The Best Workforce Management Software 2024

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Managing a team can be a challenge, but the best workforce management software makes it easier by handling payroll, tracking attendance, ensuring labor compliance, and even boosting employee engagement and productivity. With so many options out there, though, finding the right fit for your business can be tough.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide, breaking down the best workforce management software options to help you find the one that suits your needs.

The Best Workforce Management Software for 2024

The Top Workforce Management Software Reviewed

I considered critical criteria such as pricing, features, ease of use, and third-party reviews to provide an unbiased and detailed review of the best workforce management platforms.

Deel – Best for Global Compliance Management

Deel logo

Free Trial Free HR Plan
Price From $19/employee/month
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features HR-admin Customization, Document Management, Compliance Monitor
Why We Picked It

Deel is a global HR management software that performs exceptionally well in helping the global workforce monitor compliance. Its diverse features, such as its legally vetted knowledge base, actionable regulatory insights, and a free compliance checklist template, hold you by the hand to understand your compliance level. The company also goes above and beyond to make hiring a global workforce compliantly easy for you by handling the hiring process.

That said, Deel doesn’t have a dedicated time-tracking feature, but you can integrate a time-tracking app to work around this.

Features

As Deel offers you a collaborative platform to manage your workforce, it also supports you with customization features such as data accessibility through permissions and roles. This is one of the safest ways HR can dedicate or assign tasks to team members without security compromises.

Deel serves as your workforce directory, housing all your employees’ information and providing them at the snap of your finger. You can also use Deel’s secure e-sign to sign any document you need for your workforce.

HRs and admins have a lot to do, which may lead them to lose sight of changes in local labor laws and regulations across a distributed workforce. Deel handles compliance monitoring with its built-in local compliance feature.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Deel offers transparent pricing to help organizations quickly find the best option. On the other hand, the price information is comprehensive.

See the full price list below.

  • Deel HR – $0/month for businesses earning under $50K/month
  • Deel Contractor Management – $49/month
  • Deel US PEO – $79/employee/month
  • Deel EOR – $599/month

Deel’s EOR plan suits organizations hiring and managing a global team. Deel covers over 150 countries and provides features such as employee compliance, hiring, customizable reporting, centralized documents, and competitive benefits.

Its free plan is only available on the HR plan, while you can only test its other plans via a demo request

Deel additionally offers price plans for payroll management:

  • Deel US Payroll – $19/employee/month
  • Deel Engage – $20/employee/month
  • Deel Payroll – $29/employee/month
Who's It Best For?

Deel is perfect for global teams where compliance management is a high priority. Deel’s features and document management ensure compliant workforce management.

Pros pros

  • Supports 150+ countries
  • Offers a free forever HR plan
  • Offers a free compliance monitor checklist
  • Comprehensive to scale with businesses of any size

Cons cons

  • There’s no time-tracking feature
  • A steep learning curve for beginners

 

Rippling – Best for Remote Teams

Rippling logo

Free Trial Demo
Price From $8/month per employee
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Dedicated IT Module, Device Management, Learning Management
Why We Picked It

Rippling is one of the best workforce management solutions, providing nearly everything you need to oversee your workforce effectively. You can improve your workforce productivity by leveraging any of its modules, from HCM and payroll to IT and spending. Its stand-out feature that most workforce platforms on this list lack is the IT module, which helps organizations maintain a robust cybersecurity approach.

With all these features, I crown it as the best option for remote teams. Also, unlike Deel, which has no time-tracking functionality, Rippling offers a mobile time clock for employees.

Features

Rippling offers a unique native security solution with integrations to ensure you have full control of the entire user lifecycle with built-in identity, device, and inventory management tools.

As remote teams transition between the office and their mobile device for work management, Rippling helps you fix the loophole for cyber threats. It does this with its remote mobile device management, from employee onboarding to offboarding, and its dynamic security policies.

Rippling helps HR professionals automate employee training through enrollment rules, reminders, and learning progress. This is good for effectively managing employee career and company goals.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Rippling only offers a custom price that is based on different business needs. Pricing starts at $8 per user per month, but Rippling does not specify the products this pricing applies to.

You can also request a 30-minute product demo by filling in your company details.

Who's It Best For?

Rippling is the best workforce solution with comprehensive HR, payroll, and IT tools to manage remote teams.

