Labor Forecasting: Advanced forecasting tools to match scheduled, budgeted, and actual hours.
• Earned Wage Access: Fuego, an on-demand pay app exclusively for HotSchedule users, offers financial flexibility for employees and can boost retention.
• Reporting & Analytics: Aggregated data dashboards for corporate analysis and store-level KPI tracking.

Pricing 

• Plans begin at $40/month.

Pros

• Specialized in the restaurant industry.
• Incorporates training, a boon for high-turnover businesses.

Cons

• It might not cater to non-hospitality businesses.

Breathe

Breathe is a people management software utilized by SMEs in the UK and Australia to digitize their core processes, streamlining operations regardless of location. Some notable organizations using Breathe are AgeUK, Huel, and The Wildlife Trust. 

Features

• Holiday Management: Track leaves and vacations.
• Document Storage: Centralized hub for all employee-related documents.
• Performance Reviews: Integrated module for feedback.

Pricing 

• Starting from $27/month.

Pros

• Comprehensive HR functionalities.
• Encourages holistic employee management.

Cons

• Overwhelming for businesses only seeking scheduling tools.

Planday

Planday is a web-based workforce management platform suitable for shift-based businesses across various sizes and industries. It consolidates the management of employee schedules, working hours, shift exchanges, vacation requests, and payroll. Additionally, Planday includes an integrated communication feature, allowing managers to contact employees via text or email efficiently.

Features

• Shift Swapping: Empower employees with schedule flexibility.
• Payroll Integration: Connects with popular payroll solutions.
• Attendance Tracking: Ensure punctuality.

Pricing 

• Plans start at $2/user per month.

Pros

• Prioritizes employee contentment.
• Facilitates smooth payroll processing.

Cons

• May require additional tools for non-scheduling HR needs.

WorkInSync

WorkInSync harmonizes scheduling with broader team collaboration and is focused on hybrid workforces.

Features:

• Hybrid Work Management: Perfect for remote, partially remote teams.
• Workspace Booking: Reserve meeting rooms or workspaces.
• Analytics: Insights into productivity and utilization.
• Employee scheduling, hotdesking, and hoteling.
• A Vaccination Tracker, Health Questionnaire, and Contactless Access to ensure only eligible employees enter the office.
• Integrations with Microsoft 365, MS Teams, Google Workspace, Slack, and various HRMS systems for easy workflow integration.
• Analytics to enhance employee and workplace productivity.

Pricing 

• Starts at $2.50 per employee per month

Pros

• Ideal for hybrid work models.
• Comprehensive collaboration tools.

Cons

• Pricing transparency could be better.

Buddy Punch

Buddy Punch offers a cloud-based time clock solution that simplifies payroll with pre-filled reports. Employees can clock in and out, either via a web browser or apps available on Android or iOS. Administrators can monitor who is working, track their GPS location, and even restrict where clock-ins can occur.

Features

• Facial Recognition: Advanced clock-in system.
• Overtime Calculations: Ensure legal compliance.
• GPS & Job Site Mapping: Perfect for on-field teams.
• Integrations with QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and SurePayroll and supports Excel exports. 

Pricing 

• Starts at $2.99 per user per month

Pros

• Intuitive punch-in methods.
• It has detailed reporting capabilities.

Cons

• Less focused on extensive scheduling features.

Evolia

Evolia streamlines hiring, scheduling, and time tracking for medium and large businesses. This platform eliminates inefficient processes and allows employees to participate in scheduling effortlessly.

Features

• Feedback Loop: Employees can voice preferences or concerns.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Dive deep into scheduling analytics.
• Smart Scheduling: Rapidly generate schedules based on organizational needs, saving 80% of scheduling time.
• Time & Attendance: Use mobile/web for real-time attendance or let Evolia's smart timesheets auto-approve with set business rules.
• Replacement Management: Evolia suggests replacements; users simply approve.
• Availability Management: Employees input their availability, aiding automatic schedule creation.
• Smart Timesheets: View all shifts and anomalies. Evolia auto-approves compliant times. Adjustments and payroll submissions are just a few clicks away.
• Budget Monitoring: Set budgets and receive alerts for potential overruns.
• Centralized Communication: All employee information, messaging, and announcements are in one place.
• Mobile & Web Access: Accessible on any browser, iOS, and Android devices.

Pricing 

• Starts at $3 per employee per month

Pros

• Futuristic scheduling with AI assistance.
• Emphasizes employee feedback for better scheduling.

Cons

• Custom pricing means businesses need to inquire for quotes.

Navigating the dense jungle of the best employee scheduling apps can be daunting. While each app presents its unique charm and package of features, the underlying goal remains consistent: simplifying the art of scheduling and fostering a harmonious workplace.

(Note: The mentioned prices and features are based on general research as of 2023 and might be subject to change. Always consult the software's official website for up-to-date information.)