Managing employee schedules efficiently is important for running a successful business, and the right employee schedule management software can make all the difference.
Manual employee scheduling is a productivity killer, costing businesses an estimated 20% of their annual payroll budget due to inefficiencies and errors. According to a 2023 study, companies using spreadsheets or paper-based systems spend over 120 hours per year on scheduling tasks alone, leading to 2.5 times higher employee dissatisfaction compared to those using automated tools. That’s where employee schedule management softwares come in, offering powerful features to streamline scheduling, boost team efficiency, and reduce costly mistakes.
| Best for | Pricing | |
| Clock Commander | Best employee time tracking tool | Starts at just €20 / month for up to 25 users |
| QuickBooks Time | Good for seamless payroll integration | Starts at $20 / month + $8 / user / month |
| ClockShark | Good for field service and construction time tracking | Starts at $40/month + $9 / user / month |
| Homebase | Good option for hospitality industry | Starts at $25 / location / month |
| Sling | Good for simplified team communication | Starts at $1.70 / user / month |
| Deputy | Good but expensive option for scheduling and time tracking | Starts at $4.5 / user / month |
| Connecteam | Good for big teams and complex projects | Starts at $29 / month up to 30 users |
Our Top Picks
Best employee time tracking tool
Good for seamless payroll integration
Good for field service and construction time tracking
Why Employee Schedule Management Software Matters
Usually manual tracking is prone to errors and time-consuming. A dedicated scheduling app helps:
- Track work hours accurately - prevent mistakes, by having a request-approve mechanism.
- Improve team communication - chat with your team and keep your members informed about shifts and updates.
- Handle work hours and holidays smoothly - approve or deny requests in one platform.
How We Evaluated the Best Employee Schedule Management Software
In order to identify the best employee schedule management system for 2025, we evaluated and checked a wide range of apps based on different criteria, such as:
- features;
- ease of use;
- scalability;
- pricing;
- target industry & type of business
Our goal was to find solutions that enhance team communication, boost productivity and improve operational efficiency. Below are the key features we considered to select the best tools, focusing on core functionalities that address common pain points.
Key Features To Look For
Role-Based Access and Team Management
Top-tier scheduling software should focus on providing distinct access level, based on the hierarchy of the organization. We prioritized tools that allow business owners to oversee all schedules, assign roles and manage team onboarding. Best platforms establish a clear supervisor-worker type of relationship, where workers have limited access and they can submit requests to their supervisors, which are responsible for managing the workers. This structure ensures organized workflows and enhances accountability across teams.
Flexible Scheduling and Calendar Integration
A calendar system is essential for tracking work hours, holidays and time-off requests. We looked for tools that let users log hours, either manually or through an automated type of method. The best platforms suspport schedule adjustments and flexible employee time tracking, ensuring businesses can adapt to last-minute changes without disrupting operations or wasting too much time on fixing an issue.
Accurate Time Tracking
Precise time tracking is the core feature and the main job of an employee schedule management software. We favored tools that have more than one method to keep track of employee's working hours. Some apps use manual time tracking, where workers send a request to their suppervisor and wait for an approval. Other apps use a clock-in / clock-out type of system, either by scanning an RFID card or a QR code (usually for on-site working environments). Some of these apps have geofencing, which restricts clock-ins to specific locations. Other platforms use facial recognition clock-ins, providing an extra security layer to the app.
Real-Time Communication and Notifications
We think that communication is key to smooth operations. We looked for software with built-in messaging or notification systems, so that users can keep track of their conversations and get notified when their requests get approved or not. It's annoying when you have too many apps and you have to switch between all of them. At the same time, having too many features might be bad, because the app gets hard to use. Bu we think that a nice notification system and a built-in chat is something that everyone likes.
Accessibility and Pricing
Affordability and good pricing plans are critical for most businesses, especially when you are starting out and you don't have a lot of money. We favored tools with affordable pricing tiers, based on team size, ensuring small businesses can access robust features without breaking the bank. The best platforms offer core features for everyone and monetize for extra-features or for providing a bigger team-size.
Ease of Use and Cross-Platform Support
The best employee schedule management app shall have a good UI. The overall process of managing users through the system needs to be as easy and as intuitive as possible. Nobody likes a platform that is too complicated and has a lot of unnecessary features. It becomes overwhelming to use such an app. We favored platforms that have a good UI and do their main job, without having too many features - some users might find them useless and never use those features, but still pay for them. Also, the app being cross-platform, with the web and mobile option (for both Android and iOS) is a plus.
