In 2023, the demand for robust employee schedulers continues to rise, with more and more companies switching from paper to digital employee schedulers.
And it's not a surprise.
Employee scheduling tools can speed up your schedule creation process by 30% and reduce scheduling mistakes by over 50%, among other perks.
Whether you run a small firm or a large enterprise, picking the best scheduling software can save you time, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall productivity.
So let's find your perfect solution among our curated list of top 10 solutions on the market:
What is employee scheduling software?
Employee scheduling software (ESS) is a digital tool or application designed to simplify and automate the process of creating, managing, and optimizing employee work plans within an organization.
It's particularly valuable for (but not limited to) businesses with a big workforce, multiple shifts, and complex scheduling requirements.
Benefits of using ESS within your workforce
Once you decide to add ESS into your workplace, you can expect a handful of advantages:
Time saved on employee management
A scheduling tool for employees automates the process of creating, updating, and managing schedules. This can significantly reduce the time and effort you spend on manually scheduling tasks. As a result, managers and HR personnel get to focus on more strategic responsibilities.
Increased productivity
With the proper scheduling software, managers can efficiently assign shifts, track employees' availability, and fill open shifts with ease.
This optimization of scheduling operations leads to improved workforce productivity as shifts are allocated more effectively. The outcome? Reduced downtime and overstaffing.
Improved compliance
Scheduling software helps organizations adhere to labor laws and company policies. These tools help ensure fair and equitable scheduling practices. They can also track and manage employee work hours, breaks, and overtime.
This way, it's also a chance to reduce the risk of compliance violations and associated penalties.
Continuous service
Scheduling software for employees is typically accessible online or through mobile apps. This aspect makes them extremely convenient for employees in terms of accessing their schedules, requesting time off, or swapping shifts at any time.
Such continuous service enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. All thanks to all the flexibility and self-service options.
10 best employee scheduling software of 2023
To take advantage of these perks, you need the right tools.
So here is a list of the best scheduling solutions for your business in 2023:
Unrubble
Unrubble is your #1 employee scheduling desktop and mobile software and scheduling tool that streamlines the workflow schedule and optimizes labor costs.
With Unrubble's intuitive solution, you can effortlessly schedule and manage shifts, as well as address any scheduling conflicts.
Plus, it offers automated features, shift swap capabilities, and real-time tracking of employee availability. These aspects make it the ideal choice for any kind of business.
On top of everything, you get to enjoy a completely free employee scheduling app that caters to all your scheduling requirements.
Pros:
- Easy setup and use.
- Budget-friendly pricing.
- Comprehensive time tracking.
- Efficient scheduling and PTO management.
- Mobile app available.
- Positive user reviews.
Cons:
- The software might have a bit of a learning curve for some, in the beginning.
Who it's best for: Unrubble is suitable for businesses of all sizes looking for a user-friendly solution for time tracking, scheduling, and PTO management.
Free plan? Yes.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.9/5 on GetApp, 5/5 on G2, 5/5 on Software Advice (note: this software has the best user reviews out of all options mentioned in this article)
So give it a try today - you won't regret it.
WhenIwork
WhenIwork is a scheduling program designed for managing your staff. It helps with creating schedules, managing shifts, and tracking schedules.
While it's perfect for small businesses, it also offers free employee scheduling features to control labor costs, automate the process of scheduling, and let employees schedule their shifts. Keep in mind, though, that WhenIwork's user interface can be somewhat overwhelming for new users.
Pros:
- Simple scheduling and time tracking.
- Affordable pricing.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Limited customization options for scheduling rules and policies in employee scheduling software.
- Advanced features may require higher-tier pricing plans.
- Some users have reported occasional glitches or bugs in the system, impacting efficient shift planning.
- Complex scheduling wants for large organizations may require additional integrations.
- The free plan has limited functionality and may not be sufficient for businesses with complex shift planning processes.
Who it's best for: WhenIwork is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses in need of cost-effective scheduling and time tracking tools.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.5/5 on GetApp, 4.5 on PC Magazine, 4.4/5 on G2
Deputy
Deputy is a tool covering your basic wants. It simplifies the process of scheduling. As such, it makes it possible for employees to plan work, manage open shifts, and track worker availability.
