Managing a workforce is no easy task. Juggling schedules, making sure paperwork is done consistently, and optimizing workflows are all tasks that even the most highly skilled managers struggle to get right.
Add in the fact that more and more people are working online, and it’s no wonder that companies are turning to specialized workforce management systems and software tools to help them get the most out of their teams.
Workforce management software is a program designed to help people manage the staff in their business. It can track employee hours, schedules, and other important information.
Many of these tools also offer help in other areas related to workforce management. This can include task management solutions, advanced analytics, and communication tools.
However, not all workforce management tools are equally useful in all situations. Some are aimed at small companies, and others are better suited for big industry behemoths.
This list of the ten best workforce management tools will help you sort through all your options efficiently to find the ideal workforce management platform for your situation. So no matter how many employees you manage or what industry you’re in, you get the help you need to keep your business and workforce on track.
What Should You Look for in Workforce Management Software
Remote Management Features: Workforce management tools should provide advanced features such as remote access, task assignment, and reporting.
Analytics & reporting: These tools should be able to track employee performance, analyze trends and patterns in the data, and provide feedback on improving operations.
User-friendly features: streamline all your processes related to managing staff. This includes tools for emailing, scheduling meetings and events, and tracking project progress.
Automations: Streamline processes, reduce time spent on manual tasks and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. What are the benefits of using a workforce management tool?
The 10 Best Workforce Management Software
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the workforce management software on the market today, instead a selection of the best. We’ve included pricing, review, and feature information so you can quickly know which options might be right workforce management software for your business.
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management tool with features designed specifically to help people manage their workforce. It can do practically anything you’d need it to, with specialized tools for task and project management, time tracking, and data analytics.
What sets ClickUp apart from other similar platforms is its focus on customization. It offers tons of different options for customizing dashboard views and settings so you can optimize your workflow and get the most out of your team.
Finally, ClickUp goes above and beyond to keep your projects organized. ClickUp breaks down everything you do into a logical hierarchy with the following structure:
- Workspace
- Space
- Folder
- Lists
- Tasks
- Subtasks
By giving you all of these organizational levels, everything has its own space, so your work is more easily manageable.
Features:
- See exactly how much a team member has on their plate over a given time period with our workload view
- View tasks and projects in ClickUp’s Calendar view to plan for the future and avoid potential bottlenecks
- Create a personalized dashboard to see top-level performance metrics and workforce allocation quickly
- Define workflows in no time at all with our simple drag-and-drop controls
- Take advantage of our many free templates, including handy HR templates
Pros:
- Easy and intuitive interface will get you the data you need to manage your team and improve employee engagement
- Allows you to do everything from assigning tasks to managing team resources all in one place
- Integrations allow for a seamless experience between the rest of your tech stack
Cons:
- Mobile apps don’t (yet) have all the functionalities that the desktop versions do
- Takes time to become acquainted with all the views and resources available to help you manage your workforce
Pricing:
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Business Plus: $19/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (5,000+ reviews)
- Capterra:4.7/5 (3,000+ reviews)
2. BambooHR
BambooHR is a human resources software that can play an essential role in helping businesses manage their workforce.
Although mostly known for its more HR-centric uses, like its hiring, onboarding, and training features, it can also be useful in other areas of workforce management.
For instance, BambooHR includes analytics tools to help managers understand how well different teams or individual members have been performing.
One feature BambooHR lacks is any kind of task management system. So you can’t use this program to optimize workflows or plan projects. You’d need to use a second program to do that.
Features:
- Includes a centralized employee database, especially useful for larger companies with hundreds of employees
- Allows you to instantly create HR analytics reports that help you better understand your team and how they’re performing
- Makes it easy to get a sense of how employees are feeling about the company with eNPS surveys
Pros:
- Clean UX is simple to navigate for managers and employees
- Makes tracking your most important HR KPIs a breeze
- A great resource for employees as it includes helpful self-service options for common issues like taking time off or finding employment documents
Cons:
- The lack of customization options may frustrate managers that want things just so
- Price may be too expensive, especially for smaller companies with limited budgets
- Some features are only available for companies based in the U.S.
Pricing:
- Essentials: Contact for pricing
- Advantage: Contact for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)
3. Monday.com
Monday.com is a comprehensive project management platform with all the tools needed to help you keep your team on track and working efficiently.
What sets Monday apart from other project management software is its focus on collaboration and flexibility. It offers features like drag-and-drop functionality and visual project boards that make it easy for team members to see where they need to be, what to do, and whom to talk with.
It also includes powerful scheduling capabilities allowing you to plan complex projects and optimize team workflows.
