20 Best Workforce Management Software of 2025: Reviewed
10 Best Workforce Management Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Managing your workforce effectively can feel overwhelming when you're juggling employee schedules, tracking hours, and trying to optimize productivity—all while keeping operations running smoothly. Without the right tools, you may find yourself wasting time on manual processes, struggling to maintain compliance, or dealing with scheduling conflicts that disrupt your workflow.
That’s where workforce management software steps in. These tools help streamline complex tasks like scheduling, time tracking, and performance monitoring, giving you more time to focus on strategic priorities.
In this guide, I’ll simplify your search by sharing my insights on the best workforce management tools available. I've combined my thorough research with my experience as an HR specialist to help you identify the best fit for your business needs, so you can overcome your challenges with confidence.
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Best Workforce Management Software: Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing, trial, and demo details for my top workforce management software selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global employees and contractors | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website | |
| 2 | Best for small and mid-sized businesses | Free demo available | From $5/employee/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best modular, scalable workforce management solution | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for time, attendance, and compliance | 14-day free trial | From $6/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for managing HR for global teams in one platform | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best workforce management software for construction companies | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for managing a workforce of mobile staff | Free demo available | From $9/employee/month + $50/month base fee | Website | |
| 8 | Best workforce management analysis and reports | Free demo available | From $15/employee/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for workforce planning | 30-day free trial | From $199/seat/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for monitoring employee productivity | Free demo available | From $25/user/month | Website |
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Paycor
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.1 -
HiThrive
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
ClearCompany
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Workforce Management Software Reviews
Explore in-depth reviews of the top 10 workforce management tools that made the cut. Each review breaks down key features, standout benefits, integrations, and ideal use cases—so you can quickly find the best WFM software for your needs.
Deel is an end-to-end global workforce management platform with local expertise in over 150 countries.
Why I picked Deel: I chose this platform for my list because it makes it easy to manage both employees and contractors around the world. It gives you a complete view of your entire workforce, no matter where in the world they’re located. Its feature set includes contract management, expense reimbursements, and off-cycle adjustments.
If you want to hire international employees, the company acts as an employer of record. It handles both payroll and benefits so you don’t need to open up a foreign entity. And to hire global contractors, the software helps you avoid misclassification with legal-reviewed contracts. Essentially, their platform is a great resource for hiring international talent in a flexible way.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the global HR services provided by the company. This includes a global mobility service, which can help you with visa sponsorship for international candidates. It's nice to have both the software and the services all provided by the same company.
Another helpful feature is the software's Slack plugin, which can create an accessible organizational chart, provide self-service PTO management, and even track applicant referrals. Furthermore, Deel offers free HR software for small businesses to help automate admin and reporting for global teams.
Integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, HiBob, NetSuite, Okta, OneLogin, QuickBooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. An Open API is also available to build your own integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simplifies payroll using multiple currencies
- Managed by 200+ local legal and tax compliance experts
- Tailored for international organizations
Cons:
- No free trial available
- Overlapping plan features require custom pricing
GoCo is a comprehensive HR platform designed to simplify and automate various human resources tasks for small and mid-sized businesses. It offers solutions for onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and more, all within a single, user-friendly interface.
Why I picked GoCo: I like its robust onboarding capabilities that enable you to create customizable onboarding workflows, allowing new hires to complete necessary documentation, such as I-9 and W-4 forms, digitally. This digital approach not only accelerates the onboarding process but also ensures compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, GoCo's platform allows you to assign tasks to team members, ensuring that every step of the onboarding process is completed efficiently.
Another standout feature is GoCo's time tracking and PTO management system. Employees can easily clock in and out, submit timesheets, and request time off through the platform. Managers receive notifications for approval, and the system automatically updates PTO balances and accruals.
GoCo Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include performance management tools that facilitate regular employee evaluations, compliance management to help your business adhere to employment laws and regulations, and document management for storing and organizing HR documents securely.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, Trello, JazzHR, Verified First, Checkr, Greenhouse, and Workable.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible payroll integration options
- Automates various HR processes
- Strong onboarding and benefits administration
Cons:
- May not be ideal for large enterprises
- Limited customization options
Paycor is a comprehensive HCM SaaS product designed to streamline payroll management, employee scheduling, and other HR processes.