The 7 Best Employee Scheduling Apps in 2025
Clock Commander — Best employee time tracking tool
Key Features
QR code-based Clock In / Clock Out for secure time tracking
Role-based access for owners, admins and workers
Real-time notifications for hours, vacations and comments
In-app commenting for seamless supervisor-employee communication
Manual Scheduling and time tracking via Calendar view
Push notifications for browser and mobile alerts
Time-off requests and approval system
Easy employee and time tracking management
Pros
Affordable pricing with a generous free plan for up to 5 team members
Simple and intuitive UI, no feature overload
QR code clock-ins ensure accurate, location-specific tracking
Real-time supervisor notifications streamline approvals
Consistent features across all pricing tiers (all features included in free tier)
Cons
No payroll integration, but can export working hours manually
Lacks auto-scheduling or advanced labor cost tools
No facial recognition or geofencing for time tracking
Basic reporting compared to competitors
No native mobile apps, but Web on mobile works perfectly
Clock Commander is a streamlined, budget-friendly platform designed to simplify employee scheduling and time tracking for small businesses in all kind of industries from retail, hospitality, field services, freelancing or others.
Why Clock Commander Stands Out
Clock Commander stands out for small to medium businesses that want a simple solution to manage employee hours and schedules without breaking the bank. Unlike Sling, Homebase or Connecteam, which can overwhelm users with their multitude of features, many of them unnecessary for most businesses, Clock Commander offers a clean and intuitive platform with consistent features across all plans. For Clock Commander you don’t need a free trial, because you have access to it forever for free for up to 5 users. If you have more employees, you have to pay a fixed price for up to 25, up to 100 or up to 500 users. But, what we think differentiates Clock Commander from other platforms is that the price is fixed, and you don’t have to pay per user per month. This is a huge advantage for most businesses, especially smaller ones that don’t want to spend a lot of money on such a tool.
The QR code clock-in and out system, combined with real-time notifications and in-app chat, ensures precise tracking and seamless communication.
While it doesn’t offer payroll integrations like QuickBooks Time, its manual timesheet exports make it a strong alternative in 2025.
Scheduling and Time-Off Management
Clock Commander’s scheduling system is elegant and simple, featuring a calendar view where business owners and admins can track schedules and approve or deny working hours for any time period. Owners assign roles (admin or worker) for new team members and each team member has a supervisor (an admin or the business owner himself). The process of adding team members is done via an email for secure onboarding.
Employees can submit working hours and vacation requests and wait for the approval from their supervisor. Every new request and response is followed by a notification, for both workers and supervisors.
Overall, the time-off request system is streamlined: workers submit requests, which trigger real-time notifications to their supervisor (owner or admin) for approval or denial, displayed in a dedicated “Notifications” tab above the dashboard. Unlike Deputy’s complex compliance tools or Sling’s notification-heavy interface, Clock Commander’s focused approach minimizes clutter.
Time Tracking and QR Code Clock-Ins
Clock Commander’s QR code-based Clock In/Out system is a game-changer for businesses with on-site teams. Owners provide a unique QR code (e.g., displayed at a workplace entrance) that employees scan to log hours, ensuring accurate, location-specific tracking without the need for geofencing or facial recognition. This feature outshines Sling and Homebase, which rely on less secure GPS snapshots, and rivals ClockShark’s kiosk functionality with a simpler setup. Workers can also manually log hours for past days, with requests sent to supervisors for approval, ensuring flexibility for remote or field-based teams.
Timesheets are automatically generated, capturing hours worked and approved vacations, though users must manually export data for payroll due to the lack of direct integrations. Push notifications—configurable via a checkbox—alert users to comments or approvals via browser pop-ups or mobile alerts, keeping teams connected even when offline. While the absence of advanced reporting limits analytics, Clock Commander’s simplicity ensures quick adoption for small teams.
Communication and Team Management
Clock Commander’s in-app commenting system serves as a lightweight communication tool, allowing owners and admins to leave day-specific notes for workers, such as task assignments or shift clarifications. This focused approach is less cluttered than Sling’s newsfeed or Connecteam’s group chats, making it ideal for teams needing straightforward supervisor-employee communication. The “Notifications” tab centralizes all alerts, from time-off approvals to new comments, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
However, Clock Commander lacks advanced communication features like group polls or task checklists found in Connecteam, and its reporting is basic compared to Deputy’s compliance-focused analytics.