Features:
- Gantt and Kanban boards make it simple for your team to stay on schedule with all of their daily tasks
- Dashboard views show you who is working on what at the moment
- Docs allow teams to collaborate in real-time on a project, list, or brainstorming session
Pros:
- Offers versatility for managers without being overwhelming
- Great automation system makes it easy to develop workflows
- Tons of integrations add a lot of functionality to the core product
Cons:
- Advanced features can cost a lot more money
- Some users think it’s not as well designed from a UX point of view as others on this list
- The mobile app lacks a lot of features that would be ideally included
Pricing:
- Individual: Free
- Basic: $8/ month per user
- Standard: $10/ month per user
- Pro: $16/ month per user
- Enterprise: Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (6,000+ reviews)
Still not sure about Monday? Check out some of our favorite Monday alternatives to find a platform that better suits your needs.
4. NICE
NICE Workforce Management is a cloud-based workforce optimization solution that helps managers plan and optimizes employee schedules. It includes features like advanced analytics, real-time reporting, and forecasting capabilities so you can better predict staff needs and make decisions based on actual data.
It also includes tools for managing timesheets and time off requests to ensure your staff is always well-rested and productive.
It’s important to note that NICE’s workforce management system is just one part of the larger NICE product line. You’d probably want to buy into their entire ecosystem to get most of the benefits of using NICE.
Features:
- The mobile app helps you keep on top of your workforce
- Embedded tips allow you to advise your employees as they work
- NICE’s Omnichannel forecasting engine uses artificial intelligence to help you schedule efficiently
Pros:
- A robust system with all the bells and whistles you could want from a WFM tool
- Ideal for larger companies, especially those with contact centers or omnichannel customer success teams
Cons:
- Its system can go down unexpectedly, making it somewhat unreliable
- The UI looks a bit dated compared to other workforce management software options
- It can be challenging to integrate with other tools
Pricing:
- Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.3/5 (78 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (4 reviews)
5. Connecteam
Connecteam is a mobile-first field service and workforce management software that helps companies manage their staff, whether they’re out in the field or working remotely. It includes task management, scheduling, and communication tools to help keep teams in sync with each other..
Connecteam also has advanced features, like attendance tracking, time and expense reports, and even payroll tools. This makes it a great tool for small businesses that need to manage teams of employees worldwide.
On top of all that, Connecteam also includes a suite of analytics and reporting tools that’ll allow you to make data-driven decisions for the betterment of your business.
Features:
- End-of-shift reports make it convenient for employees and managers to stay on the same page
- The time clock function allows you to keep track of employee performance
- Team-wide messaging keeps you connected with your team
Pros:
- Flexible pricing means that companies can pick the package that suits their needs and budget
- The mobile-first design makes it great for teams that work in the field or from home
- Takes over a lot of the repetitive paperwork that companies need to do to manage employee tasks and signoffs
Cons:
- The number of customizations can be overwhelming if you want an “out of the box” solution
- Data is segmented between different parts of the app, forcing you to have to go to a new screen to find what you need
- The app can slow down, especially if you’re in areas with poor internet connections
Pricing:
- Small business: $0
- Basic: $29/ month for first 30 users
- Advanced: $49/ month for first 30 users
- Expert: $99 for first 30 users
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.3/5 (39 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (222 reviews)
6. Jibble
Jibble is a cloud-based workforce management software that simplifies keeping track of employee hours and attendance. It does this with specialized tools for clocking in and out, scheduling shifts, and managing overtime.
However, Jibble isn’t just a fancy way of tracking employee hours. It also includes an advanced analytics tool to help managers track employee productivity and performance.
This can be especially useful for companies that must stay on top of their staff distributed across multiple locations. Jibble is a great tool for small businesses on a budget, as it comes with a free plan that includes all the core features needed to manage your workforce effectively.
Features:
- The employee time clock app is free to use and helps managers see at a glance employee working hours
- Live location tracking tracks team members even when they’re in the field
- Record project hours across multiple team members so you can bill clients accurately
Pros:
- Tons of free features that are perfect for small businesses
- Integrates with Slack so employees can clock in from wherever they are
- Simple UI means that anyone can pick up and use it
Cons:
- Costs will start to scale as more employees are added
- Lack of advanced reporting or analytics features compared to the competition
- Customization options are scarce
Pricing:
- Free plan: $0
- Premium plan: $2.99/ month per user
- Ultimate plan: $5.99/ month per user
- Enterprise: Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (487 reviews)
7. Oracle
Oracle Workforce Management is an end-to-end workforce management solution that streamlines business processes and increases efficiency. It includes advanced analytics, automated scheduling and time tracking, payroll templates, and more.
Oracle Workforce Management is best suited for larger businesses that need the most powerful and well-connected systems to manage their employees. Because of this, Oracle is quite expensive, but it can be worth the extra money for companies that need all of its features.