Why I picked Paycor: I picked this software because of how scalable it is to meet the needs of different business sizes, models, and contexts. It covers payroll and benefits administration, talent acquisition and management, time tracking and scheduling, and compliance management. With these combined tools, you can set up a customized HR solution based on your company's needs.
This software is a good option for those looking for something custom, rather than a one-size-fits-all platform. In addition to the specific modules provided by the company, advanced analytics and reporting tools are also included. You can run reports to monitor various aspects of your employee experience, lifecycle, and more.
Paycor Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the talent development features the platform offers. Employee onboarding tools and a learning management system help you improve employee performance and set people up on the right foot. You can also plan your compensation structures in the platform, which helps you connect pay with performance.
Other useful workforce management features include an integrated time & attendance module that offers mobile clock-in, geo fencing validation, in-app messages and alerts, and attendance tracking. Their scheduling module also supports location-specific scheduling rules, shift swapping, mobile scheduling, real-time notifications, and unlimited locations.
Integrations include HireTech, Emburse Certify, Zillion, Points North, FMLA, Tapcheck, Instant Pay, Sterling, Wageworks, and Ignite, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Modular nature allows for easy customizations
- Many time-saving automations
- Includes HR solutions for specific niche industries
Cons:
- May be too expensive for smaller organizations
- Basic package limited to payroll features only
Replicon Time & Attendance is a comprehensive workforce management solution that simplifies time tracking and attendance management for businesses.
Why I picked Replicon Time & Attendance: I included this software in my list because of its tools that help you drive accountability, visibility, and consistency across your workforce.
The system automatically applies the latest legal requirements and provides configurable rule sets so you can ensure adherence with labor laws and internal policies. This is especially useful for companies operating in diverse regulatory environments or industries with intricate labor demands.
Replicon Time & Attendance Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include the software's cutting-edge geofencing and mobile time tracking features. These help you ensure accurate clock-ins and clock-outs based on employees' physical presence at specific job sites or locations. This offers enhanced visibility and accountability for businesses with mobile or remote workforces, reducing the risk of time theft and inaccurate reporting.
Other features include AI-assisted scheduling, aggregated hours and quick insights, proactive error violation alerts, a pay rules library, and crew management features for site supervisors and foremen.
Integrations include SAP, ADP, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Atlassian, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, ServiceNow, Zero, Zoom, Outlook Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Azure DevOps, Google Meet, and Google Calendar, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable reports
- Activity tracking features
- Ability to analyze data in multiple ways
Cons:
- Advanced features, comes with a learning curve
- Interface could be easier to navigate
RemoFirst is a global employment platform that helps companies hire and manage remote teams in over 160 countries without needing to establish a local entity.
Why I picked RemoFirst: I selected RemoFirst for this list because it provides a suite of services that facilitate the hiring and management of remote teams globally. Overall, the platform provides an Employer of Record (EoR) service, taking on the legal and administrative responsibilities of employment, such as HR, payroll, tax, and compliance with local labor laws.
RemoFirst is equipped with features for workforce management, including onboarding and offboarding processes, and provides dashboards and analytics for monitoring team distribution and expenses. Additionally, RemoFirst's support for visa processing and global healthcare benefits can be crucial in helping your team account for the diverse needs of an international team.
RemoFirst Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include international contractor management, RemoHealth health insurance, background checks, customizable payroll reports, payroll cost analysis, time and attendance tracking, and an employee self-service portal.
On the backend, RemoFirst aggregates all your employee payments into one monthly client invoice in your preferred currency (either US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, or Singapore Dollars), making monthly payments easy. However, your employees are still paid in their local currency, providing a better employee experience.
Integrations include third-party payment providers, such as Wise and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides good value for money
- Good customer support for users
- Includes benefits management tools
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users
- No free version or trial
Arcoro is a workforce management software that's designed specifically to help construction businesses streamline their HR processes.
Why I picked Arcoro: This cloud-based HR solution offers a range of features, including succession planning, performance management, and compliance tracking. It made the cut for my list because not only does it cover a lot of ground, it's also especially designed to meet the needs of construction companies.
The software's ATS and onboarding modules make it easy to bring new talent to the company, while its core HR promotes transparency and improves employee engagement.
Meanwhile, its time and attendance module makes sure your employees are where they're supposed to be and that they're safely doing their jobs. This can be done by collecting answers to questions via surveys.
