Best Workforce Management Software List
Here’s a shortlist of the best workforce management software with detailed overviews of each below:
- 5. SyncHR — Best workforce management software for flexible org chart tools and position-based architecture
Workforce management has become a herculean task as HR processes continue to expand and evolve. But workforce management software is here to offer you peace of mind. Workforce management software (sometimes called a WMS or a WFM software, depending on who you ask) can help you plan, manage and track your workforce.
Each workforce management system is unique, and I've written this article to help you find the best WFM system for you. This article covers the best workforce management software on the market today. I've outlined what each workforce software solution does best to help you determine if it's right for you.
What is Workforce Management Software?
Workforce management software is specifically designed to support an organization's day-to-day operations. WFM software typically covers employee scheduling, time tracking, attendance tracking, and leave management. Other features include a core HRIS, payroll systems, and plenty of customizable optimizations to help you get the most out of their system.
Some WFM software might be a jack-of-all-trades and cover all of the above to varying degrees. Others might specialize in a few professional services only, or in some cases, just one of them.
If you have general questions about workforce management software and how it works, pop down to my FAQ section below.
Overviews of the 10 Best Workforce Management Software
Here’s a brief description of each of the workforce management solutions on my list showing what it does best, plus screenshots to show some of their features.
Connecteam
Best workforce management software for a time clock with advanced GPS capabilities
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app and workforce management software that enables teams and HR managers to automate some of their business processes.
Why I picked Connecteam: Their WFM platform can save you time and boost your workforce's productivity through their custom checklists, detailed reporting, and mobile-first digital forms. You can also schedule shifts/jobs more efficiently and keep track of employees’ work hours with an advanced GPS time clock. The workforce management solution can help simplify the employee communication process, improve their professional skills, and manage the day-to-day operation, all from a single unified platform.
Connecteam Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include timesheets, an employee time clock, GSP tracking, geofencing, overtime management, break management, PTO tracking, employee communication tools, employee monitoring, automatic reporting, and the ability to automate alerts and notifications; i.e., you can automatically send reminders and notifications to staff members whenever necessary.
The Connecteam app is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, allowing employees to clock in from anywhere. Or, you can configure their software to work as a kiosk app as well to place in high-traffic work locations.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Google Sheets, Gusto, NextBee, QuickBooks Payroll, Xero, and others.
Deel
Best workforce management software for global teams
Deel is an end-to-end global workforce management platform with local expertise in over 150 countries.
Why I picked Deel: I appreciate how Deel offers a complete view of the entire workforce, including both employees and contractors, no matter where in the world they’re located.
For employees, Deel works as the employer of record handling payroll and benefits so you don’t need to open up a foreign entity. Deel’s full-featured user interface includes features such as contract management, expense reimbursements, and off-cycle adjustments.
For contractors, Deel helps you avoid contractor misclassification with legal-reviewed contracts and provides multiple withdrawal options. The platform provides a polished and consistent payments experience, using major payment providers to offer withdrawals in the currency of the contractor’s choice.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that make Deel stand out compared to other workforce management offerings include consistent product developments like global HR services, global payroll, global mobility support, integrated Slack tools, and advanced integrations. Their global mobility service helps companies with visa sponsorship, allowing them to bring in candidates from abroad.
The Slack plugins can be used to create an accessible organizational chart, provide self-service PTO management, and even track applicant referrals. Deel also complies with SOC2 and ISO 27001 security standards too.
Integrations are available with major HR and accounting platforms including Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. It has an Open API solution that allows developers to build their own connections with the Deel platform.
Factorial
Best recruiting, performance management, payroll, and time management in one
Factorial is an all-in-one workforce management solution that can store employee data, run payroll, and manage time off requests. It also has employee lifecycle management tools including recruiting and onboarding features, and can be used for goal and OKR tracking.
Why I picked Factorial: It's a good option if you're looking for a comprehensive solution to cover operations beyond employee records management. This software can support your recruiting and hiring processes, facilitate employee onboarding, and track employee performance. It can also be used for monitoring goal progression across teams and departments, and distributing performance-based bonuses.
Time tracking, employee scheduling, and time off requests can all be managed through the platform. Payroll processing can also be automated, ensuring each staff member is paid on time and accurately. Employee pay is processed according to their hours worked and relevant tax deductions.
