Finding the right shift planning app can save you countless hours of administrative headaches.
Managing employee schedules through outdated methods like spreadsheets or paper calendars often leads to confusion, miscommunication, and wasted time. Smart managers recognise that effective scheduling directly impacts productivity, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.
The market offers numerous solutions, each with unique capabilities designed to address specific scheduling challenges. From basic roster creation to advanced time tracking and payroll integration, these tools have evolved to meet diverse business needs.
As we head into 2025, the landscape of scheduling software continues to advance with AI-powered features and improved mobile functionality. We've evaluated the top contenders to help you make an informed decision.
This guide examines 15 standout shift planning apps, comparing their features, advantages, limitations, pricing structures, and ideal use cases. Whether you manage a small retail team or coordinate complex healthcare schedules, you'll find options tailored to your requirements.
Deputy stands as a comprehensive workforce management platform that combines scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools in one system. Trusted by 385,000+ workplaces globally [1], this shift planning app offers solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Deputy key features
Deputy's standout feature is its AI-powered auto-scheduling that creates optimised schedules with a single click, factoring in sales forecasts, demand fluctuations, and labour laws [2]. The platform also offers labour costing that provides real-time data on wages versus sales, helping managers control costs effectively.
The app includes open shifts functionality where managers can share available shifts instantly via the Deputy app, filling them on a first-come basis or selecting the most suitable staff [1]. Additionally, its break planning feature simplifies meal and rest break compliance by scheduling multiple break types within shifts [1].
For remote teams, Deputy allows scheduling management from any location through mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android [1].
Deputy pros and cons
Pros:
AI-powered scheduling reduces time spent creating rosters from hours to minutes [2]
Seamless integration with major payroll systems like ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks [3]
Real-time communication through News Feed for team updates [3]
Compliance tools for break management and overtime prevention [1]
Premium Plan: £4.76 per user/month billed monthly or £3.97 billed annually (16% saving) [5]
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for businesses with 250+ employees [4]
All plans come with a 31-day free trial without requiring credit card information [3].
Deputy best for
Deputy excels in industries with shift-based workforces, particularly retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing[4]. It's well-suited for businesses needing to optimise scheduling based on sales forecasts, manage labour costs, and ensure compliance with labour laws [3].
Small to mid-sized businesses benefit most from Deputy's combination of user-friendly interface and powerful automation features [3].
Homebase functions as an all-in-one platform for hourly team management, trusted by over 100,000 small businesses across various industries [6]. The shift planning app streamlines scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team communication in a single, user-friendly system.
Homebase key features
Homebase offers drag-and-drop shift scheduling that lets you create schedules by employee, role, or time period efficiently [7]. The auto-scheduling feature copies previous schedules, saving significant time while accommodating your team's availability [8].
The platform provides shift swap management where employees can request trades directly through the free mobile app [8]. Its time clock functionality transforms any device into a time tracker, calculating hours worked, overtime, and breaks [7].
Another notable feature is the team communication system that enables real-time messaging with individuals or groups [8]. The app sends automatic shift reminders via text, email, and app notifications to reduce no-shows [7].
Homebase pros and cons
Pros:
Free plan available for single locations with up to 10 employees [8]
Mobile app accessibility for both managers and staff [6]
POS integration for sales forecasting and labour cost management [8]
Automated notifications for schedule changes and upcoming shifts [7]
Cons:
Per-location pricing model becomes costly for multi-location businesses [1]
Limited customization for complex scheduling requirements [1]
Occasional mobile app loading delays and crashes [1]
Payroll available only as an add-on across all plans [8]
Homebase pricing
Homebase offers four pricing tiers:
Basic: Free for 1 location with up to 10 employees [8]
Essentials: £19.06 per location/month (unlimited employees) [8]
Plus: £44.47 per location/month (unlimited employees) [8]
All-in-One: £76.24 per location/month (unlimited employees) [8]
Payroll is available as an add-on for £30.97/month base fee plus £4.76/month per employee paid [8].
Homebase best for
Homebase works exceptionally well for small businesses with single locations, especially in retail, hospitality, and food service sectors [1]. The platform suits businesses with hourly workers facing fluctuating customer volumes [1].
First thing to remember, organisations with fewer than 50 employees benefit most from Homebase's straightforward interface and comprehensive feature set [1]. Moreover, businesses with seasonal workforces or high turnover rates find substantial value in its hiring and onboarding tools [1].
