Our Top Picks
Shifton Service
A flexible scheduling software for cleaning businesses.Connecteam
For cleaning companies, scheduling can be a time-consuming taskWhen I Work
An employee scheduling software for businessesWhat is an Employee Scheduling App?
Managing work shifts manually can be a challenge, especially for businesses with dynamic staffing needs. An employee scheduling app automates shift planning, helping managers create efficient schedules, reduce conflicts, and track labour costs. These tools streamline workforce management, ensuring the right employees are in the right place at the right time. Most modern employee scheduling software integrates with payroll, HR, and communication tools, making it easier to coordinate teams across multiple locations. Whether you run a small café or a large retail chain, a scheduling app simplifies operations and boosts productivity.How to Choose the Best Employee Scheduling Apps
Finding the best workforce scheduling software requires evaluating various aspects, from core features to user experience.Important Core Features
A high-quality staff scheduling software should include:- Shift Planning & Automation – Ability to create, edit, and auto-generate schedules.
- Employee Self-Service – Employees can swap shifts, request time off, and check their schedules.
- Time Tracking & Payroll Integration – Syncs with payroll systems for accurate wage calculations.
- Mobile Accessibility – A scheduling app for employees should be easy to use on smartphones.
- Notifications & Alerts – Automatic updates on schedule changes to reduce miscommunication.
How we Evaluate and Test Apps
To ensure objectivity, I analysed each scheduling application based on:- Ease of Use – Is the interface intuitive? Can new users navigate it quickly?
- Features & Customisation – Does it offer flexible scheduling for different industries?
- Integration Capabilities – Can it sync with payroll, HR, and messaging platforms?
- Pricing & Scalability – Is it cost-effective for both small teams and large organisations?
- Customer Support & Reviews – What do actual users say about their experience?
The 10 Best Employee Scheduling Apps of 2025
The right employee scheduling tool can transform how you manage shifts and team availability. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best options for businesses in 2025.1. Shifton
Brief Overview Shifton simplifies shift scheduling with powerful automation and a user-friendly interface. Description Designed for businesses of all sizes, Shifton offers flexible scheduling, shift swaps, and team collaboration features. Its automation tools eliminate scheduling conflicts and reduce admin workload. Visual Vibes A clean, intuitive interface with a minimal learning curve makes it ideal for both managers and employees. Key Features- Auto-scheduling based on employee availability
- Shift swap and time-off requests
- Real-time notifications and alerts
- Integration with payroll and communication tools
✅ Pros:
-
Easy shift management and automation
-
Supports multiple locations and teams
-
Mobile-friendly for on-the-go scheduling
❌ Cons:
-
No built-in productivity tracking
2. Connecteam
Brief Overview Connecteam is an all-in-one employee scheduling programme designed for deskless teams. Description It offers scheduling, communication, and task management in a single platform. With an intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler, managers can assign shifts, track employee hours, and send real-time updates. Visual Vibes A sleek, mobile-first design makes it ideal for businesses with remote or on-the-go workers. Key Features- Drag-and-drop schedule builder
- GPS time tracking and geofencing
- Employee availability and shift swap requests
- Custom forms and checklists for daily operations
✅ Pros:
- All-in-one workforce management solution
- Mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
- Offers built-in communication tools
❌ Cons:
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
3. Deputy
Brief Overview Deputy is a powerful staffing and scheduling solution that simplifies workforce management. Description This scheduler app enables businesses to create optimised schedules, track employee hours, and manage compliance effortlessly. Its AI-driven auto-scheduling minimises conflicts and overtime costs. Visual Vibes A clean and modern interface with a dashboard that displays all scheduling insights at a glance. Key Features- AI-powered auto-scheduling
- Shift swapping and availability management
- Payroll and POS integrations
- Compliance tracking for labour laws
✅ Pros:
- AI-driven scheduling saves time
- Seamless payroll and HR integrations
- Robust compliance management
❌ Cons:
- Customisation options can be limited
4. QuickBooks Time
Brief Overview QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is a work scheduling app with built-in time tracking. Description This tool is perfect for businesses that need to manage employee shifts while also keeping track of billable hours. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for effortless payroll processing. Visual Vibes A professional yet straightforward interface designed for easy navigation. Key Features- Time tracking with GPS
- Shift scheduling and overtime alerts
- QuickBooks integration for payroll
- Mobile-friendly app for on-the-go tracking
✅ Pros:
- Ideal for businesses already using QuickBooks
- Accurate time tracking with geofencing
- Helps monitor billable hours
❌ Cons:
- Lacks advanced shift management features
5. Homebase
Brief Overview Homebase is a best scheduling app designed for small businesses managing hourly workers. Description It simplifies employee scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration. With built-in team messaging, it enhances workplace communication. Visual Vibes A friendly, intuitive interface that’s perfect for small teams. Key Features- One-click shift scheduling
- Time tracking and payroll sync
- Built-in team chat and messaging
- Hiring and onboarding tools
✅ Pros:
- Free plan available for small businesses
- All-in-one workforce management
- Easy shift swapping and notifications
❌ Cons:
- Some advanced features require paid plans
6. Sling
