Best Workforce Management Software
Workforce management software helps organizations plan, manage, and track employee work, including labor requirements, employee schedules, and paid time off (PTO). Workforce management platforms offer a variety of features that enable users to optimize workforce efforts. Companies use workforce management software to forecast labor demand, create and assign employee schedules, track attendance, and report on workforce efficiency.
Workforce management solutions are commonly implemented in HR departments, though some standalone products may be used by businesses without a traditional HR department. Many workforce management solutions offer self-service options that enable employees to check PTO balances and request days off on their own without interrupting normal HR workflows. Workforce management software can be implemented either as part of an integrated HR management suite or as a standalone solution. Workforce management software frequently integrates with third-party HR applications, with core HR systems in particular acting as a central repository for workforce data.
To qualify for inclusion in the Workforce Management category, a product must:
Best Workforce Management Software At A Glance
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BambooHR® is an all-in-one HR software solution designed to eliminate inefficiencies and simplify people management. Trusted by thousands of companies in over 150 countries, BambooHR centralizes your
BambooHR is a human resources software that provides a platform for managing HR tasks such as scheduling time off, accessing company directory, and handling various tasks in one platform. Users like BambooHR's intuitive interface and mobile app, its easy accessibility, and the convenience of having all necessary features in one place, including timesheets, PTO, and organizational information. Reviewers noted some issues with BambooHR, such as buggy multi-stage time off approvals, difficulty in setting the correct number of hours in the timesheet section, and the platform being slow at times, especially when loading different tabs.
18,060 Twitter followers
Streamline your business with Rippling’s all-in-one platform for HR, IT, payroll, and spend management. Simplify IT with device management, software access, and compliance monitoring, all from one das
Rippling is a platform that integrates HR, payroll, and employee management for efficient workforce management, but it may require time for setup and can become more expensive with more activated modules. Users like that Rippling is easy to use, with clear navigation and helpful information readily available, and appreciate its ability to consolidate employee onboarding, payroll, and system access management in a single system. Reviewers noted that the initial setup for complex configurations can be time-consuming and the cost increases with the addition of more modules, and some users also reported occasional interface lags in the mobile app.
11,947 Twitter followers
At UKG, our purpose is people®. We’re on a mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through HR and payroll technology built for all. With UKG, you get more than 70 years o
UKG Ready is a software solution that provides workforce management tools such as timekeeping, payroll, and scheduling. Reviewers like the user-friendly interface of UKG Ready, its easy initial setup, and the convenience of accessing work-related content, timesheets, and community events. Users experienced issues such as difficulty in setting up access on mobile devices, lack of a dark mode, and the need for more accessible forms of communication within the app.
42,744 Twitter followers
Connecteam is a mobile-first workforce management app featuring a robust set of tools designed to help organizations with deskless teams improve communication, retain staff, and drive operational effi
Connecteam is a software platform designed to manage team tasks, schedules, and communication, with features such as time tracking, task assignment, and messaging. Users frequently mention the convenience of having all necessary features in one place, such as work schedules, tasks, messages, and time tracking, which saves them from switching between different platforms. Users reported issues with the app slowing down, difficulties with the job scheduler, inability to request shifts on certain days, and a lack of deep statistical analysis for reports.
1,240 Twitter followers
HROne is a future-ready HCM suite that automates HR processes, simplifies human interactions and delivers actionable insights to build better workplaces. In our pursuit to set everything HR on aut
HROne is a software designed to automate HR tasks, including attendance, leave, payroll, and employee data management, with customization options to fit specific requirements. Users like the ease of use, comprehensive features, and the ability to automate tasks, which simplifies day-to-day work, and the responsive customer support that the software provides. Reviewers mentioned performance-related issues, such as slow loading times, limitations in customization, and difficulties in resetting passwords or downloading certain reports.
1,584 Twitter followers
ADP Workforce Now is the only all-in-one, cloud-based HR suite that adapts to the way you work. Built on a single database, ADP Workforce Now features Human Resource Management, Payroll, Benefits, Ta
ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based HR platform that consolidates payroll, time tracking, HR administration, and talent management into one system. Reviewers appreciate the broad feature set, automation of HR processes, dependable payroll management, and the ability to access the system remotely, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of having all HR-related tasks in one place. Users experienced issues with the system's complexity, particularly during setup, and found customer support to be slow and sometimes lacking in knowledge, they also reported occasional system lags and bugs, and expressed a desire for more customization options and user-friendly interfaces.