7shifts focuses exclusively on the restaurant industry, offering specialised scheduling and workforce management tools. On average, this shift planning app saves restaurant managers 14 hours per month on scheduling tasks [9].
7shifts key features
Auto-scheduler uses AI and machine learning to adapt to your restaurant's workflow, predicting sales based on historical data and recommending optimal labour schedules [3]. The shift pooling feature lets employees bid for available shifts, with automatic schedule updates once managers approve requests [3].
In-app messaging enables both one-on-one and group communications, while automated break alerts notify staff when rest periods are required [3]. The manager logbook helps document important shift details, track issues, and archive operational data for future reference [3].
Time tracking through the 7Punches system allows staff to clock in and out during shifts, with timesheet integration to payroll systems [3]. Hiring tools help you recruit, track, and onboard candidates directly from online job boards [3].
Gourmet: £107.21 per location monthly (annual billing) [4]
All paid plans offer a 14-day free trial without requiring credit card information [4].
7shifts best for
7shifts serves restaurants looking to move beyond paper schedules, spreadsheets, and manual processes [3]. Subsequently, independent restaurants, franchises, and growing hospitality groups benefit most from its industry-specific features [3].
The platform works particularly well for businesses with fluctuating customer volumes, as its forecasting tools help match staffing to demand [5]. Furthermore, restaurants needing labour compliance monitoring and team communication tools find significant value in the system [5].
Connecteam serves as an all-in-one shift planning app designed specifically for deskless teams. With a market valuation expected to reach GBP 84,989.98 million by 2031, this platform represents a 251.67% increase in market value [2].
Connecteam key features
The intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler allows managers to create schedules by simply moving employees' names into position. The auto-scheduling feature creates conflict-free schedules in seconds by considering employee qualifications, availability, and preferences [7].
Shift swapping enables employees to exchange shifts with a single click from their mobile devices, pending manager approval [2]. Once approved, the system automatically updates schedules and notifies affected staff [2].
The app offers task attachments where managers can add forms, checklists, and images to shifts that employees see upon clocking in [2]. Break management automatically alerts employees about required breaks and potential overtime, helping maintain compliance with labour laws [2].
Time off management lets employees request leave through the app, with automatic schedule updates following approval [2]. The system also features automatic conflict detection that identifies scheduling errors such as overlapping shifts or insufficient rest periods [7].
Free-for-life plan for businesses with up to 10 users [7]
Basic: GBP 23.03/month for first 30 users plus GBP 0.40 for each additional user [1]
Advanced: GBP 38.91/month for first 30 users plus GBP 1.19 for each additional user [1]
Expert: GBP 78.62/month for first 30 users plus GBP 2.38 for each additional user [1]
Enterprise: Custom pricing with additional features [1]
All paid plans offer a 14-day free trial without credit card requirements [7].
Connecteam best for
Connecteam excels for businesses with deskless and mobile workforces across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and construction sectors [1]. The platform works exceptionally well for organisations seeking to eliminate manual scheduling processes [7].
Small to medium-sized businesses benefit most from its combination of affordability and comprehensive features [12]. Companies with complex scheduling requirements also find value in its automatic conflict detection and compliance tools [7].
Designed for small to midsize businesses, ZoomShift delivers a straightforward approach to employee scheduling and time management, trusted by over 20,000 businesses [13].
ZoomShift key features
Drag-and-drop scheduler enables managers to create daily, weekly, or monthly schedules quickly through an intuitive visual interface [8]. The copy schedule function allows for template creation, significantly reducing time spent on repetitive scheduling tasks [6].
Forecasting tools help monitor labour costs in real-time, alerting managers when schedules exceed budget limits [6]. The time tracking system operates through web and mobile time clocks without requiring additional hardware, with options for GPS tracking and IP address whitelisting [13].
Team communication supports private, group, and company-wide messaging with read status indicators, ensuring important updates reach all staff members [13]. Break tracking monitors employee rest periods, although it lacks automatic enforcement for strict compliance environments [6].
ZoomShift pros and cons
Pros:
User-friendly interface rated 4.5/5 for ease-of-use [14]
Automatic schedule reminders via text, push, and email [13]
Mobile app requires internet connection, limiting use in remote areas [6]
Break tracking lacks enforcement for strict compliance needs [6]
Limited ability to change availability for specific dates [14]
Free plan restricts scheduling to two weeks in advance [15]
ZoomShift pricing
ZoomShift offers three pricing tiers:
Essentials: Free for up to 20 users with basic scheduling [15]
Starter: £1.59 per active team member monthly with time tracking and shift swaps [8]
Premium: £3.18 per active team member monthly with additional features like overtime warnings [8]
Enterprise: Custom pricing with priority support and API access [8]
All paid plans come with a 14-day free trial, no credit card required [15].