Pros pros

  • Superb cybersecurity tools for remote teams
  • Supports employees’ continuous learning
  • Offers remote device management
  • Expense management

Cons cons

  • A steep learning curve for new users
  • Its UX could be better

 

Paycor – Best Multifunctional Solution

Paycor Logo

Free Trial 30-days
Price From Custom
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Seamless Integration, Accurate Timekeeping, Scheduling
Why We Picked It

Paycor firmly positions itself as the answer-it-all HR tool that can effectively manage a workforce of any size. It provides businesses with features like payroll, expense management, talent acquisition, talent management, and benefits administration.

These features empower you to reduce labor costs and improve productivity. While competitors like Deel and Rippling target multiple locations, Paycor doesn’t disclose its country coverage.

Features

Paycor integrates with other HR tools to save time with multiple data entries across different business tools. It also has a marketplace where you can easily find a collection of our industry-leading partners and products, such as clients, partners, and developers.

The time management software is an easy-to-use tool for managing employee time-offs, tracking worked hours, and project profitability.

You get access to a comprehensive scheduling tool that facilitates team organization and real-time effective communication. Paycor provides an interactive dashboard for reporting and insights to avoid being short-staffed on unforeseen days.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Paycor offers custom price plans based on company size and the number of employees. Its pricing information is available upon request. Once you fill out the form for price requests, Paycor offers 50% off for your first 6 months.

Who's It Best For?

Paycor is a good option for organizations that need an all-in-one platform to support their HR in managing their workforce.

Pros pros

  • Offers a multifunctional solution to manage teams
  • Comprehensive scheduling tool
  • Easy to set-up automation tools

Cons cons

  • Its reporting functionality could be complex for new users
  • Its customer support could be better

 

Replicon – Best for Time Tracking

Replicon-Logo

Free Trial 14-days
Price From $6/month/user
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Automated Timesheet, Dynamic Approvals, Advanced Time Clock
Why We Picked It

Replicon is a unified AI-powered platform that improves employee productivity by tracking time and work budget. It offers several advanced time management features like complex scheduling, absence management, job costing, advanced analytics, and dynamic approvals. Replicon’s scheduling functionality is also more complicated than Paycor’s because of its AI-powered SmartSchedule.

Features

Organizations needing employees’ weekly worktime data will find Replicon’s timesheet helpful. You can analyze weekly aggregate hours with the automated timesheet to understand your team’s productivity.

Replicon offers a customizable approval workflow for timesheets, expenses, and time-off requests, ensuring tasks move through the necessary steps without manual intervention.

Its time clock has many advanced features, such as a hands-off approach to monitoring employee time management. You can capture each employee’s real-time data with a facial recognition clock-in/out feature and a photo-audit trail.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Replicon’s pricing is in three tiers. Each price is based on different business needs and sizes.

  • Project Time Tracking – $12/month
  • Time & Attendance – $6/month
  • PSA and PPM – $29/month

The project time tracking plan is basic, considering its simple features such as project time, time off, and expense management. Although the next plan, time and attendance,  comes cheaper, its features are more comprehensive. The time & attendance plan features global workforce management, global time off, global labor compliance, cloud clock, and global time off.

Replicon has no free forever plan but allows users to test-run the platform for 14 days.

Who's It Best For?

Smartway2 works well for mid-size to large companies, as you can easily integrate the business’s email system with the desk and office space booking system.

Pros pros

  • Highly customizable booking rules
  • Easily reserve rooms and check coworker availability via Outlook Calendar
  • Robust rules engine and sanitation scheduling

Cons cons

  • Complex for new users initially
  • Non-transparent pricing
  • The interface could be improved upon

 

Connecteam – Best for Organizations with Multiple Branches

Connecteam Logo

Free Trial 14-days and Free Plan for up to 10 members
Price From $29/month
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Mobile Admin Capabilities, GPS Geolocation Stamps, Employee Task Management
Why We Picked It

Connecteam is a powerful WFM software that can help you achieve smooth operation processes with its workflow automation and advanced features. If you have multiple HR admins with shared responsibilities across the team, Connecteam allows you to add up to 30 users on each plan. It also supports integration with other business tools, but I found its integration with Zapier very helpful because it allows you to spin out more workflow automation that saves time.

While most providers on this list offer mobile apps, Connecteam stands out with its mobile app lock for extra security.

Features

Connecteam’s mobile admin features empower HR admins to continue managing their teams from anywhere. Imagine heading to a conference and being able to quickly respond to your team members’ inquiries while on your way. It facilitates quick response and continuous monitoring.