Customer support, accessible via email is responsive, with most queries resolved within hours, outperforming Homebase’s slower free plan support.
Integrations
Clock Commander currently does not offer native integrations with payroll or third-party tools, requiring manual timesheet exports for processing. While this is a limitation compared to QuickBooks Time’s seamless payroll syncing or Sling’s Gusto integration, Clock Commander’s focus on simplicity avoids the complexity of managing multiple integrations, appealing to businesses with minimal tech stacks.
Pricing
Free Trial: No
Free Tier: Yes, free forever for up to 5 users
Starter: €20 / month for up to 25 users
Advanced: €40 / month for up to 100 users
Premium: €125 / month for up to 500 users
QuickBooks Time – Good for seamless payroll integration
Key Features
Seamless QuickBooks Payroll integration
Drag-and-drop shift scheduling
Real-time GPS tracking with geofencing
Kiosk Clock with facial recognition and PIN entry
Customizable labor and financial reports
Time off request management
Pros
Effortless integration with QuickBooks accounting software
Customizable reporting tools
User-friendly mobile app for employees
Cons
Occasional GPS accuracy glitches
Some users reported customer support issues
Expensive pricing plans
QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is a time-tracking and scheduling solution designed for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting. Its strength lies in its tight integration with QuickBooks’ ecosystem, making payroll and financial reporting seamless for small to medium-sized businesses.
What makes QuickBooks Time Stand Out
QuickBooks Time shines for businesses seeking a unified solution for time tracking, scheduling, and payroll. Its seamless syncing with QuickBooks accounting eliminates manual data entry, reducing errors and saving time. Employees can manage through the app their shifts, submit time-off requests and clock in or clock out on the go. Managers benefit from real-time insights into who’s working and where.
Scheduling and Time-Off Management
QuickBooks Time offers a flexible scheduling system that supports both shift-based and job-based assignments. From the admin panel, managers can view team availability in a clear calendar layout, with options to toggle between daily, weekly, or monthly views. Creating shifts is straightforward: select a time slot, assign an employee, and add details like job codes or notes. We noticed that the drag-and-drop feature makes it really easy to adjust schedules and users can customize their shifts with color codes (Eg: blue for morning shifts, green for evening and so on). This could help on viewing more complex schedules.
Employees can access their schedules via the mobile app, set availability, and request time off, which supervisors can approve or deny with a single click. The “Who’s Working” dashboard provides a real-time snapshot of active employees. One limitation is the absence of auto-scheduling, which could be a drawback for businesses with dynamic staffing needs.
Time Tracking and Location Monitoring
QuickBooks Time’s time-tracking features are robust, with options for employees to clock in/out via the mobile app or a shared Kiosk Clock using facial recognition or PIN entry. This is especially useful for preventing time theft in field-based or multi-employee settings. The GPS tracking and geofencing features allow managers to restrict clock-ins to specific locations, ensuring accuracy for remote or mobile workers. For example, a construction crew can only clock in when within a designated job site radius.
The system automatically logs hours into digital timesheets, which sync directly with QuickBooks for payroll processing. While the time clock is reliable, some users report occasional glitches in GPS accuracy, particularly in areas with poor connectivity. Additionally, desk-based workers may find the project tracking features less robust compared to dedicated project management tools like Asana.
Reporting and Insights
QuickBooks Time is pretty good in generating customizable reports on labor costs, overtime, and attendance. Managers can access profit and loss statements, tax reports, and sales trend analyses, which are invaluable for financial planning. They can also filter reports by employee, project or time period. However, some users note that advanced reporting customization is limited compared to other competitors, requiring workarounds for complex needs.
Integrations
QuickBook Time integrates smoothly with:
- QuickBooks Online and Desktop
- Gusto
- PayPal
- Stripe
- Square
- Google Calendar
- Salesforce
While the QuickBooks integration is a major strength, the platform’s integration options are somewhat limited compared to tools like Zapier-supported apps. Users looking for deeper connectivity with project management or CRM tools may need additional third-party solutions.