48,743 Twitter followers
Paylocity delivers the most innovative technology bringing HR, Finance, and IT together in one modern, easy-to-use platform to empower teams, simplify processes, and deliver real results. Run payroll,
Paylocity is a payroll platform that offers features such as timecards, payroll processing, HR features, and reporting tools. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to streamline scheduling and payroll, and the platform's high degree of customizability as positive aspects. Reviewers mentioned issues with customer service responsiveness, technical difficulties with the website, and challenges with initial setup and certain features like time tracking and benefits.
4,584 Twitter followers
Designed for organizations that prioritize diverse workforces and cultures of trust and belonging, UKG Pro® puts people at the center of your strategy. From HR and complex payroll to talent and indust
UKG Pro is a comprehensive system that provides a lifecycle around employees, combining payroll functionality, tracking of service hours, benefits, and organizational information into one place. Reviewers appreciate UKG Pro for its fully automated, real-time U,s. payroll and tax compliance, its user-friendly interface, and the availability of multiple support options, including a direct line and service requests. Reviewers noted that the system is often slow and unresponsive, data is inconsistent, and the reporting system is antiquated and slow, with some payroll reports slow to populate.
42,744 Twitter followers
Deputy is the leading workforce management software and unified end-to-end people platform for shift-based work.Trusted by over 390,000 workplaces globally, Deputy simplifies the entire employee lifec
Deputy is a software solution designed to facilitate shift scheduling, attendance tracking, and HR and payroll integration, with mobile accessibility for on-the-go task management. Reviewers like the intuitive dashboard, seamless integration with multiple tools, efficient mobile accessibility, and the ability to manage shifts, track attendance, and integrate with HR and payroll systems. Reviewers experienced issues with slow loading of schedules and notifications, complexity of the interface for new users, high pricing per active user, and lack of fast live customer support.
4,322 Twitter followers
Employment Hero is an AI Employment Operating System (OS) that unifies recruitment, HR, payroll and benefits into one automated infrastructure for SMEs and growing organisations. Built to remove every
Employment Hero is a human resources management software that streamlines HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and compliance. Reviewers like the user-friendly interface, the comprehensive set of features, and the excellent customer support that Employment Hero provides. Users reported issues with the software's rigidity in managing complex recruitment processes, limitations in reporting and analytics, and occasional performance inconsistencies between modules.
13,093 Twitter followers
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management solution designed specifically for hourly teams, catering to the unique needs of small businesses. This platform streamlines various aspects of team ma
Homebase is a scheduling and timekeeping tool that allows businesses to manage their employees' schedules, track their hours, and handle payroll. Users frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to fix mistakes like missed clock-ins, the convenience of mobile app feature, and the ability to easily view and manage schedules as key benefits. Reviewers mentioned issues such as difficulty in creating schedules, slow performance when adding new users, occasional glitches, and the lack of certain features in the basic plan as drawbacks.
1,772 Twitter followers
Paycom is the most automated HCM platform and the only HR and payroll software built on a truly single, unique database that automates the entire employee life cycle. Designed as a unified system,
Paycom is a comprehensive HR and payroll system that centralizes employee data, time tracking, and expense reconciliation. Reviewers like the user-friendly interface, the automation of various HR tasks, and the ability for employees to manage their own information, which saves time and reduces errors. Reviewers experienced issues with customer support response times, system glitches after updates, and found the platform to be complex and overwhelming for new users.
33,453 Twitter followers
greytHR is a comprehensive Human Resource Management System (HRMS) designed to streamline complex, recurring, and essential HR and payroll functions in a compliant and secure manner. This platform pro
greytHR is a software designed to manage payroll, attendance, leave management, and statutory compliance, with additional features for employee self-service. Users like the comprehensive solution it provides, its ease of use, the transparency it brings to HR processes, and its ability to reduce manual work and HR dependency. Users reported issues with limited flexibility in advanced reports and customization, some unintuitive modules, occasional server hang-ups, and delayed customer support for complex scenarios.
1,115 Twitter followers
Keka is a global People and Project Operations Platform designed for growing businesses to align teams, drive performance, and streamline HR, payroll, and project delivery. From hiring and onboardi
Keka HR is a human resource management system that centralizes HR processes such as attendance tracking, payroll processing, and employee management. Reviewers frequently mention the user-friendly interface, seamless integration of HR functions, and the time-saving automation features that simplify daily HR tasks. Reviewers noted occasional system lags, limited customization options, and the need for initial guidance to fully explore all modules and functionalities.