For companies managing employees across multiple locations, Connecteam’s GPS geolocation stamps can help you track and see where your employees are clocking in and out.

Also, its employee task management is synonymous with having Asana as your team task manager. Connecteam provides this feature to help you manage tasks without paying for extra software

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

As a comprehensive workforce management tool, Connecteam price packages are sectioned into operations communications, HR & skills, with each plan covering all these categories. It also offers a feature-rich, free, forever plan to support small businesses with up to 10 team members.

Plan Monthly
The Small Business Plan $0/month, billed annually up to 10 users
Basic $29/month for the first 30 users, billed annually, +$0.5 / month for each additional user
Advanced $49/month for the first 30 users, billed annually, + $1.5 / month for each additional user
Expert $99/month for the first 30 users, billed annually, + $3 / month for each additional user

Connecteam’s basic plan is too simple and has limitations for most teams. As a result, many businesses prefer to explore the paid plan, starting with the advanced package. Its Expert package is a good fit for organizations that need advanced tools for managing multiple locations.

Who's It Best For?

Connecteam is a good solution for businesses with multiple branches or field workers that need a comprehensive workforce management tool to capture data across different locations in one platform.

Pros pros

  • Comprehensive enough to support multi-location businesses
  • Good free plan for businesses with max. 10 members
  • Zapier integration for more automation
  • Automatic clocking in and out features

Cons cons

  • Limited customization
  • The task management interface on mobile needs more improvement for easy navigation

 

Remofirst – Best for Global Workforce Management

Remofirst Logo

Free Trial Free Plan
Price From $25 per person/month
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Additional Services for Employee Benefits, More Country Coverage, Free Country Guide
Why We Picked It

Remofirst functionality is similar to Deel’s but stands out with its coverage for more countries. Remofirst serves over 180 countries. Its global workforce management solution helps global teams manage and pay employees. Also, Remofirst’s visa and immigration services empower you to hire expats and globally mobile employees in over 85+ countries.

These features are similar to Deel’s, but Remofirst does not offer employee training and career development like Deel.

Features

Remofirst supports you with several employee benefits such as financial benefits, equity, bonuses, equipment provision, and RemoHealth.

As a global workforce software, Remofirst provides organizations with an in-depth and easy-to-understand employment guide for over 180 countries. This is a knowledge base to help you understand each country’s employment, wage, statutory leave, termination laws, and other information to help you comply.

Remofirst conducts a comprehensive background check for your new hire to avoid hiring risks by conducting national ID, references, criminal, academic, and financial checks.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Remofirst’s pricing structure is similar to Deel’s but slightly less overwhelming.

  • Free Plan – $0/month
  • Pay Contractors – $25 per person/month
  • Employer of Record – $100 per person/month

Remofirst’s EOR plan covers everything a business needs to manage its global workforce. Its features include hiring support in over 180 countries, onboarding & termination HR guidance, payroll management,  and 24/7 support.

It offers a free plan to onboard and manage contractors but requires payment to pay contractors. There’s also an option to request a demo to see how its paid plans work before committing financially.

Who's It Best For?

Remofirst is a good workforce management solution for global teams that need an affordable option to manage their team and access employee benefits and health offers.

Pros pros

  • Offers additional employee benefits
  • Supports 180+ countries
  • Good customer support
  • Easy platform navigation

Cons cons

  • Limited integrations
  • No time-tracking tool
  • No employee-self service option

 

Arcoro – Best for Construction Companies

Arcoro Logo

Free Trial Demo
Price From Custom
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Comprehensive HR Modules, Legal Services, Succession Planning
Why We Picked It

Arcoro is a dedicated workforce management software that helps construction companies streamline their HR processes. It offers features similar to Deel, Rippling, and Paycor. However, it stands out with its succession planning, which helps you discover standout employees and those who are fit for promotion. It uses the 9-box talent matrix to score employee performance.

Features

Right from hiring and managing to growing your team, Arcoro provides you with the tools to make your HR processes smarter, taking off the complex parts. For instance, by using Arcoro’s ExakTime, you can easily track workers’ time while they are on the field while you get real-time data on your device.

Instead of paying a hefty amount for legal advice, you can access an affordable legal service by integrating myHRcounsel into your Arcoro HR software subscription. Also, having all information in one location ensures you are in charge and prevents data transfer errors.