Pricing
Free Trial: 30 days for all plans
Free Tier: No
Time Premium: $20 / month base fee + $8 / user / month
Time Elite: $40/ month base fee + $10 / user / month
Time Premium + Payroll Premium: $85/ month base fee + $9 / user / month
Time Elite + Payroll Elite: $130 / month base fee + $11 / user / month
ClockShark — Good for field service and construction time tracking
Key Features
Real-time GPS tracking and geofencing
Drag-and-drop scheduling
Job costing and labor expense tracking
Kiosk Clock with facial recognition
Time off and PTO management
Customizable reports and payroll integrations
Clock out questionnaires
Pros
Robust GPS and geofencing for accurate employee tracking
Seamless integrations with payroll and account systems
Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler
A wide variety of features for employees, departments and locations management
Cons
Pricing may be high for smaller teams; price adds up as your team grows
Limited customization for advanced reporting
UI is outdated and looks pretty bad
The multitude of features might be unnecessary for small businesses
ClockShark is a powerful employee scheduling and time-tracking software, developed for construction, field service and franchise businesses. Its robust feature set simplifies workforce management by combining real-time tracking, scheduling and job costing.
What is really nice about ClockShark is its specialized focus on industries with mobile workforces, such as construction and landscaping. Its GPS-enabled time clock, geofencing and Kiosk Clock with facial recognition ensure accurate tracking and prevent time theft, making it ideal for businesses with employees spread across multiple job sites. It also has invoicing, payroll and billing capabilities and it allows managers to add information about customers, which is pretty unique to such time-tracking platforms. Therefor, this platform is intended to be used by large organizations, especially in the construction industry, but not for smaller businesses.
Employee Scheduling Features
ClockShark’s scheduling tool is designed for flexibility. From the admin dashboard, managers can view a calendar, where they can set new schedules by day, week or even month. To be honest, the UI is pretty bad and we didn’t like it, since it was time consuming to find out how to do basic operations like adding a shift. Once you get used to the platform, it will get easier – but you need to consider the steep learning curve; if you have new hires, it might take them a while to learn how to properly use this tool. In any case, the drag-and-drop interface allows quick adjustments, such as reassigning shifts or extending hours. This feature and the fact that employees receive real-time notifications via the mobile app is something that we really enjoyed.
There is another really nice feature, named “Who’s Working Now” – this provides a live map showing which employees are clocked in and their current locations, which is pretty good for managers, since they can coordinate field teams better.
Job Costing and Labor Tracking
ClockShark excels in job costing, enabling businesses to track labor, materials, and other expenses tied to specific projects. Managers can input costs manually or in bulk, and the system generates detailed reports breaking down expenses by job, task, or phase. This feature is particularly useful for construction businesses that need precise labor cost estimates for budgeting and invoicing. The ability to attach documents, photos, or notes to jobs further streamlines communication between office and field staff.
Integrations
ClockShark comes with several integrations, including:
- QuickBooks Time
- Xero
- Zapier
- Paychex
- Gusto
- ADP Workforce
- Sage
- Simpro
- MYOB
Some users complained that the integration options are limited.
Pricing
Free Trial: 14 days for all plans
Free Tier: No
Standard Tier: $40 / month base fee + $9 / user / month
Pro Tier: $60 / month base fee + $11 / user / month
Homebase — Good option for hospitality industry
Key Features
Drag-and-drop scheduling with templates
Time clock with GPS snapshots and photo verification
Automated timesheets with payroll integration
Team messaging and shift swap requests
Hiring and onboarding tools
Labor cost tracking and reporting
Pros
Generous free plan for up to 20 employees at one location
Intuitive and friendly UI that simplifies scheduling and time tracking
Strong payroll integrations for seamless wage processing
Cons
Limited tools for field management
Location tracking lacks full shift monitorng
Per-location pricing can be costly for multi-site businesses
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses in industries like restaurants and hospitality. It streamlines employee scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team communication, making it an excellent choice for businesses with hourly workers.
However, the lack of advanced reporting in lower-tier plans and occasional mobile app issues may limit its appeal for larger or more complex operations compared to competitors like Connecteam.
Why Homebase Stands Out
Homebase is a top pick for small businesses in hospitality niche, due to its user-friendly design and robust free plan, which provides essential tools without requiring a financial commitment. The platform’s drag-and-drop scheduler, automated timesheets, and payroll integrations with providers like Gusto and QuickBooks simplify administrative tasks, saving managers time.