Brief Overview Sling is a shift scheduling software with powerful team communication tools. Description Designed for businesses of all sizes, Sling offers scheduling, time tracking and internal messaging. Its budget tracking feature helps managers control labour costs. Visual Vibes A minimalistic yet feature-packed design that keeps things simple. Key Features- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Shift reminders and notifications
- Cost tracking to prevent overspending
- Internal messaging and announcements
✅ Pros:
- Free version available
- Helps control labour costs
- Built-in communication tools
❌ Cons:
- Some integrations are limited
7. ClockShark
Brief Overview ClockShark is a work schedule app with GPS tracking for field teams. Description This scheduling tool is designed for construction and service-based businesses that need to track employee locations in real-time. Visual Vibes A rugged, functional design tailored for job sites. Key Features- GPS-based time tracking
- Employee scheduling and job assignments
- Offline mode for remote locations
- Payroll and invoicing integration
✅ Pros:
- GPS tracking for better workforce management
- Offline functionality for remote teams
- Easy job assignment system
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for office-based businesses
8. Findmyshift
Brief Overview Findmyshift is an online scheduling application with simple shift planning tools. Description A cost-effective scheduling tool that focuses on ease of use. It’s web-based, so there’s no need for software installation. Visual Vibes A basic but functional design that gets the job done. Key Features- Drag-and-drop schedule builder
- Shift reminders and alerts
- Payroll export and reporting
- Cloud-based access from any device
✅ Pros:
- Affordable pricing for small teams
- Simple interface for quick scheduling
- No installation required
❌ Cons:
- Lacks advanced automation features
9. When I Work
Brief Overview When I Work is a staff scheduling app designed for hourly workforces. Description This scheduling tool simplifies rota planning, time tracking, and team communication. It’s widely used in retail and hospitality. Visual Vibes A modern, polished interface that’s easy to navigate. Key Features- Employee self-scheduling
- Time tracking and payroll export
- Shift swapping and availability management
- Automated notifications
✅ Pros:
- Simple and intuitive design
- Great for managing hourly workers
- Mobile-friendly for easy access
❌ Cons:
- Some advanced features require paid plans
10. On The Clock
Brief Overview On The Clock is a work schedule software with time tracking and payroll integration. Description A budget-friendly option for small businesses, it helps track work hours and manage shifts efficiently. Visual Vibes A straightforward and practical design with essential tools. Key Features- Time tracking with punch-in/out system
- Shift scheduling and payroll export
- GPS tracking for remote employees
- Overtime and break management
✅ Pros:
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Accurate time tracking with GPS
- Simple and effective scheduling
❌ Cons:
- Limited integrations with other HR tools
Compare Chart of the Best Employee Scheduling Apps
| Software | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
| Shifton | Businesses needing automated scheduling | Auto-scheduling, shift swaps, payroll sync | £1.00 per employee/month |
| Connecteam | Mobile and remote teams | GPS tracking, team chat, task management | Free plan, paid plans from £29/month |
| Deputy | AI-powered shift optimisation | Auto-scheduling, compliance tracking | From £3.50/user/month |
| QuickBooks Time | Businesses using QuickBooks | Time tracking, payroll integration | From £20/month + £8/user |
| Homebase | Small businesses with hourly workers | Free plan, hiring tools, team messaging | Free plan, paid plans from £20/month |
| Sling | Budget-conscious teams | Free scheduling, cost tracking, messaging | Free plan, paid from £2/user/month |
| ClockShark | Construction and field teams | GPS time tracking, job assignments | From £30/month + £7/user |
| Findmyshift | Simple shift planning | Drag-and-drop scheduling, payroll export | From £25/team/month |
| When I Work | Hourly workforce management | Shift swapping, payroll export, alerts | Free trial, paid from £2/user/month |
| On The Clock | Small businesses needing time tracking | Clock-in/out system, overtime management | From £3/user/month |
How to Choose the Best Employee Scheduling Apps for Your Business
With so many scheduling apps for businesses available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Here’s what to consider before making a decision:- Business Size & Sector – Some apps are ideal for small teams, while others are suitable for enterprises. Field-based businesses may require GPS tracking, whereas retail stores might prefer shift-swapping features.
- Automation & AI Features – If you want to save time, look for an automatic schedule generator online that optimises shifts based on employee availability.
- Integration Capabilities – Ensure the work schedule app syncs with your payroll, HR, and communication tools for seamless management.
- User Experience – A staff scheduling software should be easy to use for both managers and employees. A mobile-friendly design is a must.
- Budget & Scalability – Some solutions offer free plans, but as your business grows, you may need additional features. Make sure the pricing model aligns with your budget.
- Support & Reliability – Look for apps with strong customer support and high uptime reliability. Employee scheduling is too important to risk software downtime.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways from this comparison:- Automation & AI-driven scheduling – Tools like Shifton and Deputy offer auto-scheduling to reduce admin work.
- Industry-specific solutions – ClockShark is great for field teams, while Homebase is ideal for small businesses.
- Integration matters – QuickBooks Time is best for businesses using QuickBooks for payroll.
- Budget-friendly options – Findmyshift and Sling offer free plans for small teams.
- Scalability & flexibility – When I Work and Connecteam provide features that grow with your business.