I love Arcoro’s applicant tracking system, which simplifies the hiring process for HR by automatically posting to national, local, niche job boards and other fee-based boards. It also automates career page creation, giving you more time to attend to other job activities.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Arcoro price information is not available on the website. Users need to contact sales support for the price that matches their business needs.

Who's It Best For?

Arcoro is a good HR solution for construction companies that need to modernize their management processes.

Pros pros

  • Construction company-specific features
  • Offers integrated legal service
  • Field-based time-tracking
  • Easy to use platform and app

Cons cons

  • Limited scalability for large business
  • It may not be suitable for non-construction organizations
  • Limited integrations

 

ExakTime Time & Attendance – Best for Field Workers

ExaktTime-Logo

Free Trial Demo
Price From $9/month billed annually + monthly base fee
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Who’s Clocked In Map, Mobile Device Management, Safety Reporting Forms
Why We Picked It

ExakTime is a time-focused workforce management software from Arcoro’s stable. It offers a simple application with GPS and photo ID capture to capture employees’ real-time location. I love its mobile workforce management app, which helps track employees’ devices.

Alternatively, it offers an on-site clock that can handle tough conditions and that employees can use to log in. Its other exciting features are Spanish and French options, 40+ instant reports, meal break sign-off, and tracking.

Features

On the backend, you can access a map-like dashboard showing every employee’s clock-in data and their location. This feature provides a quick summary of your workforce productivity.

The equipment tracking feature allows you to monitor where your equipment is being used, who is using it, and for how long. This helps in understanding equipment utilization and ensuring it is being used efficiently.

Right on the app, your employees can record their safety condition using the safety reporting forms while you have compiled data on safety, injury, or accidents in the office. This update makes documenting accidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions easy.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

ExakTime provides companies with flexible price plans that are available in three tiers.

  • Advanced – $9 per employee/moth billed annually + monthly base fee
  • Premium – Custom
  • Elite – Custom

The Advanced plan is for those who need basic time tracking features such as time and attendance tracking, GPS tracking and geofencing, and meal break tracking and notifications. This plan should suffice for many business needs. However, businesses can request custom solutions on each plan.

Who's It Best For?

ExakTime is suitable for field workers, general contractors, businesses with mobile workforces, and construction businesses that need to track worker hours, manage job sites, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Pros pros

  •  Suitable hardware for demanding job sites
  • Integrates with other business solutions
  • Offers GPS tracking
  • Easy to use for beginners

Cons cons

  • Its features are only suitable for field workers
  • It does not offer onboarding features

 

ADP Workforce Now – Best for International Teams Payroll

ADP Logo

Free Trial 3-months
Price From Custom
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features Built-in Tax Management and Compliance Expertise, Salary Benchmarks, Powerful Dashboard
Why We Picked It

ADP Workforce Now is a versatile HCM solution designed for businesses of all sizes, providing a comprehensive suite for talent acquisition, employee management, and international payroll. Its cloud-based HR software automates payroll and ensures compliance across various jurisdictions, making it ideal for international teams.

By integrating with time tracking, scheduling, and performance management tools, ADP Workforce Now centralizes workforce operations. Its scalability and real-time data access help businesses efficiently manage their workforce lifecycle, from hiring to retirement.

Features

I love ADP WorkForce Now built-in tax management that automates tax calculation and deduction, ensuring accuracy and compliance. It has built-in error detection with expert regulatory support in every state. It will also offer you online reporting to access current tax rates and your level of compliance.

So many times, large organizations spend time determining the right salary for a new hire. However, with ADP WorkForce Now salary benchmarks, you can understand what other companies offer and how much you should offer to retain the best talent.

Another fantastic feature of ADP WorkForce Now is the powerful dashboard that supports employee self-service and executive insights. With the self-service, your employees can access pay stubs, Forms W-2, time and attendance, and more. This reduces admins’ workload.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

ADP WorkForce Now offers customizable solutions, facilitating payment flexibility for business needs. You must fill out a form via the website to get the actual price that fits your needs. While there’s no free forever plan, ADP WorkForce Now offers a generous 3-month free trial to explore the software.

Also, you can request a custom demo, launch an interactive demo, or watch a 1-minute video to see ADP WorkForce Now in action without signing up.

Who's It Best For?

ADP WorkForce Now is a suitable solution for global teams that want to streamline their payroll and HR processes.