Scheduling and Availability Management
Homebase’s scheduling tools are intuitive, offering a visual drag-and-drop calendar to create shifts in daily, weekly, or monthly views. Managers can build schedules manually, use customizable templates for recurring shifts, or rely on auto-scheduling. Employees can view schedules, request time offs or swap shifts via the mobile app.
The open shift feature lets workers claim unassigned shifts, promoting flexibility and minimizing no-shows. However, some users note that setting availability can involve multiple manual steps, which may slow down the process for larger teams.
Time Tracking and Payroll Integration
Homebase’s time clock turns any device into a digital time tracker, allowing employees to clock in/out via the mobile app. GPS snapshots and photo verification during clock-ins help prevent buddy punching, though the system lacks advanced geofencing compared to other tools.
Team Communication and HR Tools
Homebase’s communication tools include one-on-one and group messaging, allowing managers to send announcements, shift reminders, or daily reports. Employees can communicate directly within the app, reducing reliance on external platforms like WhatsApp.
Integrations
Homebase integrates well with:
- Gusto
- QuickBooks
- ADP
- Paychex
- Square
- Clover
- ZipRecruiter
- Restaurant365
While these integrations cover payroll, POS and hiring needs, Homebase lacks direct connections to project management tools like Trello.
Pricing
Free Trial: 14 days for All-in-One
Free Tier: Yes, for 1 location and up to 20 users
Essentials: $25 / location / month (unlimited users)
Plus: $60 / location / month (unlimited users)
All-in-One: $100 / location / month (unlimited users)
Sling — Good for simplified team communication
Key Features
Drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-scheduling
Time clock with GPS tracking and automated clock-outs
Labor cost tracking with budget alerts
Shift swapping and open shift bidding
In-app messaging
Automated timesheets with payroll integration
Pros
Inuitive team messaging
Free plan for up to 30 users
Seamless payroll integration
Cons
Limited reporting customization, even in paid plans
No QR code clock-ins nor facial recognition for secure tracking
Mobile app prone to glitches and notification delays
Sling is a workforce management platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses in industries like restaurants, retail, and hospitality. It includes basic scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools, making it accessible for small teams.
Why Sling Stands Out
Sling shines for businesses prioritizing seamless team communication, offering private and group messaging. Its drag-and-drop scheduler and open shift bidding feature empower employees to manage their schedules, while payroll integrations with Gusto and QuickBooks streamline wage processing.
Scheduling and Shift Coordination
Sling’s scheduling system is user-friendly, featuring a drag-and-drop calendar for creating shifts in daily, weekly, or monthly views. Managers can use templates for recurring schedules or enable auto-scheduling, which considers employee availability and labor budgets.
Employees can view schedules, request time off, or swap shifts via the mobile app, with notifications sent via text, email, or push alerts.
However, the auto-scheduling feature lacks skill-based matching, unlike Connecteam’s more advanced automation, and some users report excessive notifications or delays in shift updates, especially on Android.
Compared to Clock Commander’s streamlined supervisor notifications and QR code clock-ins, Sling’s scheduling feels less robust for teams requiring precise oversight or location-specific tracking.
Time Tracking and Budget Management
Sling’s time clock enables employees to clock in/out via mobile devices, with GPS tracking to verify locations and automated clock-outs to prevent forgotten entries. The system supports offline clock-ins, syncing data once connectivity is restored, but users report occasional syncing delays or app crashes, particularly on Android.
Unlike Clock Commander’s QR code clock-ins or Deputy’s facial recognition, Sling lacks advanced security features for time tracking, which may be a drawback for businesses with on-site teams. The free plan’s time tracking is basic, with detailed reports locked behind paid plans, limiting insights for budget-conscious teams.
Communication and Task Management
Sling’s communication tools are a highlight, offering private and group messaging, a newsfeed for announcements, and shift-specific notes to keep teams aligned. Employees can share files or photos within the app, though the system lacks advanced features like surveys or task-specific chats found in Connecteam.