Arcoro Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features that set this platform apart from other construction workforce management tools are mostly related to its succession planning capabilities. This feature allows businesses to plan for the future by identifying potential leaders within their workforce and developing them to take on more responsibility. It's a great way to ensure that your business is prepared for the future and that you have a strong leadership pipeline in place.
Other useful features include mobile time tracking, training tracking (including OSHA required trainings), ACA reporting, compliance monitoring tools, and the ability to request drug and alcohol screenings during the candidate review process.
Integrations include Acumatica, Procore, QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint. All of these allow you to transfer data seamlessly with your existing construction software and business applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Outstanding customer care team
- Niche specialty in construction companies
- Great succession planning features
Cons:
- May not work for non-construction businesses
- Few out-of-the-box intregrations
Best for managing a workforce of mobile staff
ExakTime Time & Attendance offers time tracking, location tracking, time off management, and other functionalities that help you manage your field team.
Why I picked ExakTime Time & Attendance: Their platform is a good choice for those managing field and mobile staff, which is why I included it on my list. Not only can employees working on job sites easily clock in and out of the system, they can do so using the mobile app or the weatherproof, sturdy time clocks provided by the company. It's as simple as clicking 'GO' and 'STOP' to start and end your day.
The system can also manage time off requests, overtime and payroll reporting, equipment tracking, and other elements of workforce management. Administrators have a comprehensive dashboard to monitor employee locations and hours worked. Injury and expense reporting are also included, and there are 40+ pre-built reports to help you track your workforce's performance.
ExakTime Time & Attendance Standout Features and Integrations
One of the standout features this product offers is multimedia field notes for employees. This allows your staff members to report on the work they've completed each day, helping keep clear and up-to-date records of work being done.
This is especially helpful if different team members are swapping in and out of jobs, and need context to jump in and take over. It also helps you ensure work is documented, avoiding potential headaches down the line.
Integrations include Sage, QuickBook, Viewpoint, Foundation Software, ADP, Acumatica, ConstructionPayroll.com, MYOB, Paychex, and Workday, among others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Hardware provided for clocking in and out on-site
- Connects with popular payroll platforms
- GPS tracking included
Cons:
- GPS only works if activated on the mobile device
- May not be suitable for office staff
Papaya Global is an end-to-end global workforce management solution with cross-border payments in 160+ countries. The platform supports all employee options (payroll, EoR, contractors) and uses smart technology to ensure compliance and eliminate errors.
Why I picked Papaya Global: This software is great for simplifying your international workforce management, and boasts 100% local compliance assured. But the main reason it made my list is for its advanced, real-time business intelligence. You can get insights on who your workers are by country, cost, and more. You can also see how well you’re attracting and keeping top talent, and why they chose to leave. Plus, you can create data visualizations to see where your company stands in equity of gender, age and pay, both by department and seniority structure.
Papaya Global Standout Features and Integrations
Some standout features include solutions for automating payroll and payments, international employee benefits administration, and AI-based compliance verification. These alleviate some of your HR team's manual workload, and ensure you're up to code as an international employer.
Other nice features are the dedicated HRIS system included in the platform, which helps you keep all your employee data centralized and accounted for. Onboarding tools are also included, helping to ensure every new hire gets a warm welcome and the tools they need to succeed.
Integrations include BambooHR, Expensify, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Namely, NetSuite, Priority Software, SAP Business One, SAP Concur, and SAP SuccessFactors. You can also create additional custom integrations for your existing HR software upon request to the provider.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive knowledge base
- Platform backed by J.P. Morgan and Citibank
- 24/7 customer support to ensure payments are paid on time
Cons:
- No mobile app available
- Employee profiles could be more detailed
Agentnoon is an AI-powered platform designed to enhance organizational design and workforce planning. It enables you to create organizational plans, manage headcount, and forecast costs within a unified system.
Why I picked Agentnoon: I like its Intelligent Design capability. This tool allows you to model various business scenarios, helping you visualize potential outcomes before implementing changes. By assessing the financial and structural impacts in real-time, you can make informed decisions that align with your organization's goals.
It also offers a data diagnosis feature that connects and maps data from multiple sources, ensuring you have a comprehensive view of your workforce. This holistic approach reduces errors and enhances the accuracy of your planning, enabling you to identify trends and address issues proactively.
Agentnoon Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include scenario generation, which lets you create and compare different organizational models to determine the best fit for your needs. The platform's org chart visualization provides a clear, dynamic representation of your company's structure, making it easier to understand reporting lines and team compositions.