Factorial Standout Features and Integrations
Features include 360 degree performance evaluations, employee assessments, time tracking, payroll automation, employee onboarding and offboarding, document management, employee portals, and reporting and analytics.
Integrations include Sage, Gmail, Slack, PowerBI, Indeed, Okta, Greenhouse, Recruitee, PowerBI, LinkedIn, Payflow, Cobee, Zapier, and others.
Insperity
Best workforce management software for mid-size businesses
Insperity's workforce management software was designed to help small to midsize businesses streamline HR processes, automate administrative tasks, and provide access to HR experts and resources.
Why I picked Insperity: I picked Insperity because of its all-in-one approach to HR management. Their software combines a wide range of HR functions, such as payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and employee performance management, into a single platform. These features are supplemented by their additional PEO (professional employer organization) services, which are run by their in-house experts in payroll, performance, safety, and other HR-related compliance issues. This combination of software plus additional expertise makes them an ideal solution for small to midsize businesses that have limited in-house resources and want to access expert HR support.
Insperity Standout Features & Integrations
Their software includes numerous talent management features to help organizations improve their hiring process, plus an applicant tracking system that's available as an add-on. Another great feature is the software's employee self-service portal, which allows employees to manage their personal information, view their pay stubs and benefits, and request time off.
Integrations are available with various third-party applications, such as QuickBooks, Salesforce, and ADP. It also offers an API that allows users to build custom integrations with other applications. This means that users can easily connect Insperity to their existing systems and workflows.
SyncHR
Best workforce management software for flexible org chart tools and position-based architecture
SyncHR is a cloud-based workforce management software that helps businesses manage their entire employee lifecycle in one place. It provides companies with tools to accurately track and store employee data, manage payroll processes, and automate manual tasks like onboarding new employees or tracking benefits usage. Their centralized platform makes it easy for companies to stay organized, reduce human error in processes, and save time on administrative tasks.
Why I picked SyncHR: Their platform is built using position-based architecture, meaning it's easy to track staff advancements within the system over time. This works hand-in-hand with their flexible and interactive org chart function that includes drag & drop editing capabilities that populate team changes across the rest of their platform's modules in real-time. Their workforce management platform also includes time machine technology, allowing HR teams to peer into the past, present, or expected future composition of their workforce. This feature is essential for current and predictive headcount planning, helping teams to recruit new hires more strategically.
SyncHR Standout Features and Integrations:
Features for HR teams include quick access to details like employee contact information, emergency contacts, job titles, salary information, and time off requests. At the employee level, your staff can also access SyncHR’s self-service portal to view their pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax documents, or to submit vacation requests. Payroll administrators can use SyncHR to automatically calculate taxes and other deductions based on current tax regulations.
Another useful workforce management feature is SyncHR's time & attendance tracking tools. Their automated time-tracking processes give businesses greater visibility into how their employees spend their time at work, ensuring everyone is productive and not wasting company resources on unnecessary tasks.
Integration details are not currently available.
eResource Scheduler
Best for time tracking and scheduling
eResource Scheduler (eRS) is a cloud-based resource management and scheduling solution designed to help organizations improve productivity and optimize employee time. The software has a collaborative interface that facilitates coordination across teams and departments for maximum human and non-human resource utilization. Resource mapping in the platform helps organizations make better use of the skills and qualifications represented in their workforce.
The drag-and-drop scheduling interface and Gantt chart tool are core features of the software. These scheduling capabilities offer a bird's-eye view of how resources are being allocated. Overload indicators and capacity visibility help reduce unattainable workloads and make re-assigning tasks and projects more efficient. Timecard tracking with color coding and configurable timesheet settings are additional features that help leaders understand how time is being spent.
Visual reporting is another key feature of the platform. Detailed reports on aspects of the organization’s human and non-human resources can be generated to provide insights for stakeholders and leadership. Insights include resource capacity, utilization, and scheduling, as well as project expenditure, actual cost, and revenue.
The software integrates with Microsoft Outlook and Jira. Teams can also build custom integrations using the platform's REST API.
Pricing for eResource Scheduler starts at $5 per resource/month, and a free 14-day trial gives users a chance to try out the platform before selecting a paid plan.
Justworks
Best workforce management software with comprehensive employee benefits plans
Justworks is an HR software system that can manage several core HR functions for US-based companies, including general workforce management, payroll processing, and benefits administration.
