As a business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to have a reliable system for scheduling employees. Whether you're managing a small team or a large workforce, finding the right scheduling app can make all the difference in streamlining your operations and keeping your employees happy.

After conducting extensive research and testing, I've compiled a list of the best apps for scheduling employees. These apps offer a range of features, from shift planning and time tracking to communication and task management. Depending on your business needs, one of these apps could be the solution you've been looking for to simplify your scheduling process.

Why Employee Scheduling is Important

As a manager, I know that employee scheduling is a crucial part of workforce management. Scheduling employees properly can have a significant impact on labor costs, productivity, and employee satisfaction. In this section, I will discuss why employee scheduling is important and the impact of poor scheduling.

The Impact of Poor Scheduling

Poor scheduling can cause a range of problems for businesses. One of the most significant impacts is on labor costs. When employees are not scheduled efficiently, it can lead to overstaffing or understaffing. Overstaffing can result in unnecessary labor costs, while understaffing can lead to decreased productivity and revenue loss.

Another impact of poor scheduling is on employee satisfaction. When employees are not scheduled according to their availability or preferences, it can lead to frustration and burnout. This can result in high turnover rates, which can be costly for businesses.

Additionally, poor scheduling can lead to scheduling conflicts and errors. This can result in missed shifts, late arrivals, and other issues that can disrupt workflows and decrease productivity.

Overall, poor scheduling can have a significant impact on businesses. It can lead to increased labor costs, decreased productivity, and decreased employee satisfaction. As a manager, it is essential to prioritize employee scheduling to ensure that your workforce is productive, efficient, and satisfied.

Features to Look for in an Employee Scheduling App

When it comes to choosing the best employee scheduling app for your business, there are plenty of options available. However, not all scheduling apps are created equal, and it's important to choose one that meets your specific needs. Here are some key features to look for in an employee scheduling app:

Scheduling Functionality

The scheduling functionality of the app should be easy to use, flexible, and customizable. It should allow you to create and manage employee schedules quickly and efficiently. Look for apps that offer drag-and-drop scheduling, templates, and automated scheduling options to save time and increase productivity. Additionally, the app should allow you to manage overtime, time-off requests, shift swapping, and schedule distribution with ease.

Mobile App and Notifications

Most employees these days rely heavily on their mobile devices, so it's important to choose an app that has a mobile app that is user-friendly and functional. The mobile app should allow employees to view their schedules, swap shifts, and request time off from their phones. Additionally, the app should offer push notifications to remind employees of upcoming shifts, schedule changes, and time-off approvals.

Integration with Other Tools

Look for apps that integrate with other tools that you use in your business, such as your POS system, calendar apps like Google Calendar and Outlook, and payroll software like QuickBooks. This will help streamline your operations and reduce the need for manual data entry.

Cost and Pricing Plans

Consider your budget when choosing an employee scheduling app. Many apps offer a free plan with limited features, while others offer a paid plan with more advanced features. Look for apps that offer affordable pricing plans that meet your business needs. Additionally, consider the customer support offered by the app to ensure that you can get help when you need it.

Overall, the best employee scheduling app for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options include Connecteam, Deputy, Homebase, When I Work, and Setmore. Consider the features listed above when making your decision.

Top Employee Scheduling Apps

As I researched the best employee scheduling apps, I found several options that stood out. Here are some of the top employee scheduling apps:

Connecteam

Connecteam is a comprehensive employee scheduling app that offers a range of features to help businesses streamline their scheduling process. In addition to scheduling, Connecteam also offers communication tools, task management, and employee training. With Connecteam, managers can easily create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. Connecteam also offers a mobile app, making it easy for employees to access their schedules from anywhere.

Deputy

Deputy is another popular employee scheduling app that offers a range of features. In addition to scheduling, Deputy also offers time tracking, payroll integration, and human resources tools. With Deputy, managers can easily create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. Deputy also offers a mobile app, making it easy for employees to access their schedules from anywhere.

Humanity

Humanity is an employee scheduling app that focuses on shift scheduling and time tracking. With Humanity, managers can easily create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. Humanity also offers a range of reporting tools, making it easy for managers to track employee time and attendance. Humanity also offers a mobile app, making it easy for employees to access their schedules from anywhere.

ZoomShift

ZoomShift is a scheduling tool for hourly employees. The program enables managers and business owners to track employee time, prevent timesheet errors, and run payroll in minutes. With ZoomShift, managers can easily create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. ZoomShift also offers a mobile app, making it easy for employees to access their schedules from anywhere.

When I Work

When I Work is a popular employee scheduling app that offers a range of features. In addition to scheduling, When I Work also offers time tracking, payroll integration, and communication tools. With When I Work, managers can easily create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. When I Work also offers a mobile app, making it easy for employees to access their schedules from anywhere.

Overall, these employee scheduling apps offer a range of features to help businesses streamline their scheduling process. Each app has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your business's needs.

FAQ

As you consider the best app for scheduling employees, you may have some questions. Here are some common questions and answers to help you make an informed decision:

Q: Can I use scheduling apps for both hourly and salaried employees?

A: Yes, many scheduling apps offer features for both hourly and salaried employees. For example, ZoomShift is a scheduling tool that enables managers to track employee time for both hourly and salaried workforces.

Q: Can I set up recurring schedules?

A: Yes, many scheduling apps offer the ability to set up recurring schedules. For example, Connecteam offers a recurring shift feature that allows you to set up schedules for weeks or even months in advance.

Q: Can I track employee availability and time off requests?

A: Yes, many scheduling apps offer features to track employee availability and time off requests. For example, Microsoft Teams offers a staff scheduling sidekick that allows managers to adjust schedules based on worker availability and preferences.

Q: Can I integrate scheduling apps with other software?

A: Yes, many scheduling apps offer integrations with other software. For example, QuickBooks Time offers integrations with QuickBooks and other payroll and accounting software.

Q: Can I access scheduling apps on my mobile device?

A: Yes, many scheduling apps offer mobile apps for easy access on the go. For example, Square Appointments offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.

Conclusion

After researching and analyzing various scheduling apps, I have come to the conclusion that finding the best app for scheduling employees depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. However, some apps stand out above the rest.

For businesses with multiple locations, When I Work is a great option. It offers a range of features, including shift swapping, time tracking, and scheduling templates. For restaurants, 7shifts is a top pick, with its focus on optimizing labor costs and streamlining communication between staff members.

If you're looking for an all-in-one workforce management platform that offers comprehensive scheduling features, Connecteam is a great choice. It offers mobile access, shift swapping, and integration with other business tools.

For businesses that require unlimited appointments, Setmore is a great option. It offers a range of features, including online booking, appointment reminders, and payment processing.

Overall, the best app for scheduling employees will depend on your business's specific needs and requirements. It's important to carefully evaluate each option and choose the app that best fits your needs.