UK Guide to Employee Shift Scheduling Software

Scheduling employee shifts efficiently is essential for businesses of all sizes. Manual scheduling methods can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and difficult to manage. That’s why companies are turning to employee scheduling software solutions to automate workforce management, reduce scheduling conflicts, and improve operational efficiency. With so many apps for scheduling employees available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Whether you run a restaurant, retail store, healthcare facility, or remote team, the right shift planning software will help optimise work schedules, track employee availability, and ensure compliance with labour laws. This guide reviews the 10 best employee shift scheduling apps for 2025, helping you find the tool for your business.

Our Choice

What is an Employee Scheduling App?

An employee scheduling app is a digital tool that helps businesses plan, track, and manage employee shifts efficiently. These apps automate scheduling processes, reducing the time spent creating and managing shift schedules. Important Core Features of Employee Scheduling Software:

• Shift Planning & Automation – Automatically generate work schedules based on employee availability.
• Employee Self-Service – Allow employees to swap shifts, request time off, and check their schedules in real time.
• Time & Attendance Tracking – Monitor employee work hours, overtime, and breaks.
• Mobile Accessibility – Employees can check their schedules from a smartphone app.
• Labour Law Compliance – Ensures schedules comply with overtime regulations and break requirements.
• Integration with Payroll & HR Tools – Syncs with payroll and workforce management systems.
• Real-Time Alerts & Notifications – Sends reminders for upcoming shifts or schedule changes.

Businesses looking for a work schedule generator should focus on these features to improve efficiency and minimise scheduling conflicts.

How Do Employee Scheduling Apps Work?

Most work scheduling software operates using a cloud-based platform, allowing managers and employees to access schedules anytime, from anywhere. Step-by-Step Process of Scheduling Employees Using Software:

1. Enter Employee Availability – Employees submit their preferred work hours and time-off requests.
2. Generate Schedules Automatically – The schedule maker for employees creates shifts based on availability and business needs.
3. Distribute Schedules – Employees receive their work schedules via email, mobile app, or online dashboard.
4. Track Attendance & Time – The software monitors clock-ins, overtime, and shift changes.
5. Update Schedules in Real-Time – If a last-minute change occurs, managers can notify employees instantly.

This automation helps businesses save time, reduce scheduling errors, and improve workforce efficiency.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

Choosing the right employee scheduling programme requires extensive research. Our recommendations are based on:

• Feature analysis – We compare automation, ease of use, integrations, and compliance capabilities.
• User reviews – We analyse real-world feedback from businesses of various industries.
• Scalability – The tools reviewed are suitable for small businesses, enterprises, and remote teams.
• Pricing & Value – We consider cost-effectiveness and pricing transparency.

By focusing on these factors, we’ve identified the best scheduling apps for 2025.

Best Employee Shift Scheduling Software: Comparison Chart

Below is a quick comparison of the top 10 employee scheduling apps based on key features, integrations, and pricing.

Software	Perfect for	Key Features	Integrations	Pricing
Shifton	Shift Planning & Tracking	Automated scheduling, shift swaps, mobile access	Payroll, HR tools	£1.00 per employee/month
Connecteam	Small Business & Remote Teams	Time tracking, GPS monitoring, task management	Slack, QuickBooks	Starts at £29/mo
When I Work	Employee Self-Scheduling	Mobile access, shift swaps, labour law compliance	POS, Payroll	Free & paid plans
Deputy	Compliance & Workforce Planning	AI scheduling, labour law compliance, time tracking	Xero, ADP	Starts at £3.50/user
Shiftbase	Real-Time Staff Scheduling	Shift planning, payroll integration, reporting	API, HR tools	Starts at £3/user
Homebase	Small Businesses & Restaurants	Free plan, team messaging, hiring tools	Payroll, POS	Free & paid plans
Sling	Employee Collaboration	Shift swapping, labour cost tracking, task management	HR platforms	Starts at £2/user
Workyard	Construction & Field Teams	GPS tracking, payroll sync, contractor scheduling	QuickBooks, Xero	Starts at £6/user
7shifts	Restaurants & Hospitality	Forecasting, labour compliance, tip pooling	POS, Payroll	Free & paid plans
Shiftboard	Enterprise Workforce	Advanced workforce planning, analytics, compliance	API, Payroll	Custom pricing

This table provides an overview of each scheduling tool’s strengths, helping businesses select the best shift-planning software based on their needs.