This employee management tool is particularly valuable for SMEs seeking automated scheduling and precise labor cost control. But, you have to know that its advanced features are only available in the more expensive plans.
Pros:
- Robust scheduling and time tracking features.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Pricing can be relatively high for businesses with tight budgets.
- The user interface may be overwhelming for first-time users of workforce management software.
- Integration options with other software may be limited, potentially affecting the flexibility of shift planning.
- Complex staff management needs may require additional add-ons to the employee scheduling solution.
- Customer support response times may vary.
Who it's best for: Deputy is suitable for businesses that require advanced scheduling and time-tracking capabilities.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.6/5 on GetApp, 4.6/5 on Capterra, 4.6/5 on G2
ConnectTeam
ConnectTeam offers employee scheduling tailored for small businesses. The solution delivers a flexible scheduling system and labor cost optimization.
It simplifies the work schedule, empowers worker management, and offers shift-swapping options. As for potential threats, ConnectTeam's limited integrations may pose challenges for businesses with complex software needs.
Pros:
- User-friendly scheduling and time tracking.
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- The tool may lack some advanced features offered by competitors.
- Limited scalability for larger organizations with big needs.
- Integrations with other software may be limited, potentially impacting efficient shift scheduling and management.
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to more established solutions in staff management software.
- Customer support response times may vary, affecting timely issue resolution for shift planning.
Who it's best for: ConnectTeam is a nice fit for companies seeking straightforward scheduling and time-tracking solutions.
Free plan? Yes.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.8/5 on GetApp, 4.4/5 on Forbes, 4.3/5 on G2
7shifts
7shifts specializes in restaurant scheduling, making it the go-to scheduler for food service businesses. This employee scheduling app facilitates work processes, manages labor costs, and enables employees to schedule work and handle open shifts.
Its user-friendly interface simplifies the management of people, including dealing with scheduling conflicts. 7shifts, while effective for scheduling, may not offer the same level of staff management features as some competitors.
Pros:
- Specialized in restaurant scheduling.
- User-friendly interface.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Primarily designed for the restaurant industry, limiting its suitability for other businesses.
- Advanced features may be available only on higher-tier pricing plans, affecting the cost per employee.
- Integrations with certain POS systems may not be seamless, potentially impacting efficient shift planning.
- Complex needs for large restaurant chains may require additional customization.
- Some users may find the initial setup process time-consuming for scheduling employees.
Who it's best for: 7shifts is designed for restaurants and is best suited for businesses in the food service industry.
Free plan? Yes.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.5/5 on G2, 4.7/5 on GetApp, 4.5/5 on Software Advice
ZoomShift
ZoomShift delivers a scheduling functionality together with an app suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
With features like shift swapping, managing shifts, and tracking employee availability, ZoomShift ensures efficient workforce supervision and automated scheduling.
It's worth keeping in mind that ZoomShift's reporting capabilities are somewhat limited in comparison to other scheduling solutions.
Pros:
- Flexible scheduling and time tracking.
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Limited scalability for larger organizations.
- Advanced reporting and analytics options may be lacking.
- Integration options with other software may be limited, potentially affecting seamless shift scheduling and management.
- The interface may not be as intuitive.
- Some users have reported occasional system glitches or performance issues.
Who it's best for: ZoomShift is well-suited for smaller businesses looking for adaptable scheduling and time tracking solutions.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.5/5 on Get App, 4.5/5 on Capterra, 4.8/5 on G2
Monday
Monday is a project management tool ideal for collaborative work management. While it offers scheduling functionalities, its primary strength lies in project management. Monday's pricing can be on the higher side, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious businesses.
Pros:
- Versatile project management tool.
- Suitable for various industries.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Its primary focus is on project management, which may not fully meet workforce management needs for scheduling employees.
- Customization options for scheduling are limited.
- Pricing may not be competitive for businesses primarily seeking scheduling options.
- The learning curve for new users transitioning from traditional tools may be steep for scheduling employees.
- Limited staff analytics.
Who it's best for: Monday is best for businesses seeking a versatile project management solution that includes scheduling features.
Free plan? Yes.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.7/5 on G2, 4.6/5 on Get App, 3.5/5 on PC Magazine
ScheduleAnywhere
ScheduleAnywhere streamlines the scheduling procedure, allows employees to schedule shifts, manages labor costs, and tracks employee work schedules. While ScheduleAnywhere is a robust solution, it may not provide the same depth of HR features as competitors.