Additionally, Agentnoon's collaboration tools facilitate seamless communication among stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned during transformation initiatives.
Integrations include Workday, Oracle, SAP, UKG, Dayforce, and ADP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Facilitates effective communication among stakeholders
- Real-time analytics and KPI tracking
- Efficient drag-and-drop functionality for scenario planning
Cons:
- Limited customization options in certain areas
- Potential challenges with manual integrations
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 versus idle time.
Veriato Standout Features and Integrations:
Veriato's standout 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.
Other Workforce Management Software
Here are a few more workforce management systems that didn’t make the top list. I didn’t have room for a full review for each of these but they are still worthy of consideration:
- Jotform
For managing form e-signatures
- Oracle HCM Cloud
High-security workforce management
- Factorial
For employee performance
- UZIO
For an HRIS
- SAP SuccessFactors
For healthcare companies
- Shiftboard
For workforce data intelligence
- SyncHR
For a flexible org chart
- Keka HR
For HR and payroll services
- Calabrio Workforce Management
For call centers
- SumTotal Workforce Management
Workforce learning management app
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Learning Management Systems
Selection Criteria for Workforce Management Software
Selecting the right workforce management software requires a detailed understanding of common operational needs, such as improved scheduling and attendance tracking abilities, plus the ability to monitor for compliance and uncover insights from workforce data.
My approach to choosing the best workforce management software is grounded in thorough research into how these tools optimize workforce efficiency and productivity while addressing common buyer needs and pain points.
Here's a summary of the selection criteria I used to create this list:
Core Workforce Management Software Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in my list of the best workforce management software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases, including:
- Automating employee scheduling to match business demand
- Tracking time and attendance accurately for payroll processing
- Managing tasks and projects to prioritize work
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations
- Providing analytics for decision-making and workforce optimization
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me determine the best workforce management software available, I also took note of any unique features, including:
- AI-driven analytics and reporting tools that offer deeper insights into workforce efficiency and productivity
- Mobile-friendly solutions or dedicated apps for remote workforce management, including deskless or mobile workers
- Advanced leave and absence management features that go beyond basic tracking
- Customization options that allow businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs, including both corporate branding and workflow customizations
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each workforce management software, I considered the following:
- An intuitive design that simplifies complex scheduling and management tasks
- A responsive user interface that's easy to navigate on desktop or mobile apps
- Workflow automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks
- Clear, understandable analytics dashboards that provide actionable insights
- Role-based access controls that are easy to configure for different user levels
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Quick setup processes and clear guidance for first-time users, including customizable templates
- The availability of training materials such as videos, webinars, or interactive product tours
- Support for migrating data from other systems into the new platform
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- The availability of multiple support channels, including email, phone, and chat
- The existence of a self-service knowledge base or other self-help resources to speed up troubleshooting
- The overall quality, responsiveness, and helpfulness of the support team during customer onboarding and post-purchase, as inferred from customer reviews
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- The availability of free trials or demos to test the software before purchasing
- Transparent pricing models that clearly explain which features are included at each level
- Tiered pricing plans that cater to different business sizes, from small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) up to enterprise-level organizations
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- Whether a product has consistently high ratings across multiple review platforms, indicating a broad level of user satisfaction
- Specific praises, criticisms, or trends in customer feedback that indicate the software's strengths or areas for improvement
- Whether customer feedback specifically mentions issues with ease of use, customer support responsiveness, or lacking features
- Testimonials that highlight specific features that users found beneficial for their workforce management needs
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the workforce management software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
Make sure the system you choose can grow with your company. You don’t want to outgrow it quickly, especially as your workforce gets larger or more complex.
How to Choose Workforce Management Software
Workforce management software can help you improve your scheduling processes, track employee work hours, foster better internal communications, address compliance, and ultimately, make many HR processes much easier.
To help you figure out which workforce management software best fits your needs, keep the following points in mind:
- What workforce management challenges are you trying to solve? First, identify the exact challenges you're trying to overcome, such as digitizing employee time and attendance tracking, automating scheduling, or rolling out task tracking across your workforce for better visibility. Understanding your pain points will guide you to select software with the features and functionalities you need to address them.