1,152 Twitter followers
Paychex Flex® is an all-in-one HR platform built to help businesses hire, pay, manage, and retain employees all from a single interface. Designed to grow alongside your organization, Paychex Flex comb
Paychex Flex is a platform that consolidates the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment through retirement, into one system, including a Hiring module for managing job openings across different locations. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of tracking pay and deductions, the helpfulness of customer service, the user-friendly interface, and the convenience of having all HR needs in one place. Reviewers experienced issues with a dated user interface, tedious navigation between modules, long hold times when reaching customer service, difficulty defining users, high cost, and poor customer support.
11,886 Twitter followers
Learn More About Workforce Management Software
What is Workforce Management Software?
Workforce management solutions help businesses track, monitor, and evaluate business metrics, which in turn help human resources departments and personnel oversee and optimize employee schedules and workloads.
Key Benefits of Workforce Management Software
- Reduce expenses by optimizing employee schedules
- ncrease operational productivity
- Minimize financial and non-compliance risks
- Improve employee morale and reduce churn rates
- Automate non-critical labor activities
- Optimize skill usage around value-driving activities
Why Use Workforce Management software?
Workforce management platforms help businesses optimize their workforce efforts by forecasting labor demand, creating and managing employee schedules, tracking employee attendance, and reporting on workforce efficiency. Workforce management solution use and implementation varies from organization to organization; it also differs in terms of scope. Some tools only focus on employee scheduling and time-off requests; meanwhile, the more robust (and more commonly used) workforce management tools provide payroll, time tracking, and reporting solutions.
Forecast labor demands – Many workforce management tools enable businesses to forecast labor demands that help reduce over- or understaffed workdays. This also helps prevent businesses from paying unnecessary overtime pay. Since workforce management tools allow employees to submit time-off requests directly into the software, mistakes such as scheduling an employee when she or he is unavailable are significantly mitigated because all requests are documented in the system.
Employee schedules – Depending on the nature and size of a business, scheduling employees can be a complicated task. One that, when mistakes are made, can result in missed shifts, upset employees, and poor customer service. Workforce management software solutions enable employers to house all employee schedules in one place. The software also allows employees to gain greater insight into their upcoming schedules, while providing communication tools for things like time-off requests.
Payroll – Many workforce management tools have payroll functionality, or integrate with payroll software, to automatically account for employee hours worked.
Time tracking – Through the use of built-in time tracking features, workforce management solutions helps users ensure that their employees are only accruing time worked when they are actually working.
Employee portal– Workforce management products often provide an employee portal. This way, employees can log into the system and see when they are scheduled to work, request time off, and even clock in and out.
Reports – Workforce management software can generate reports based on time clocked. This provides employers with insights into which employees are on time and which aren’t; it also allows employers to identify any missed shifts.
Who Uses Workforce Management software?
Though workforce management tools can be used by any business, traditionally they are used by organizations with large hourly and part-time workforces in industries such as retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and health care.
Small businesses in some industries, such as retail or hospitality, deal with a larger number of high turnover rates and employees that work part-time. Workforce management systems make it easy to track all employees. Organizations in other sectors have seen the need to track time and work activities for highly skilled and diverse workforces increase, particularly with the increase in remote and contract employees.
Ultimately, workforce management software is great for businesses of all sizes looking to streamline management’s workload while providing more transparency to the entire team when it comes to scheduling.
Workforce Management Software Features
Labor forecasting – Workforce management solutions help companies predict the number and types of employees necessary to meet anticipated demand and control labor costs.
Shift scheduling – Companies can use WFM solutions to plan employee work shifts according to availability, as well as provide notifications to employees when they are scheduled.
Time & attendance management – Workforce management tools let employees track the hours they have worked through integrations with time tracking products or built-in time tracking features.
Absence & leave management – With workforce management solutions, employees can submit paid time off (PTO) or leave of absence requests that managers can approve or deny within the platform.
Skills management – WFM solutions let businesses organize, sort, and view employees based on skills and qualifications in order to make smarter scheduling decisions.
Succession management – With WFM solutions, businesses can identify high-performing employees with potential to be promoted with minimal development.
Workforce analytics – Workforce management tools are designed to help analyze employee data and develop a baseline for evaluating and optimizing workforce management.
Self-service capabilities – Workforce management solutions provide employee self-service portals through which they can view their schedules, submit PTO requests, configure work availability and preferences, and self-schedule from available work times.