Features:
- The in-house performance management system provides a place for every employee to track goals and get performance reviews
- Shift schedules, absence management, and wage calculations all share data for a seamless HR experience
- Integrated onboarding and offboarding flows make it simple to manage an ever-changing workforce
Pros:
- A legacy solution that can be a great all-in-one solution for major companies
- Comes equipped with a whole host of integrated analytics and HR tools
Cons:
- Includes a lot of features that may not be helpful to the average business
- An older user interface makes this system feel slow and clunky
- Updates and patches can take a long time to arrive
Pricing:
- Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 3.5/5 (494 reviews)
- Capterra: 3.9/5 (59 reviews)
8. Skedulo
Skedulo is a cloud-based workforce management solution that gives companies the ability to manage employee schedules, plan projects, and optimize workflows.
What sets Skedulo apart from other workforce management solutions is its focus on mobile. Skedulo’s mobile app is a complete resource for employees in the field where they can check appointments and communicate with managers.
This means Skedulo is especially useful for companies that often schedule service calls or work on the road.
Features:
- Use Skedulo MasterMind to automatically schedule housecalls with an available employee
- Includes an employee mobile app so that team members know their schedule and can communicate no matter their location
- Integrates with map apps to help employees on the road get to their next appointment quickly
Pros:
- Employees can stay connected with the main office, which allows for better safety, communication, and efficiency
- A user-friendly experience that works on any modern smartphone
Cons:
- The app doesn’t always refresh quickly, meaning that job cancellations might get missed
- Advanced features take a lot of time to properly discover and learn how to use
Pricing:
- Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.2/5 (293 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (11 reviews)
9. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is an all-in-one online workspace that wants to revolutionize how work gets done online. This platform includes a full suite of collaboration, CRM, and task management tools to ensure that your entire team is supported, whether they’re in the office or the comfort of their home.
What makes Bitrix24 stand out from other project management tools is its focus on trying to replace your entire tech stack. Although this seems very ambitious (because it is), they do manage to do an admirable job.
Bitrix24 has an impressive number of features, some that most other WFM tools don’t even consider. For instance, you can build your website, process online payments, and even host team chats all through this service.
Features:
- Use the eLearning database to upload educational documents for team members to learn from and reference
- Compile reports on the fly so you can share team results easily
- Create tasks straight from emails, so your team never forgets to follow up on a client request ever again
Pros:
- Fully-fledged CRM features make it simple to manage workloads, keep on top of tasks, and optimize workflows
- Secure online communications help increase collaboration among teams
- Multiple views allow you to see your data in unique ways for better workforce management insights
Cons:
- The mobile app can be slow and lacks a lot of the features that come with the desktop version
- Reports look slightly outdated
- Non-tech-savvy users might struggle to get the most out of this program
Pricing:
- Free: $0 for unlimited users
- Basic: $61/ month for 5 users
- Standard: $124/ month for 50 users
- Professional: $249/ month for 100 users
- Enterprise: $499/ month for 250 users
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.1/5 (489 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (639 reviews)
10. Paycom
Paycom is an online payroll and HR tool designed to help businesses manage their staff and payroll duties. It includes features for onboarding and training, time tracking, attendance management, benefits administration, and more.
It also includes analytics tools that can be used to track employee performance and forecasting tools to predict future staffing needs.
Paycom is a great HR tool, but it does lack some of the key WFM features you’ll need. For instance, Paycom can’t help you create workflows or assign tasks to specific employees, meaning you’d need to integrate another tool into your tech stack to get those crucial features.
Features:
- Automate time and labor tracking in one place for greater efficiencies
- Proactive assessment tools automatically calculate how much money you’re spending on certain areas of your workforce
- Streamlined hiring software tool simplifies the hiring and onboarding process
Pros:
- Everything you need to manage payroll and time tracking all in a single tool
- Helps you automatically handle state taxes and government compliance issues in the U.S.
- Support is willing to help you optimize the system for your needs
Cons:
- Lacks the project and task tracking tools you’d want to harness your team’s true potential
- Occasional flaws or breaks in this all-in-one system can cause cascading issues
Pricing:
- Contract for pricing
Ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.2/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (755 reviews)
Workforce Management Software FAQs
What are the benefits of using a workforce management tool?
Using a workforce management tool can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance employee productivity. It can also help ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
What types of businesses can benefit from using a workforce management tool?
Any business with employees can benefit from using a workforce management tool. This includes small businesses, franchises, and large enterprises in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
How can workforce management software benefit teams?
Workforce management tools can help teams track their performance and identify areas for improvement. This can be particularly helpful for businesses that rely on employee performance metrics, such as call centers or sales teams. By having access to real-time performance data, teams can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance their skills and job performance.
Finding the Right Workforce Management Software for Your Team
Finding the right workforce management tool for your business can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to take the time to research and compare the different options to find one that meets all your needs.
One of the best ways to determine if a product is right for you is to give it a spin. With ClickUp, you can sign up for your free account today and get a feel for our workforce management features.
Plus, your account will be free forever, so take your time, try us out, and see what ClickUp can do for you.
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