ZoomShift best for
ZoomShift works exceptionally well for retail shops, restaurants, and food service businesses [13]. In fact, smaller organisations with straightforward scheduling needs find the platform particularly valuable [6].
The app suits businesses seeking to transition from spreadsheets to digital scheduling without a steep learning curve [16]. Altogether, industries like hospitality, healthcare, security, and education benefit from its streamlined approach to workforce management [13].
Shiftboard operates as a highly configurable shift planning app specifically designed for complex scheduling environments. This software solution has supported approximately 740 million scheduled shifts and provided the employment pipeline for more than £63.53 billion in wages earned [9].
Shiftboard key features
Intelligent scheduling automation adapts to each plant or unit's specific needs, ensuring optimal shift coverage even as operating conditions change [9]. The always-on optimisation engine identifies overlooked coverage possibilities, allowing operations to flex resources during unexpected changes [5].
Workforce engagement tools support worker preferences, resulting in higher satisfaction and retention rates [5]. Compliance engines with robust auditing capabilities come with the industry's only compliance guarantee, automatically enforcing rules like PHMSA CFR 49 and API RP 755 guidelines [5].
Shift bidding and trading allows eligible employees to bid for shift openings on demand or trade shifts with colleagues [5]. The built-in absence management streamlines leave approval processes while automatically updating schedules and backfilling vacancies [5].
Shiftboard pros and cons
Pros:
Configurable to match site-specific scheduling processes [5]
Lite: £35.74 per month for up to 35 employees [11]
Standard: £95.30 per month for up to 70 employees [11]
Plus: £219.19 per month for up to 125 employees [11]
For larger organisations, plans previously started around £2.38 per user per month [11], though the minimum requirement now appears to be 100 employees [11].
Shiftboard best for
Shiftboard excels in industries with continuous operations, primarily manufacturing and energy sectors [9]. The platform works exceptionally well for organisations with complex worker search and prioritisation methods [9].
The software suits businesses implementing fatigue risk management, especially those needing compliance with regulations like PHMSA and API RP 755 [9]. Furthermore, companies with diverse scheduling processes across multiple units, departments, and sites gain significant value from its highly configurable automation [9].
Buddy Punch serves as a straightforward solution for tracking employee time, synchronising hours with payroll, and understanding business profitability without manual records or spreadsheets [4].
Buddy Punch key features
Time tracking allows employees to clock in/out using multiple methods like PIN, QR code, Face ID, or username/password [4]. The drag-and-drop scheduler builds work schedules in minutes while automatically notifying employees of published schedules and changes [3].
GPS tracking captures employee coordinates when they clock in/out, verifying their location [3]. For enhanced control, geofences restrict punching to authorised work areas, preventing off-site time entries [3].
Automatic breaks deduct rest periods from total hours based on customizable rules, ensuring accurate payroll calculations [3]. Furthermore, overtime alerts notify managers when employees approach overtime thresholds, helping control unexpected labour costs [3].
Buddy Punch pros and cons
Pros:
Simple, user-friendly interface rated 4.8/5 for ease-of-use [17]
Flexible payment structure where you only pay for features needed [4]
Optional add-ons range from £0.79 to £4.76 per user/month, with scheduling available at £0.79 per user/month [18].
Buddy Punch best for
Buddy Punch works effectively for construction and field service businesses through its job codes feature, which assigns employees to specific projects [21]. Consequently, retail shops with multiple locations benefit from location-specific scheduling capabilities [3].
Medium-sized businesses appreciate the balance between affordability and comprehensive features. Above all, companies concerned with time theft prevention gain value from its accountability tools like webcam photos and GPS tracking [3].
Factorial blends HR management with robust shift planning capabilities, offering an integrated solution for businesses that need to manage personnel alongside scheduling. This shift planning app serves over 13,000 companies worldwide with a 4.5/5 rating [12].
Factorial key features
Shift management in bulk enables managers to create multiple shifts simultaneously, saving considerable time when preparing work schedules [12]. The platform offers rotating shifts functionality for businesses with cyclical scheduling patterns, automatically generating repeating schedules [12].
The coverage view feature helps visualise staffing levels across different time periods, identifying potential gaps or overlaps [12]. For location verification, Factorial provides geolocation and QR tracking to ensure employees clock in from designated workplaces [12].