10 Best Employee Shift Scheduling Software Reviews

1. Shifton – for Automated Shift Scheduling

Shifton is an advanced employee scheduling system designed for businesses that require automated workforce scheduling and real-time shift adjustments. Our software is an intuitive online application with a wide range of features that enable efficient management of companies, projects, and creating schedules. Users can easily set preferred working hours, request time off, or exchange shifts with colleagues. One notable feature of Shifton is the ability to receive push notifications about shift changes and completed tasks. Key Features:

• AI-powered shift planning to optimise workforce allocation.
• Employee self-service for shift swaps and availability updates.
• Compliance tracking to prevent labour law violations.
• Mobile-friendly interface for remote schedule access.

Ideal for: Businesses with complex shift structures and high staff turnover. Pricing: £1.00 per employee/month As of the beginning of 2023, customers of this online application have had the opportunity to try two brand-new modules: Work Location Control and Holiday Management, and feedback suggests they are highly satisfied with these new additions.

2. Connecteam – for Small Businesses & Remote Teams

Connecteam offers an easy-to-use scheduling app for small businesses and remote teams. Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop scheduling for quick shift assignments.
• GPS tracking for monitoring remote workers.
• Team messaging & task assignments for better coordination.

Ideal for Small businesses looking for an affordable, all-in-one scheduling app. Pricing: Starts at £29/month for small teams.

3. When I Work – for Employee Self-Scheduling

When I Work is a popular scheduling software that lets employees swap shifts and request time off easily. Key Features:

• Mobile-friendly shift planning.
• Automated notifications & reminders.
• POS & payroll integrations.

Ideal for: Retail, hospitality, and healthcare industries needing self-service shift management. Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at £2/user/month.

4. Deputy – for Compliance & Workforce Planning

Deputy is a workforce scheduling app designed to help businesses maintain labour law compliance while managing shifts efficiently. Key Features:

• AI-powered auto-scheduling based on demand forecasts
• Time tracking and real-time attendance monitoring
• Labour compliance tools to prevent overtime violations
• Integration with payroll software like ADP and Xero

Ideal for: Businesses needing compliance-focused workforce planning to optimise labour costs. Pricing: Starts at £3.50 per user/month.

5. Shiftbase – for Real-Time Staff Scheduling

Shiftbase is a cloud-based scheduling system that provides real-time shift planning and employee tracking. Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop shift planning for easy scheduling
• Payroll integration for automated salary calculations
• Custom reporting and workforce analytics
• Real-time shift notifications to reduce miscommunication

Ideal for: Businesses that require instant access to updated shift schedules. Pricing: Starts at £3 per user/month.

6. Homebase – for Small Businesses & Restaurants

Homebase is a user-friendly scheduling software built for small businesses and service-based industries. Key Features:

• Free plan for small teams
• Employee time tracking & clock-in system
• Hiring and onboarding features
• Team chat & task management

Ideal for: Restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses that need an affordable workforce scheduling tool. Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at £19.95 per month.

7. Sling – for Employee Collaboration

Sling is an employee scheduling tool that focuses on team collaboration and communication. Key Features:

• Shift swapping & open shifts for flexibility
• Labour cost tracking & budget forecasting
• Multi-location support for distributed teams
• Task management & employee messaging

Ideal for: Businesses that prioritise team collaboration in shift planning. Pricing: Starts at £2 per user/month.

8. Workyard – for Construction & Field Teams

Workyard is a specialised scheduling tool for businesses in construction, field services, and contract work. Key Features:

• GPS time tracking for remote employees
• Accurate labour cost tracking for projects
• Job site coordination & workforce management
• Payroll and accounting integrations

Ideal for: Construction companies and mobile workforce teams that need precise labour tracking. Pricing: Starts at £6 per user/month.