Pros pros

  • Offers a 3-month free trial
  • It’s a multifunctional HCM system
  • Tax law compliance in 140+ countries
  • Automatic payment processing

Cons cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Its comprehensive features may overwhelm new users

 

Veriato – Best for Risk Management & Employee Monitoring

Veriato-Logo

Free Trial Demo
Price From Custom
Live Chat Yes
Top 3 Features User Activity Monitoring, Insider Risk Management, Employee Productivity
Why We Picked It

Veriato is a generative AI-powered security solution that helps organizations predict insider risk, monitor employee activities through critical variables, and determine productivity.

While it is suitable for all company settings, this platform is perfect for hybrid or remote organizations that must closely monitor members’ activity on their devices. Its functionality is similar to Rippling’s IT module but more dedicated and comprehensive than Rippling.

Features

Veriato uses GenAI-driven risk scoring, sentiment analysis, and pattern identification to trace and spot potential insider risks that may expose an organization to cyber threats. Also, leveraging other advanced metrics allows the platform to manage insider risks.

Security-sensitive organizations will particularly benefit from Veriato’s flawless to help them monitor user activity. The system tracks email, chat, web browsing, and application use.

It also helps you quickly spot unproductive behaviors by monitoring over 60 activities. It lets you quickly discover quiet-quitting behaviors and low employee engagement and optimize inefficient workflows that may impact your productivity.

All Included Features
Unlimited users on at least 1 plan
Mobile app
Integrations
Document handling
Analytics/Reporting
Employee self-service
Talent management
Onboarding
Benefits management
Time tracking
Employee scheduling
Payroll
Payroll reporting
Global capabilities
Pricing

Veriato’s pricing structure is based on the product needed and the number of users; however, the more users there are, the higher the discount rate. Therefore, to understand the price, you need to contact the sales team and fill in some information to get a customized quote for your business requirements.

Who's It Best For?

Veriato is the best workforce management software for businesses in high-security fields that require the best risk management and employee monitoring software.

Pros pros

  • Supports multi-device tracking across up to 8 devices
  • Offers workplace investigation
  • Helps in mitigating insider attack risk
  • Easy to navigate

Cons cons

  • Focuses more on IT solutions than the regular HR and payroll
  • There’s no iOS mobile app

Best Workforce Management Platforms: Comparison Chart

The table below provides a detailed comparison and concise overview of the critical features of workforce management software.

Platform Best For Free Trial Starting Price Top Features
Deel Global Compliance Management Yes $19/employee/month HR-admin Customization, Document Management, Compliance Monitor
Rippling Remote Teams Demo $8/month per employee Dedicated IT Module, Device Management, Learning Management
Paycor Multifunctional Solution Yes, 1 month Custom Seamless Integration, Accurate Timekeeping, Scheduling
Replicon Time-Tracking 14-day free trial $6/month/user Automated Timesheet, Dynamic Approvals, Advanced Time Clock
Connecteam Organizations with Multiple Branches 14-day free trial $29/month Mobile Admin Capabilities, GPS Geolocation Stamps, Employee Task Management
Remofirst Global Workforce Management Yes $25 per person/month Additional Services for Employee Benefits, More Country Coverage, Free Country Guide
Arcoro Construction Companies Demo Custom-based Comprehensive HR Modules, Legal Services, Succession Planning
ExakTime Time & Attendance Field Workers Demo $9/month billed annually + monthly base fee Who’s Clocked In Map, Mobile Device Management, Safety Reporting Forms
ADP Workforce Now International Team Payroll 3-month free Custom-based Built-in Tax Management and Compliance Expertise, Salary Benchmarks, Powerful Dashboard
Veriato Risk Management & Employee Monitoring Demo Custom-based User Activity Monitoring, Insider Risk Management, Employee Productivity
Jotform HR Management App Free $34/month No Coding, Easy Usage, Store Builder
Paylocity Automating Time and Labor Processes Demo Custom-based Talent Management, Benefits Administration, Recognition & Rewards
Oracle HCM Cloud Task Management Demo Custom-based Workforce Scheduling, Wellness & Balance, Global Best Practices
UZIO Affordable HRIS Solution No $4.50/month/employee Document Management, Compliance, Team of Tax Consultants
SAP SuccessFactors Human Capital Management No Custom-based Unpredictable Market Analysis, Project Tracking, Intelligent Automation
SyncHR Manufacturing Company No Custom-based Performance Management Recruitment, Vacation & Sick Leave
Keka HR Improving Employee Experience 7-day $9/month/employee Automation, Performance Reviews, Employee Engagement
BlueYonder Optimizing Staff Levels Demo Custom-based Sales & Operations Optimization, Employee Engagement, Compliance Management
ClickUp Multiple Workforce Templates Free $7/user/month Collaborative Docs, Sprint Management, Agile Reporting
Remote Self-Service Onboarding 30-day free trial $20/contractor/month Self-Service Onboarding Portal, Digital Document Submission, Bilingual Contracts
Papaya Global Bulk Onboarding Demo $30/contractor/month Bulk Onboarding, Integration with HR Tools, Contractors, Contract Generator
Zoho Recruit Talent Acquisition 15-day free trial $20.84 /user/month billed annually Candidate Sourcing, Premium Job Boards, AI Candidate Matching
Homebase Simplifying Scheduling 14-day free trial $20/location/month