Mobile shift scheduling – Many workforce management tools offer mobile applications or mobile-optimized websites that provide mobile workforce management solutions. Many of these mobile applications facilitate communication between employees and managers around shift scheduling. Managers and employees can use WFM solutions to create or claim available work shifts and receive notifications on their mobile devices. Features such as leave and absence management, as well as time and attendance tracking features, are often included in mobile applications, allowing managers to approve or deny employee requests on the go.
Team communication – WFM solutions provide messaging solutions for team members or managers through built-in text or emailing functions and communicate scheduling or leave requests. Another great function of many workforce management tools is communication between management and employees. If you are managing a team, it can be easy to lose track of individual correspondences with each employee. Many workforce management tools allow you to communicate with employees inside the tool. This way you can make changes to a schedule and notify an employee all in the same tool.
Customization – Workforce management software allows administrators to customize the solution to accommodate their unique processes. This includes the ability to create custom objects, fields, rules, calculations, and views.
Cloud-based solutions – Cloud-based workforce management software lets companies and employees access the software anywhere.
Integrated application programming interface (APIs) – WFM solutions provide specifications for how the application communicates with other software. APIs typically enable integration of data, logic, and objects with other software applications.
Dashboards – WFM software provides an easy-to-read, often single-page, real-time user interface, showing a graphical presentation of the current status and historical trends of an organization’s key performance indicators (KPIs) to enable instantaneous and informed decisions to be made at a glance.
Reporting – Workforce management systems enable reporting of all data contained within the system. Typically contains standard reports as well as the ability to create ad-hoc reports.
Analytics – An emerging area of importance in workforce management tools is the ability to provide actionable workforce analytics about people in the workplace. The data collected by workforce management software includes information such as employee skills and time attendance, which can be used to uncover and report on insights into workforce efficiencies. Companies are also able to identify the likelihood of employee success and predict the need for certain skill sets.
Additional Workforce Management Software Features
Additional features that some workforce management solutions may offer include succession and contingency planning, as well as compliance and risk management.
Potential Issues with Workforce Management Software
Workforce management vs. time tracking software – Workforce management and time tracking software are often confused due to their overlap in functionality. These solutions are not the same; workforce management is more concerned with scheduling worker hours, and time tracking software is concerned with tracking the hours that were scheduled. However, given how closely related these two functions are, it’s common for one tool to contain functionality for both tasks.
What are the best workforce management software options to integrate with existing systems?
Here are some of the best workforce management platforms that integrate easily with existing tools and systems.
- Rippling offers seamless integration across HR, IT, and payroll systems, making it ideal for unifying workforce operations without manual syncing.
- BambooHR integrates easily with third-party tools and HR tech stacks, allowing companies to expand functionality without switching platforms.
- Zoho People provides a highly flexible API and built-in integrations, making it simple to connect with CRMs, payroll, and productivity apps.
- UKG Ready delivers robust integration capabilities with payroll, time tracking, and ERP systems to streamline complex workforce processes.
- Deputy connects with POS, payroll, and HR systems, helping businesses simplify scheduling and labor cost tracking with minimal friction.
What are the most user-friendly workforce apps for companies?
Here are some of the most user-friendly workforce apps designed to simplify team management and scheduling:
- Connecteam delivers an all-in-one mobile-first platform that’s easy to navigate for deskless teams handling scheduling, communication, and task management.
- Homebase offers an intuitive interface for time tracking, shift planning, and team messaging, making it ideal for small business teams.
- BambooHR combines simplicity with powerful HR features, giving teams a clear and accessible platform for employee data and workflows.
- When I Work simplifies staff scheduling and attendance tracking with a clean, drag-and-drop interface that’s easy for managers and employees alike.
- Zoho People packs essential HR functions into a user-friendly dashboard that can be customized to fit a company’s unique workflow needs.
What are the most cost-effective workforce management systems?
Here are some cost-effective workforce management systems that offer strong value without compromising on features:
- Homebase offers free scheduling and time-tracking tools for small teams, making it a budget-friendly option for growing businesses.
- greytHR delivers essential HR and payroll features at a competitive price, ideal for companies looking to digitize without overspending.
- Zoho People provides a scalable HR suite with affordable pricing tiers, helping businesses manage attendance, leave, and performance cost-effectively.
- When I Work combines low-cost scheduling and team communication features in an easy-to-use platform suited for hourly workforces.
- Hubstaff enables remote time tracking and productivity monitoring with transparent pricing, great for lean teams needing basic workforce visibility.