- What outcomes are important and how will you measure success? Decide in advance what success will look like for your new software. Are you hoping to cut down on administrative bottlenecks, or offer a better employee experience through a more mobile-friendly system? Or, perhaps you hope to increase productivity or reduce employee scheduling conflicts to address absenteeism? Being clear on your desired outcomes upfront is crucial to avoid wasting valuable time.
- Who are your primary user groups? Consider who will use the software, who your different user groups are, and how many licenses you'll need. You'll likely want admin-level access for all your HR professionals, plus role-based access for all your managers and team leads. Once that's clear, it's also useful to list the needs of your different user groups (i.e., power users, managers, and employees), to ensure they're all met.
- What software integrations do you need? Look for platforms that offer direct integrations with your current tools, such as HR management systems, payroll software, employee scheduling software, or time-tracking tools. This reduces the risk of errors and saves time spent on manual data entry. If you're aiming to consolidate multiple tools into one workforce management platform, search for one that also handles time tracking and payroll.
- Will the WFM software fit into your workflows? Consider how the software would fit into your day-to-day operations. Will it integrate easily or would you need to overhaul many internal processes? If your new system will be your first time digitizing your workforce management practices, look for software with an intuitive interface that’s straightforward for both managers and employees.
Remember, every business is different — don’t assume that a workforce management system will work for your organization just because it's popular. Instead, focus on your specific challenges to help you hone in on software that offers the features you need to improve your internal processes.
Trends in Workforce Management Software for 2025
Workforce management best practices, priorities, and areas of focus are always evolving, and the features and functionalities offered by software providers are continuously changing to keep up with changing business needs. Here are the most recent trends that are evolving the workforce management software landscape, including several unique developments:
- AI-driven Scheduling: AI-driven optimization algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, reducing manual effort and improving workforce allocation based on predictive analytics.
- Employee Engagement & Retention Tools: In response to the challenges of retention and employee engagement, workforce management software has shown an increase in features that monitor employee well-being and engagement levels. This includes features like employee survey tools, feedback collection, and communication tools that give employees a voice.
- Enhanced Communication Tools: With the rise of hybrid and remote working, there's an increasing demand for tools that can address the unique challenges of a dispersed workforce, including communication tools such as direct messaging to bridge communication gaps, and automatic notifications to schedules that are synced to mobile devices.
- Compliance Management: With constantly changing labor laws, compliance management features are critical, ensuring businesses stay up-to-date with regulations and avoid penalties.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Training Modules: Some workforce management platforms have started integrating VR for immersive training experiences, a novel approach to employee development.
- Blockchain for Timekeeping: The use of blockchain technology for secure and tamper-proof timekeeping records is an unusual yet emerging trend, offering unprecedented accuracy and security.
These trends in workforce management software indicate a shift towards more integrated, intelligent, and user-friendly solutions that also address ongoing challenges like employee engagement, retention, and creating a positive employee experience.
Software that embraces these trends can lead to more strategic decision-making, efficient processes, and a more engaged and compliant workforce. Implementing these tools can be a significant step towards building resilient, future-ready organizations.
What is Workforce Management Software?
Workforce management software is a digital solution designed to manage and optimize various aspects of workforce operations. It encompasses functionalities such as employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, leave and absence management, labor compliance, and performance management. This software aids in aligning workforce deployment with business needs, automating administrative tasks, and providing analytical insights for better decision-making.
Features of Workforce Management Software
Here are some of the top features I looked for when researching workforce management software:
- Automated Employee Scheduling: The ability to create work schedules, sometimes with a drag-and-drop calendar. You can also usually manage time off requests and shift swapping.
- Time & Attendance Tracking: This includes features like time clocks to track employee work hours, overtime tracking for compliance with labor laws, the option for team members to clock-in and clock-out from their mobile devices, and attendance monitoring to spot trends in absenteeism.
- Leave & Absence Management: In addition to tracking daily activities, workforce management software also includes tools to manage employee leave requests and approvals, ensuring that absences are tracked accurately and cross-referenced with work schedules to avoid disruptions to business operations.
- Task & Activity Management: By assigning and tracking tasks, workforce management software helps employees focus on their most critical activities first, boosting productivity.
- Forecasting & Budgeting: Workforce management software can help predict staffing needs and manage labor costs by analyzing trends and historical data, ensuring optimal staffing levels at all times.