Factorial's time off management system handles unlimited policies and custom absence types, giving businesses flexibility to accommodate various leave requirements [12]. Meanwhile, the overtime compensation feature tracks extra hours worked and calculates appropriate payments [12].
Factorial pros and cons
Pros:
Comprehensive HR platform with extensive features beyond scheduling [1]
Transparent communication of schedules to team members [1]
Integrates with tools like Sage, LinkedIn, and Slack [1]
Automation of administrative tasks saves up to 60% of working hours [12]
Cons:
Advanced features may require additional setup time [1]
Factorial works effectively for medium to large enterprises needing both HR and scheduling capabilities [1]. Companies with remote workforces benefit from its mobile accessibility, rated 4.7/5 by 30,000 users [12].
Notable clients using Factorial indeed include NOBU and Marriott International [1]. Accordingly, businesses seeking to automate administrative tasks gain value from its comprehensive suite of tools that centralise employee management functions [24].
Known for its Excel-like simplicity, Findmyshift delivers intuitive shift planning that requires minimal training. Since its launch in 2004, this shift planning app has hosted more than 200 million shifts for thousands of businesses worldwide [25].
Findmyshift key features
The drag-and-drop scheduler resembles a spreadsheet interface where creating shifts is as simple as clicking a cell and typing times [2]. Its web-based time clock records when employees are actually on-site, providing precise timekeeping down to the second [7].
Real-time reporting allows managers to track employee hours and labour costs as schedules develop [7]. For team coordination, automated notifications send shift reminders and schedule changes via email, text message, or push notification [7].
The time off management system enables online requests with automatic schedule updates upon approval [7]. Additionally, shift requests and swaps let staff request, cancel, or exchange shifts with colleagues [26].
Findmyshift pros and cons
Pros:
Excel-like interface makes it easy for spreadsheet users to adapt [2]
Free forever for teams of 5 or fewer employees [27]
Starter: £19.85 per month for teams up to 20 members [27]
Business: £31.77 per month for teams up to 100 members [29]
Enterprise: £63.53 per month for teams up to 300 members [29]
Unlike other providers, Findmyshift charges per team rather than per user, making it cost-effective for larger groups [30].
Findmyshift best for
Findmyshift works exceptionally well for small businesses transitioning from spreadsheets to digital scheduling [2]. Equally important, retail shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities benefit from its straightforward approach [29].
Organisations with less tech-savvy managers appreciate the familiar Excel-like interface [30]. Therefore, businesses seeking simplicity over advanced features find Findmyshift's minimalist design particularly valuable [6].
With over 200,000 workplaces across 50 countries relying on its services, When I Work offers a robust shift planning app that streamlines scheduling, time tracking, and team communication [14].
When I Work key features
Employee scheduling enables managers to build entire work schedules in one click through the Auto Scheduling function [14]. The system sends shift confirmations from employees and instantly notifies staff of published schedules and changes [14].
Time clock transforms any device into a time tracking system, helping prevent buddy punching through mobile device clock-ins or photo verification [15]. The app enforces early clock-in prevention to control labour costs by aligning actual hours with scheduled times [15].
Team messaging allows communication without sharing phone numbers, so managers can notify frontline workers of changes instantly [15]. The platform supports labour forecasting by importing labour data to maximise scheduling efficiency [15].
Break management provides reporting for paid and unpaid breaks, which helps with compliance management [15]. For businesses with multiple locations, labour share cost-effectively matches capacity across sites with borrowed employees [15].
When I Work serves businesses of various sizes, yet works exceptionally well for retail, hospitality, and service industries [15]. Small to mid-sized businesses benefit from its balance of simplicity and powerful features [15].
The app proves valuable for companies needing to reduce overtime costs through real-time alerts [15]. On top of that, organisations with multiple locations gain advantages from its permissions structure for regional managers [15].
Sling simplifies employee scheduling with an intuitive platform that streamlines shift planning, time tracking, and team communication. This shift planning app offers a generous free plan for up to 30 users, making it an attractive option for startups and small teams [5].
Sling key features
Shift scheduling lets managers organise employee work schedules with drag-and-drop functionality for quick roster creation [5]. The platform offers shift templates to save time by reusing weekly schedule formats [5]. For larger operations, auto-assigning automatically allocates shifts based on availability and qualifications [5].