9. 7shifts – for Restaurants & Hospitality

7shifts is an employee scheduling system designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses. Key Features:

• Shift forecasting & labour compliance tracking
• Tip pooling & payroll integrations
• Mobile shift swapping & real-time alerts
• Auto-scheduling based on sales forecasts

Ideal for: Restaurant managers looking to streamline labour management. Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at £17.99 per month.

10. Shiftboard – for Enterprise Workforce Scheduling

Shiftboard is an enterprise-level workforce management solution designed for businesses with complex scheduling needs. Key Features:

• Advanced workforce planning & automated scheduling
• Labour compliance monitoring & overtime tracking
• Employee self-service portal
• Custom API integrations for large-scale businesses

Ideal for: Enterprises and large organisations managing hundreds of employees across multiple locations. Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs.

How to Choose Employee Shift Scheduling Software

Choosing the right employee scheduling tool depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider when selecting a workforce scheduling app:

1. Ease of Use – Ensure the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
2. Automation Features – Look for AI-powered scheduling and shift management.
3. Employee Self-Service – Employees should be able to swap shifts and request time off.
4. Integration Options – The software should integrate with payroll, HR, and POS systems.
5. Mobile Accessibility – Ensure real-time schedule updates via mobile apps.
6. Compliance & Labour Law Support – Helps businesses avoid overtime violations.
7. Cost & Pricing Model – Choose software that fits your budget and business size.
8. Reporting & Analytics – Insights into labour costs, shift coverage, and attendance.
9. Industry-Specific Features – Some tools cater specifically to restaurants, retail, or construction.
10. Customer Support & Reliability – Look for 24/7 support and reliable uptime.

Benefits of Shift Scheduling Software

Using employee scheduling software offers numerous advantages that enhance business operations, improve employee satisfaction, and reduce administrative workload. Here’s how it can benefit your company:

• Increased Productivity and Efficiency. Automating shift planning reduces manual errors and scheduling conflicts, ensuring optimal workforce allocation.
• Reduced Labour Costs. Optimised shift scheduling prevents overstaffing and unnecessary overtime, helping businesses cut payroll expenses.
• Streamlined Communication. A work schedule app improves team coordination through built-in messaging and notifications.
• Accurate Scheduling. A shift scheduling tool ensures employees are assigned the right shifts, reducing absenteeism.
• Compliance with Labour Laws. Automated scheduling tools help businesses adhere to labour regulations, preventing fines.
• Real-time Updates and Accessibility. Employees can access their rotas anytime through a mobile shift scheduling app.
• Integration with Other Software. Most employee scheduling software integrates with payroll, HR, and workforce management systems for seamless operations.

Trends in Employee Shift Scheduling Software for 2025

The shift scheduling software industry is evolving, with new technologies enhancing workforce management capabilities. Here are the key trends expected to shape employee scheduling in 2025:

1. AI-Driven Scheduling – Predictive algorithms will optimise workforce allocation.
2. Mobile-First Solutions – Increased reliance on mobile scheduling apps for accessibility.
3. Integration with Payroll & HR Systems – More tools will sync directly with payroll platforms.
4. Enhanced Employee Autonomy – Employees will have greater control over shift swaps.
5. Real-Time Workforce Analytics – Businesses will use data-driven insights to improve productivity.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right employee shift scheduling software is essential for streamlining workforce management and reducing administrative burden. Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

• Automated scheduling reduces time spent on shift planning.
• Mobile-friendly scheduling apps improve workforce accessibility.
• Integrating scheduling software with payroll and HR simplifies operations.
• AI-driven shift management helps optimise workforce allocation.
• Compliance tracking ensures adherence to labour laws.
• Businesses should pick software based on industry-specific needs.

By selecting the right shift scheduling software, businesses can improve productivity, reduce labour costs, and enhance employee satisfaction. UPD Article 4 March 2025