- Analytics and Reporting: This includes tools to automatically track your KPIs, HR OKRs, and other core metrics in real-time, and reduce the time-consuming work of reporting with clear and automated dashboards. With insights into workforce performance and operational metrics, companies can make data-driven decisions to improve productivity.
- Mobile Access: Many workforce management systems offer mobile apps, providing easy access to schedules and other information to employees and managers from anywhere.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Most systems offer a portal where employees can manage their schedules, request time off, and access important documents. This is important as it both empowers your staff and reduces the administrative workload on your HR staff and managers.
- Compliance Monitoring: Automatic compliance monitoring tools help companies ensure they adhere to labor laws and industry regulations (such as overtime and scheduling rules), reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other HR and business systems ensures a unified platform for all workforce management needs. Key integrations that are helpful include human capital management (HCM) software, employee experience software, shift scheduling software, project management software and communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
People more than ever need to have clarity into their vacation and time off. The culture is shifting from ‘Can I be gone?’ to letting my manager know ‘I will be gone.
Benefits of Workforce Management Software
Workforce management software has become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to streamline their HR operations, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive productivity. By automating various aspects of workforce management, these platforms offer a range of benefits that can significantly impact the bottom line and operational efficiency of any organization.
By selecting the best workforce management software for your needs, you can expect to gain the following benefits:
- Increased Operational Efficiency: Automating routine tasks like scheduling and time tracking reduces manual errors and frees up time for strategic activities. This efficiency gain means HR staff can focus more on employee engagement and less on paperwork, ultimately benefiting the business's bottom line.
- Improved Workforce Productivity: By leveraging features for task management, employees are better aligned with their roles, leading to optimized workloads and clearer expectations. This increased alignment ensures your team members are working on the right tasks at the right time, maximizing productivity.
- Enhanced Compliance: Compliance management tools help organizations stay on top of local, state, and federal labor laws, reducing the risk of costly legal issues. By automating compliance tasks, businesses can ensure they are always following the latest regulations without requiring extensive manual resources.
- Better Data-Driven Decision-Making & Insights: Analytics and reporting capabilities offer leaders a comprehensive view of workforce metrics, enabling data-driven decisions. This real-time visibility into workforce data helps managers identify trends, make informed decisions, and adjust strategies quickly to improve operational efficiency.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction & Retention: By empowering employees through a self-service portal, implementing workforce management software can lead to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more engaged workforce, as employees feel valued and in control of their work-life balance.
Workforce management software not only streamlines administrative processes but also plays a critical role in enhancing the strategic aspects of HR, such as talent management, employee engagement, and organizational culture.
For businesses looking to remain competitive in a dynamic market, investing in the right workforce management solution is an effective way to increase efficiency and productivity, while improving employee satisfaction.
Costs & Pricing for Workforce Management Software
Workforce management solutions offer various plans and pricing options to serve different business sizes, needs, and budgets. Below, I've outlined the common plan options and pricing from a free tier for small businesses or those wanting to test the waters, to more comprehensive, feature-rich packages designed for larger enterprises.
Plan Comparison Table for Workforce Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic scheduling, time tracking, limited reporting, and access for a small number of users |
| Basic | $2-8 per user, per month | Automated scheduling, time and attendance tracking, basic compliance management, and employee self-service |
| Professional | $10-30 per user, per month | Advanced scheduling, real-time analytics and reporting, mobile access, and integration capabilities |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Customizable features, advanced analytics, dedicated support, enterprise-grade security, and API access |
When considering which plan to choose, you should assess your specific business needs, the size of your workforce, and your budget. It's important to select a plan that not only meets your current requirements but also has the flexibility to adapt as your business grows and evolves.
If you only have a small number of employees, you can likely get started with a free or basic plan initially. However, there are many reasons why you may want to opt for a more advanced plan, including:
- Increased Workforce Size: Most basic plans limit the number of employees you can manage. As your employee headcount grows, you'll need to scale up to a plan that can accommodate more users and offer more extensive features and better scalability.
- Complex Scheduling Needs: As your company grows, managing complex schedules, shift swaps, and employee availability can become challenging. Advanced workforce management software offers robust scheduling features to streamline these tasks.
- Enhanced Reporting and Analytics: Basic plans often lack in-depth reporting capabilities. Upgrading allows for detailed analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve productivity and efficiency.