unlimited employees

Point-of-sale Integration, Labor Cost Management, Advanced Scheduling
Calabrio Workforce Management AI-Powered Forecasting and Automated Scheduling Demo Custom Omnichannel Scheduling, Predictive Forecasting, Workflow Automation
Alvaria Workforce Engagement Suite Workforce Engagement Management Demo Custom Gamification & Motivation Tools, KPI Management, Quality Management
Methodology

How We Review And Test HR Products

To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular HR products on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

  • Features: We examine each product’s features to determine what capabilities are offered, and how well it performs crucial HR management tasks, such as tracking a sick leave.
  • Integrations: We evaluate the integrations of each piece of HR software to determine how well it fits in with other key pieces in a business’s software stack, and whether its functionality can be expanded as required.
  • User Experience: Usability is paramount when it comes to HR software. That’s why we put ourselves in the shoes of a new user, testing each platform to gain a firsthand understanding if the platform is easy to use or requires onboarding.
  • Price and Value for Money: Our approach to pricing involves a thorough review of the structure and plans offered by each platform. Beyond just the initial cost, we delve into the details to assess affordability and value for money.
  • Security: We dig into the security policies of each company, interrogating the safeguards they have in place to ensure the software protects user data properly.
  • Compliance: A critical requirement for most HR departments, we assess HR software on whether it offers local compliance when it comes to payroll, taxes, and more.
  • Reporting and Documentation: We look at the reporting and documentation capabilities of each software to make sure they offer comprehensive data sets, takeaways, and collaboration options for documentation.

What is Workforce Management Software?

Workforce management software is a solution that helps organizations manage their workforce compliance, time, productivity, and engagement in one platform.

Workforce management (WFM) tools can perform all these functions at the snap of a finger by automating and offering advanced customization.

These solutions are for admins who need intuitive and comprehensive software to streamline their job processes. People like HR professionals, managers, supervisors, payroll managers, and large enterprises across different industries use/need workforce management software.

Main Benefits of Workforce Management Software

There are over a thousand benefits attached to using workforce management software. Below are the top 5 benefits.

  • Improved productivity – HR/admins need more time to attend to every business activity, and with the help of a WFM platform, they can automate certain tasks. Instead of accessing data manually or on multiple platforms, they can quickly access the needed data in one location and make data-driven decisions.
  • Business tools integration – It’s common for workforce management software to offer multiple functionality, making them a good option for accessing an integrated business solution. For example, Rippling offers payroll, HR, spending, and IT modules, allowing users to pay for any solution.
  • Reduced admin labor cost – Imagine hiring many HR specialists with expertise in solutions that a workforce management solution can offer. With a WFM tool, you can cut managerial hiring costs by training the available HR professionals on the tool’s functionality.
  • Consolidated real-time reporting – Because you have all the data in one location, you can easily consolidate available data to build a custom real-time report that includes attendance, productivity, overtime, and labor costs. This allows you to identify trends, forecast staffing needs, and make proactive decisions.
  • Centralized compliance management – The software ensures compliance with labor laws and industry regulations across different sources. Having all these sources in one system, you can quickly access and spot differences and act accordingly.

How Much Does a Workforce Management System Cost?

The cost of a workforce management system varies, depending on factors such as business size, features needed, and the complexity of the software. However, the fee could range from $8 monthly per user for a basic solution to $50 monthly for an advanced solution. Some also offer custom prices and one-time implementation fees, which come at a high rate. Depending on the complexity, it could range from $100 to $1000.