Pros:
- Robust scheduling and time tracking.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Pricing may not be budget-friendly for all businesses.
- Some users have reported limitations in customization for complex scheduling rules.
- Integration options may be limited, potentially affecting seamless shift scheduling and management.
- The user interface may not be as modern or user-friendly.
- Advanced reporting and analytics features may be lacking.
Who it's best for: ScheduleAnywhere is suitable for businesses seeking comprehensive scheduling and time tracking tools.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.3/5 on G2, 4.5/5 on SoftwareAdvice, 4.3/5 on Crozdesk
Quickbooks Time
Quickbooks Time seamlessly integrates with Quickbooks, catering to various industries. It tracks time precisely and helps control labor costs.
Users of this tool can expect efficient scheduling and labor cost management features. However, Quickbooks Time's pricing can add up, especially if you have a lot of employees. This makes it less cost-effective for larger businesses.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Quickbooks.
- Suitable for various industries.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- May require integration with Quickbooks for full functionality, leading to additional costs per employee.
- Limited customization options for complex needs in employee scheduling software.
- Some users have reported occasional issues with time tracking accuracy.
- Mobile app functionality may vary depending on the device and operating system, affecting efficient shift scheduling and management.
- Integration with other payroll or HR systems may be less seamless.
Who it's best for: Quickbooks Time is ideal for businesses seeking seamless time tracking integration with Quickbooks.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4.5/5 on G2, 4.7/5 on Get App, 4.5/5 on Software Advice
Paycor
Paycor is an integrated HR, payroll, and scheduling software. While excelling in HR and payroll, it also offers scheduling options to manage employees, deal with labor costs effectively, and automate the scheduling process to meet scheduling needs.
Paycor's comprehensive HR software may be more complex than needed for smaller organizations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive HR and payroll solution.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Mobile app is available.
Cons:
- Offers a wide range of HR and payroll features, but scheduling is not its primary focus in employee scheduling software.
- May not be cost-effective for businesses primarily seeking a scheduling tool for scheduling employees.
- Customization options for scheduling rules and policies may be limited.
- The learning curve for new users transitioning from specialized options may be significant in employee shift scheduling software.
- Integration options with other software may be limited compared to dedicated solutions in workforce control software.
Who it's best for: Paycor is best for businesses looking for an integrated HR, payroll, and scheduling program.
Free plan? No.
Free trial? Yes.
Mobile app? Yes.
Reviews: 4/5 on G2, 3.8/5 on Forbes, 4.4/5 on Get App
Getting started with the perfect work schedule in 3 steps
Creating the perfect work schedule for your team involves careful planning and consideration of various factors.
Here are all the essential steps you need in order to get started:
Assess employee needs
Begin by assessing your organization's workforce needs. Determine how many employees you need for each shift and the roles or skills required.
Consider factors like business hours, peak times, and seasonal variations in demand.
This will help you determine the number of shifts and employees needed.
Get a work scheduler
Now this is when a solid tool enters the game.
Invest in employee scheduling software or a work scheduler tool.
These tools streamline the scheduling process, making it more efficient and accurate.
Look for scheduling software that is user-friendly, budget-friendly, and offers advanced features.
You can use Unrubble for anything schedule, PTO, and payroll-related - all in one.
Create and manage the schedule
Use the work scheduler to create the initial schedule. The tool will automate the process.
Be flexible and open to shift swaps or adjustments based on employee requests.
Many scheduling tools enable employees to request shift changes, and managers can approve or decline them.
Regularly review and update the schedule as needed, considering employee performance, attendance, and feedback.
When you incorporate a work scheduler into your process, you can significantly simplify the task of creating and managing the perfect work schedule. These tools help optimize the workforce, minimize scheduling errors, and improve overall efficiency.
Pick the best scheduling app
Equipped with our recommended examples, you're now ready to enter the world of online employee scheduling.
Start streamlining your employee scheduling process today with one of these top-rated tools.
Whether you run a small business or a larger organization, finding the right employee scheduling software can save you time, boost employee productivity, and enhance compliance.
When it comes to us, we highly recommend picking the tool that clearly stands out from all the others - Unrubble.