- Integration with Other Systems: Most free or basic plans don't integrate well with other essential business systems like payroll, HR, or ERP, requiring you to scale up to a higher-paid plan to unlock this feature.
- Mobile and Remote Access: Most basic plans don't include mobile access or apps. However, this is an essential feature for teams with remote or field-based staff that's worth paying a bit extra for.
- Advanced Time Tracking: Basic software usually only offers simple clock-in and clock-out features. In contrast, advanced plans include sophisticated time-tracking options, such as GPS tracking, biometrics, and mobile accessibility.
- Better Support and Training: Upgrading typically comes with access to premium customer support and training resources. This ensures your team can effectively use the software and address any issues promptly.
Ultimately, it's important to secure a plan that offers the features you require to satisfy your current needs and solve your challenges without exceeding your budget.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Below, I've summarized the most recent release notes and product updates for my top workforce management software recommendations. Discover what’s now possible through new feature releases, improvements, and updates for web, desktop, and mobile apps. Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and why it matters for workforce management.
2025 Q1: WFM Software Updates
Deel Update Notes
Deel has recently enhanced several payroll functionalities to streamline processes and improve the user experience. One significant update is the extension of payroll cutoff dates across multiple countries which reduces payroll delays and gives businesses more time to submit salary adjustments before payroll processing.
In addition, Deel launched On-Demand Payroll, allowing companies to make off-cycle payments for irregular needs, such as bonuses or emergency funds. Another notable feature is the new payroll variance tool, which identifies and explains discrepancies in employee paychecks, providing transparency and reducing potential confusion.
These updates make payroll easier to manage, reduce errors, and improve employee trust. Extended deadlines and On-Demand Payroll help businesses adjust payments without disrupting schedules, and the variance tool ensures transparency, cutting down on payroll disputes and questions.
Verdict: Hot! These updates save time, improve payroll flexibility, and promote better pay transparency for global HR teams.
Omnipresent Update Notes
Omnipresent recently announced a partnership with the HR management platform Keka to simplify global employment processes. This collaboration aims to integrate Omnipresent's EOR expertise into Keka's existing HR tech stack, helping client companies manage international hiring and HR tasks more efficiently.
Through this integration, HR teams can onboard, manage, and support employees worldwide directly within the Keka platform, while Omnipresent ensures compliance with local employment laws, tax rules, and labor standards. Users will benefit from a unified dashboard that combines Keka's user-friendly interface with Omnipresent's international capabilities.
For users, this partnership offers a streamlined approach to global hiring, allowing them to expand their talent pool quickly and cost-effectively while maintaining compliance with local regulations. By managing their entire workforce, including EOR employees, within Keka's comprehensive HR platform, companies can focus on fostering a strong company culture and enhancing employee engagement.
Verdict: Hot! Existing users can now expand their workforce worldwide without worrying about compliance.
Replicon Update Notes
Replicon recently introduced several updates to enhance the user experience and system functionality. These updates include new features, mobile application improvements, and various fixes to address existing issues.
One notable feature is the introduction of the Daily Time Summary component in timesheets, providing users with a comprehensive view of time worked each day across different categories, along with timesheet-level totals.
Additionally, project managers now have enhanced visibility into pay codes through the Distributed Time Type column in the Time Distribution Grid, facilitating better tracking and management of project-related overtime.
Mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms received updates, incorporating bug fixes to improve stability and performance.
Verdict: Hot! These updates streamline time tracking and approval processes, increasing overall efficiency.
Paychex and Paycor Update Notes
Paychex, Inc. recently announced that it will acquire Paycor HCM, Inc. in an all-cash deal valued at $4.1 billion. Paychex will pay $22.50 per Paycor share, a 19% premium on the 30-day average stock price as of January 3, 2025. The acquisition, approved by both companies’ boards, is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
The deal combines Paycor’s advanced HCM, payroll, and talent tools with Paychex’s existing offerings, including Paychex Flex. This merger will expand Paychex’s capabilities with AI-driven HR technology, advisory services, and greater reach into mid-market businesses. It also strengthens Paychex’s position through Paycor’s strategic partnerships and embedded HCM integrations.
For users, the merger will deliver better tools and services for managing HR, payroll, and talent. The combined platform will offer improved AI-driven features, expanded solutions, and more efficient service, helping businesses handle HR tasks more effectively.
Verdict: Hot! I'll be watching to see how this merger positively affects both software platforms in the near future!