Time tracking comes in two forms: mobile time tracking for clocking in/out from personal devices and kiosk time tracking for shared devices [5]. The system supports geofencing to ensure employees clock in from designated locations [5].
Team communication features newsfeed pages for sharing updates, alongside private and group messaging options that don't require sharing personal contact details [5]. The app provides labour cost management tools that track expenses against sales data, helping prevent excessive overtime [5].
Sling pros and cons
Pros:
Free plan includes essential scheduling features for up to 30 users [5]
User-friendly mobile-first design rated highly for ease of use [10]
Cost-effective paid plans compared to competitors [10]
Sling works effectively for small to medium-sized businesses, primarily in restaurants and retail sectors [10]. Given that Sling was acquired by Toast, it offers excellent value for food service operations [33]. The platform suits businesses with hourly employees who need shift swap flexibility and transparent communication [34].
Agendrix serves as a comprehensive online workforce management solution that reduces schedule management time by 50% on average [35]. This shift planning app centralises scheduling, time tracking, and team communication within a single platform for businesses seeking efficiency.
Agendrix key features
The drag-and-drop scheduler enables managers to build schedules in just a few clicks with automatic shift length calculations [11]. Shift seen confirmation tracks whether employees have viewed their assigned shifts, helping prevent missed workdays [9].
Centralised staffing management collates employee positions, availability, and time-off requests in one system [9]. For filling vacancies, the open shifts function notifies qualified employees instantly about available work opportunities [9].
The app offers multiple time clock options, allowing staff to punch in/out via iPad, Android tablet, PC, or mobile devices [9]. Its professional communication tools replace scattered personal messaging apps with dedicated one-on-one and group chat rooms [9].
HR management capabilities help streamline employee onboarding, document storage, and staff surveys [9]. The platform provides automated alerts when scheduling conflicts occur, such as simultaneous shifts or ignored availability [11].
75% of managers note improved employee autonomy [9]
Cons:
No mobile app for managers according to some users [3]
Terminology can be confusing initially (positions, functions, etc.) [3]
Some exported reports are difficult to use in Excel [3]
Requires internet connection for full functionality
Agendrix pricing
Agendrix offers two primary pricing plans:
Essential: Basic scheduling, communication, and request management [11]
Plus: Everything in Essential plus HR management, surveys, and permission customization [11]
Both plans come with a 21-day free trial without requiring credit card information [11]. For businesses in Europe, SEPA direct debits are accepted as a payment method [11].
Specific pricing from third-party sources indicates costs ranging from £2.34 to £3.53 per user monthly [36]. Annual subscriptions receive a 10% discount [11].
Agendrix best for
Agendrix works effectively for restaurants, retailers, retirement homes, and hospitality businesses [9]. Notably, the platform excels for businesses transitioning from paper-based scheduling to digital solutions [37].
Companies with frontline workers benefit from its mobile accessibility and communication tools [9]. Furthermore, businesses requiring customised HR information find value in its ability to philtre schedules based on employee skills, certifications, and qualifications [11].
The software suits organisations across various sizes, from small single-location operations to multi-site businesses seeking to standardise workforce management [3].
Planday functions as a workforce management platform that helps shift-based businesses reduce administrative time by 80% and staffing costs by 5% [38]. The shift planning app connects managers with staff through intuitive scheduling tools and mobile accessibility.
Planday key features
The shift swap system allows workers to easily exchange, handover, or sell upcoming shifts with colleagues [17]. Fast communication enables managers to text or message employees directly through the app [17]. For time management, accurate time tracking lets staff clock in for upcoming shifts using the app dashboard [17].
Staff members can see all detailed schedule information for their shifts right from the mobile interface [17]. The app records availability preferences so managers can view when employees prefer to work and why [17]. Workers can submit vacation requests within the app, streamlining time-off management [17].
Planday pros and cons
Pros:
Cuts schedule creation time from a full day to about an hour [38]
Streamlined scheduling with drag-and-drop functionality [39]
Provides complete oversight of employee availability [39]
Improves team communication through the mobile app [39]
Planday works exceptionally well for hospitality businesses like restaurants, bars, and cafes where fluctuating peak hours demand quick adjustments [19]. Retail shops with part-time workers benefit from its ability to adapt to changing foot traffic patterns [19].
The platform serves healthcare facilities by coordinating shifts across diverse roles while ensuring compliance with labour laws [19]. Educational institutions use Planday to organise schedules for part-time lecturers and staff with irregular hours [19].