Why I picked Justworks: The software can be used to onboard new hires, manage employee time off, keep track of employee documents, and build out an org chart for everyone at your company to reference. Employee time tracking and scheduling are also available, and can be directly connected with the software's payroll feature. In addition to software, you can also access the company's team for more advanced HR offerings like professional employer organization (PEO) service, payroll service, or compliance monitoring. The customer support team is available 24/7 by phone, email, chat, Slack, and SMS.
Justworks Standout Features & Integrations:
Standout features include comprehensive large-group benefits packages which include things like medical and dental coverage, vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plans, and commuter benefits. Some of the more unique benefits offered are access to health advocacy services, on-demand primary care services, and fertility and family-building services.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Greenhouse, Xero, Slack, Vanguard, Fidelity, Citi Bike, and E-Verify.
ADP Workforce Now
Best workforce management software with integrated time-tracking tools
ADP is a well-known and trusted HR software company with over 70 years of experience and a good track record when it comes to customer support.
Why I picked ADP Workforce Now: Their cloud-based ADP Workforce Now product is a modern human capital management (HCM) solution that combines core HR functions with payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, talent management, benefits management, performance management, a recruiting system, and hiring and onboarding tools. Their Workforce Now product is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses but can be scaled up to one of their more robust offerings as your business grows. Their software is currently available in 140 countries.
ADP Workforce Now Standout Features and Integrations:
Features within their flexible time tracking and attendance module include automated alerts, overtime calculation rules, and timecard approvals. They also have a mobile app for employees where they can view work schedules, swap shifts, request time off, or clock in and out using their geo-location. Their time and attendance module also links employee working hours directly to payroll, removing a lot of unnecessary (but common!) administrative wrangling that your team will happily leave behind.
Integrations are available with many popular software systems, including Absorb LMS, Avionte, ClearCompany, Clockshark, Deputy, Dolce, FinancialForce, Infor, JazzHR, Oracle, PayActiv, PlanSource, QuickBooks, Replicon, Sage Intacct, SAP SuccessFactors, Sapling, TempWorks, Wave, When I Work, Workday, Xero, ZipRecruiter, 7shifts Restaurant Scheduling, and many more.
Veriato
Best workforce management software for monitoring employee productivity
Veriato is an employee monitoring and analysis tool that helps organizations monitor the productivity levels of their workforce. It's well-suited to businesses looking to gain visibility into remote or hybrid workers, however, it is useful for monitoring the activity of in-office employees as well.
Why I picked Veriato: I included Veriato in this list because their software helps employers get a deeper view of their workforce's activities by automatically tracking key variables. The software can record and analyze every action an employee takes on their computer or company-issued mobile device, including web activity monitoring, keystroke logging, and active vs. idle time.
Veriato Standout Features and Integrations:
When it comes to workforce management, Veriato's features focus on monitoring employee activity to track productivity levels and uncover areas for improvement. Their software doesn't include scheduling features, however, you can incorporate scheduling information into their productivity tracker to ensure employees are honoring their work commitments. You can also use Veriato to track attendance easily too.
They also offer advanced features that are well-suited to organizations with concerns over managing proprietary information. Their AI-powered intelligent alert system can pinpoint unusual behavior patterns in your employees' activities (such as excessive web browsing or heavy file downloading), which could be indications of a potential data breach. Once detected, Veriato sends an instant alert to your designated company authority for immediate investigation.
Integrations are available with third-party applications by connecting Veriato to a paid Zapier account.
Paylocity
Best workforce management software for gamifying employee performance management
Paylocity is an HR and payroll provider with reliable solutions for taxes, expenses, recruiting, onboarding, employee development, compensation management, and benefits administration. Their mobile-friendly experience is great for modern employees who want access on-the-go with any smart device.
Why I picked Paylocity: Their software gamifies performance management, giving it a “social media” feel where users can pass kudos to one another for specific tasks, actions, or behaviors. They provide a built-in social hub to foster community in a way that breaks down departmental silos. Peer recognition and feedback survey tools help teams to feel engaged with the process of ongoing performance management.
Paylocity Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include time-tracking & attendance management, an employee time clock, geofencing, employee scheduling, scheduling templates, shift swapping, compliance monitoring, and automations. Paylocity is also available as a web application, via mobile devices, or in a kiosk format too, giving flexibility to different workforce structures.