Rippling Update Notes
Rippling started 2025 by announcing several new tools and features to simplify HR, IT, and Finance tasks. Key highlights include the Workflow Studio for task automation, expanded Employer of Record (EOR) services in five new countries, and the addition of iPads to the device store.
The Workflow Studio automates tasks like onboarding and approvals using real-time triggers and conditional workflows. EOR services now cover Argentina, Belgium, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and South Africa, making it easier to hire and manage employees abroad. The device store’s inclusion of iPads allows automated ordering and setup for new hires.
These updates save time, improve global hiring, and enhance employee onboarding. The Workflow Studio cuts manual work, EOR expansion enables compliant international growth, and iPads streamline tech provisioning for new employees. Together, they boost operational efficiency.
Verdict: Hot! Collectively, these updates improve the user experience for Rippling customers.
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?
Workforce management refers to the day-to-day operations of managing your employees. This includes many common human resource management tasks, such as scheduling employees, processing timesheets, forecasting future labor management needs, tracking absence management, and overseeing performance management. Workforce management also usually involves monitoring employee productivity by measuring HR metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure your workers are achieving your organizational goals.
The good news is, workforce management software is designed to offer you all the functionalities you need to manage your workforce from within one software system. They include modules for all the key functions I’ve mentioned above, plus extras like task management tools and payroll software too.
What's the difference between workforce management and workforce planning?
Sometimes people use the terms workforce management and workforce planning interchangeably. However, they not the same thing.
Workforce management is focused more on day-to-day operations and ensuring you have the right people for the right roles. Common aspects that fall under workforce management include employee scheduling, time and attendance management, and payroll.
Workforce planning is focused more on the future and aligning your employees with your organizational goals. Common aspects that fall under workforce planning include strategic planning, analyzing the existing skills of your workforce and upskilling staff to fill any projected skill gaps, anticipating future staffing needs (headcount analysis), and succession planning.
Both workforce management and workforce planning are crucial for organizational success and can have a positive impact on increasing profit and productivity. In addition to the WFM software in this list, we also have a list of the best workforce planning software if you’re looking for software to help your team with strategic decision-making.
What is the best type of workforce management software for international teams?
Managing an international team requires workforce management software that can handle diverse needs such as different time zones, languages, local labor laws, and compliance requirements. However, the best fit for your organization will depend on your specific needs, the size of your team, the countries you operate in, and the complexity of your operations.
There are some all-in-one platforms that do exist, which typically are offered through Employer of Record (EOR) service agreements. I’ve explored many of these platforms already, so below are some links to in-depth reviews of several excellent platforms for managing an international workforce:
If you’re new to the EOR concept, I recommend reading our complete guide to employer of record services next.
Can these platforms be customized for specific industries?
Yes, many workforce management platforms offer customization options to cater to the unique needs of various industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and more. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor features such as scheduling, compliance tracking, and labor forecasting to fit their specific operational requirements.
If you’re looking for a solution for a highly-regulated, safety-sensitive industry, my list of the best safety management software is worth reviewing too.
Are there any hidden costs associated with these tools?
When it comes to workforce management software, hidden costs can arise in areas like implementation, training, additional features, and upgrades. It’s crucial to ask about these potential expenses upfront and consider them when calculating the total cost of ownership for these software solutions.
How do these software solutions handle data security?
The software developers behind workforce management software ensure compliance with global data protection regulations like GDPR, which is a critical component of their security measures. Other data security methods include:
- Robust encryption methods
- Multi-factor authentication, and
- Regular security audits to protect sensitive information.
Other Workforce Management Software Reviews
When it comes to workforce management, the right software for you will depend on your unique business needs. Here are some links to other software types that also cross over with workforce management tools:
- Employee Scheduling Software
- Attendance Tracking Software
- Employee Monitoring Software
- Contractor Management Software
- Succession Planning Software
- Performance Management Tools
- Talent Management Systems
- Employee Engagement Software
- Benefits Administration Software
- Staffing & Recruiting Software
Final Thoughts
To sum everything up, workforce management software can be a powerful asset for any organization looking to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and support employee engagement.
As a next step, consider identifying your primary challenges—be it scheduling, time tracking, or compliance—and align these with the software options that best fit your organization’s size, budget, and goals.
Investing in the right workforce management solution can create a more efficient, motivated, and agile workforce, setting your organization up for long-term success.
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