Rated 4.8/5 on G2, Workfeed simplifies employee scheduling through an intuitive platform that builds schedules in minutes rather than hours [4]. This shift planning app, trusted by 1500+ businesses, helps managers track labour costs while keeping teams informed.
Workfeed key features
Auto-assign functionality assigns employees to open shifts based on their availability, hours, skills, and regulations with just one click [23]. The demand forecasting tool leverages historical data to predict ideal staffing needs, considering factors like revenue, bookings, and even weather predictions [4].
Shift swapping allows employees to request trades directly through the app, pending manager approval [4]. For time management, time clock features enable staff to punch in/out upon arrival at work, with all hours sent for manager approval [4].
Templates let you save schedules for reuse, eliminating the need to start from scratch each time [4]. The activity logs track all changes on individual shifts, while the integrated chat feature keeps communications organised by shift [4].
Workfeed serves businesses with hourly employees across hospitality, retail, and healthcare sectors [42]. The platform works exceptionally well for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees [41].
Small teams looking to leave spreadsheets behind benefit from its straightforward approach [43]. Furthermore, businesses seeking to save on admin costs find value—some users report saving at least GBP 2382.48 monthly [4].
Rippling serves as a unified shift planning app that integrates workforce management, HR, IT, and finance into one comprehensive system. The platform has earned the highest user experience ratings in the HRIS space for its modern interface and automation capabilities [44].
Rippling key features
Drag-and-drop scheduling enables managers to create shift plans quickly while setting rules for breaks, overtime limits, and employee preferences [45]. The system offers automatic shift assignment based on staff availability, job roles, and business requirements [45]. For time management, real-time attendance tracking monitors hours worked down to the second [45].
The app provides seamless payroll integration that eliminates manual calculations by synchronising scheduled and worked hours directly with payroll [45]. Compliance enforcement automatically applies overtime, meal breaks, and labour laws based on each employee's work location [12]. Team communication sends instant notifications about schedule updates and changes [45].
Labour cost monitoring flags shifts that result in overtime or extra pay, routing them for additional approval [46]. The platform also supports custom scheduling policies specific to company staffing needs [46].
Rippling pros and cons
Pros:
Combines global payroll, HR, IT, and spend management in one system [45]
Reduces labour costs by centralising workforce management [12]
Provides real-time data on attendance and hours worked [12]
Offers over 600 integrations with third-party software [47]
Cons:
Premium pricing structure compared to competitors [24]
Complex modular approach can lead to higher-than-expected costs [22]
Limited pricing transparency without direct demo [22]
Reports of unexpected charges from some users [22]
Rippling pricing
Rippling uses a modular pricing approach:
Core HR platform: £16.68-29 per employee per month [24]
IT management features: £3.97-20 per employee per month [24]
Implementation fee: 5-15% of annual software fees [24]
Pricing varies based on selected modules, with basic payroll costing around £158.83 monthly [48]. The platform offers four versions: Core, Pro, Unlimited, and Enterprise [48].
Rippling best for
Rippling works most effectively for small to medium-sized businesses with fewer than 350 employees [24]. Companies with white-collar workforces benefit from its unique onboarding modules that sync HR and IT tasks seamlessly [44].
The shift planning app suits organisations transitioning from manual scheduling to automated processes [12]. Additionally, businesses requiring labour law compliance monitoring gain significant value from its automatic enforcement of regulations based on work locations [12].
Conclusion
Selecting the right shift planning app can dramatically transform how you manage your workforce. Throughout this guide, we've examined 15 exceptional tools that address various scheduling challenges across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
Each app offers distinct advantages worth considering. Deputy excels with AI-powered scheduling while Homebase provides comprehensive solutions for single-location businesses. 7shifts stands out for restaurant-specific features, whereas Connecteam delivers powerful tools for deskless teams.
Your specific business requirements should guide your selection process. Team size, industry type, budget constraints, and desired features all play significant roles in determining which platform will serve you best. Many options offer free trials, allowing you to test functionality before committing.
Furthermore, the shift from manual scheduling to digital solutions saves managers countless hours—time better spent on strategic business activities. Most platforms highlighted above reduce scheduling time by 50-95%, decrease labour costs, and improve employee satisfaction through better communication.
The ideal shift planning app balances user-friendly interfaces with robust features that address your unique operational challenges. Whether you need advanced compliance tools, seamless payroll integration, or straightforward shift swapping capabilities, at least one solution from our list will align with your needs.
Take the first step toward more efficient workforce management today. Your team—and your bottom line—will certainly thank you.
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