Integrations are available through their extensive apps marketplace, and include key platforms like Clover, Concur, Expensity, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle NetSuite, QuickBooks, Square, Xero, and other 300 others. They also have an API library for additional integration opportunities too.
Need Expert Help Selecting The Right Workforce Management Software?
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The Best Workforce Management Software Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart that summarizes basic details about each of my top workforce management software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget.
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Connecteam Best workforce management software for a time clock with advanced GPS capabilities | Free plan available | From $29/month (30 users) | Visit Website |
2 | Deel Best workforce management software for global teams | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
3 | Factorial Best recruiting, performance management, payroll, and time management in one | 14-day free trial | From $6.50/employee/month | Visit Website |
4 | Insperity Best workforce management software for mid-size businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
5 | SyncHR Best workforce management software for flexible org chart tools and position-based architecture | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
6 | eResource Scheduler Best for time tracking and scheduling | 14-day free trial | From $5/resource/month | Visit Website |
7 | Justworks Best workforce management software with comprehensive employee benefits plans | Free demo available | From $59/user/month | Visit Website |
8 | ADP Workforce Now Best workforce management software with integrated time-tracking tools | 30-day free trial | From $160/month for up to 49 employees | Visit Website |
9 | Veriato Best workforce management software for monitoring employee productivity | Free demo available | From $25/user/month | Visit Website |
10 | Paylocity Best workforce management software for gamifying employee performance management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Workforce Management Software
Here are a few more workforce management systems that didn’t make the top list:
- Oracle HCM Cloud
Best workforce management software for safety-sensitive industries
- UZIO
Best integrated workforce management platform with HRIS and payroll
- SAP SuccessFactors
Best workforce management software for healthcare organizations
- injixo
Best for cloud-based contact centers
- Fuse Workforce Management
Best for self-service scheduling
- SumTotal Workforce Management
Best workforce learning app
- Alvaria Workforce Engagement Suite
Best workforce management dashboard
- SwipedOn Pocket
Best for location-based workforce management
- BlueYonder
Best for remote workforce management
- Verint Workforce Management
Best for contingent workforce management planning
Selection Criteria for Workforce Management Software
I'm happy to explain my methodology if you'd like to know how I created this list.
To start, I created a long list of the most popular workforce management software systems with positive user ratings and comprehensive features. From there, I analyzed the details of each system further, using the selection criteria below as my lens.
Using this framework, I was able to compare each system against the rest of my list systematically. These criteria also helped me pinpoint the software systems that offer the best value to users.
Selection Criteria
Here’s a summary of the selection criteria I used to create this top 10 list of the best workforce management software systems:
User Interface (UI)
Workforce management software needs the UI functionality to support ease-of-use for HR departments as well as intuitive employee self-service when necessary. Therefore, the interface should be user-friendly, update in real-time, streamline navigation, and display aesthetic and modern workflows. Essentially, you want the UI to provide a good employee experience for all different user types.
Usability
Large-scale WMS training often incurs additional labor costs so it's important that the software is easy to use for your HR management team and individual employees alike. Training should be timely, thorough, and accessible, and ongoing customer service assistance should be adequately provided. Bonus: Does the software include a mobile app, contact center support, or any other perks?
Software Integrations
Workforce management software is usually just one cog in a larger SaaS machine so it must be able to integrate (via plug-in or API) with popular apps. Key integrations to look for include staffing solutions, budgeting software, employee time tracking & clock-in tools, and shift scheduling software, to name a few. To save you time, I investigated the software integrations for each system and mentioned their key integrations to note.
Value for Price
Workforce management software pricing should be fair, flexible, and transparent for the needs of large enterprises and small businesses. While most of the WMS systems in this list do offer pricing details, sometimes that information is only available upon request. Also worth noting, many systems offer free trials or freemium versions of their software with limited features. Both options are a good way to get a feel for a system before you commit to a contract.
Workforce Management Software: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about workforce management software and how it works:
What is workforce management?
What key features are included in workforce management software?
What other types of software can help with workforce management?
What's the difference between workforce management and workforce planning?
Which Workforce Management Software Do You Recommend?
What do you think of the workforce management tools on this list? Do you currently use any workforce management systems? What core HR ERP would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments.
Not sure if your organization is ready for a workforce optimization tool yet, but you still need help with payroll management? Here's an article on how you can Keep Your Payroll On Time, All The Time.
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