Typical workforce management platform features include time and attendance tracking, employee scheduling, leave and absence management, reporting, payroll, and mobile access. Other extra features could be advanced reporting and analytics, integration with other systems, compliance management, automation, and customization.

For example, Replicon and Rippling are good ways to start if you need a basic, affordable option. These providers often include essential features like time tracking and scheduling, with more advanced features available at higher tiers.

It’s important to note that some hidden costs may increase your overall budget. Some hidden costs include implementation and setup fees, training/onboarding costs, customization add-ons, priority support, maintenance, and integrations.

Main Features of Workforce Management Software

Below are key features to look for in workforce management software.

  • Time and attendance tracking – This feature helps you manage employees’ availability and hours spent on projects. It also enables you to avoid time theft and fosters accountability.
  • Integrated Reporting – With this feature, you can efficiently collate every information needed for an easy-to-understand report in one place without manually inputting data. Access to relevant data in one place helps companies make valuable decisions to boost employee productivity.
  • System Integrations – Beyond the in-built comprehensive modules that workforce management software offers, you need more integration capabilities. This allows you to connect existing and future business tools.
  • Mobile Access – A workforce management solution with mobile accessibility allows team members to access information from anywhere.
  • Employee Self-Service – This feature facilitates transparency and collaboration among team members. With a self-service feature, employees can access and manage certain information on their devices without overburdening the admins.
  • Compliance Monitoring – As business operations run smoothly, it’s critical to keep monitoring compliance to avoid any legal issues. A workforce management software that automates compliance checks helps your organization respond quickly to changing laws.

Trends in Workforce Management Platforms for 2024

As technology keeps advancing, how employees work and what organizations need from their workforce management is changing. Here are some key trends impacting workforce management solutions 2024:

  • Generative AI and AutomationMcKinsey reports that automation and generative AI are transforming the job market, with predictions that they’ll cut work hours by 2030. Nowadays, every business tool, including workforce management systems, integrates AI to streamline processes and reduce manual tasks.
  • Upskilling and Career Development – Companies are always on the lookout for employees who are eager to learn, especially given the ongoing skill shortages and evolving business needs. Many modern workforce management systems now help with talent management throughout the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to retirement.
  • Cybersecurity and Compliance – Keeping up with cybersecurity and compliance is crucial for business progress. As these requirements evolve, workforce management tools now have built-in features to help monitor and adapt to changes, offering both basic and advanced security measures to protect data.
  • Enhanced Communication Tools – With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, it’s important for work tools to keep up. Today’s workforce management systems come with features like mobile access and live chat to boost team communication.
  • Advanced Analytics and Data-Driven Insights – Data is key for understanding and managing your team effectively. Advanced analytics in workforce management systems allow HR departments to make smart decisions, track employee engagement, and manage performance and career development.

How to Choose the Best Workforce Management Software

Choosing the best workforce management software requires a lot of attention. Consider the following when selecting a workforce management tool.

BudgetEase of UseCompatibilityKey FeaturesScalabilityCustomer Support
Understand how much you’re willing to spend and align it with the chosen plan regarding functionality. Ensure your budget covers all the features you need.
Evaluate the selected provider for usability. This is critical to ensure the system doesn’t require a hefty setup or training before your employees will understand its usage.
It’s important to understand if a selected provider has a mobile app across all plans because some providers may make this option available only on higher tiers. Since you may want employees to access the tool on the go, confirm its compatibility across popular operating systems.
Evaluate your organizational key features for a workforce management system and ensure these features are available on your budgeted plan. Understand features that are only available on higher-tier plans.
Calculate the cost to scale with the chosen provider and confirm if the extra functionality you need to scale is available with the selected provider.
What are the customer support channels and hours of availability? Consider each provider’s cons and pros, as we highlighted in this review, so you can fully understand their support reliability.

FAQs

What’s the difference between workforce management and workforce planning?

Are workforce management systems safe?

Who is workforce management software for?

Is workforce management part of HR?

Are there other ways to manage a workforce?

John Iwuozor
Tech Writer
John Iwuozor
Tech Writer

John Iwuozor is a writer at Techopedia with over three years of experience and expertise covering topics on HR, business software, IT security, and finance for small and medium-sized businesses. His work has been featured on reputable platforms like Forbes Advisor and EsecurityPlanet. Leveraging his background in mathematics and data analysis, he specializes in delivering original and high-quality content with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.