Integrations
- Gusto
- QuickBooks
- Square
- Shopify
- Toast
- ADP
Pricing
Free Trial: 15 days for Premium or Business
Free Tier: Yes (for up to 30 users)
Premium: $2 / user / month
Business: $4 / user / month
Deputy — good but expensive option for scheduling and time tracking
Key Features
Drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-scheduling
Time clock with facial recognition and GPS tracking
Automated timesheets with payroll integration
Shift swapping and leave management
In-app messaging
Pros
Robust compliance features for labor regulations
Intuitive and friendly UI
Payroll integration with popular platforms such as ADP, Gusto and QuickBooks
Available free plan for small teams (up to 100 requests/ month )
Cons
Free tier lacks many features
Hard setup and implementation for payroll integration
Occasional platform lag affects real-time data access
Customer support response times can be slow
Deputy is a workforce management platform designed to simplify scheduling, time tracking, and compliance for industries like retail, hospitality and construction. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set make it a favorite for businesses with hourly or shift-based workforces.
Why Deputy Stands Out
Deputy stands out for its focus on labor law compliance, offering automated alerts for scheduling conflicts, overtime, or rest period violations. Its drag-and-drop scheduler and AI-powered auto-scheduling streamline roster creation, while the mobile app empowers employees to swap shifts, request leave, or clock in/out on the go. For businesses prioritizing compliance and ease of use, Deputy is a strong contender, though Clock Commander’s QR code clock-ins and streamlined notifications might be a better option for smaller businesses.
Shift Planning and Employee Management
Deputy’s scheduling tools are both versatile and user-friendly, featuring a drag-and-drop interface for creating shifts in daily, weekly, or monthly views. Managers can add details like break times, tasks, or notes, and use color-coding to differentiate roles or locations. Employees can access schedules, request shift swaps, or submit time-off requests via the mobile app, with push, text, or email notifications keeping everyone in sync.
Time Tracking and Payroll Sync
Deputy’s time clock supports multiple clock-in methods, including facial recognition, PIN codes, and GPS location stamps, ensuring accurate tracking for remote or field-based workers. The Deputy Kiosk app, ideal for shared devices, making it reliable in low-connectivity areas. Automated timesheets capture hours, breaks, and overtime, syncing seamlessly with payroll systems like ADP, QuickBooks, and Gusto.
While the time clock is robust, some users experience platform lag when accessing real-time data, particularly on Android devices. The payroll integration, though powerful, can be tricky to set up, requiring technical know-how for complex systems. Compared to Clock Commander’s supervisor-driven approval workflows, Deputy’s timesheet process is less granular, which may limit oversight for some teams.
Communication and Task Management
Deputy’s in-app messaging and newsfeed features foster team communication, allowing managers to send announcements, shift updates, or task assignments. Employees can message colleagues or request shift swaps directly in the app, with manager approvals ensuring smooth coordination.
Integrations
- QuickBooks
- Gusto
- ADP
- Xero
- BambooHR
- Square
- Zapier
Pricing
Free Trial: 31 days for all plans
Free Tier: No
Scheduling: $4.5 / user / month
Time & Attendance: $4.5 / user / month
Premium: $6 / user / month
Connecteam:
Key Features
GPS time tracking with geofencing
Drag-and-drop shift scheduling
Automated timesheets and payroll integration
Customizable forms and training modules
In-app chat and company-wide announcements
Time-off and break management
Pros
Feature-rich app for employee scheduling and project management
Strong communication tools for team engagement
Detailed report generating on a variety of aspects: task completion, attendance, etc.
Intuitive and friendly UI and UX
Cons
Feature overload might be overwhelming for small businesses
Steep learning curve, due to the multitude of features
Limited customization options compared to other similar platforms
Occasional mobile app glitches, especially on Android
Connecteam is a versatile employee management platform designed for non-desk workforces in industries like construction, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It combines scheduling, time tracking, task management, and communication tools into a single, mobile-first app, making it ideal for managing remote or field-based teams.
Why Connecteam Stands Out
Connecteam excels in providing a cohesive platform that integrates scheduling, time tracking, and communication, tailored for deskless workers. Its mobile app empowers employees to clock in/out, view schedules, swap shifts, and access training materials on the go, while managers gain real-time oversight through GPS tracking and automated reports. The platform’s focus on employee engagement—through features like in-app chat, surveys, and recognition tools—sets it apart from other competitors, which prioritize payroll integration over team connectivity.
While the interface is generally user-friendly, some users report a learning curve due to the extensive feature set, particularly for smaller teams that may not need all functionalities.
Shift Planning and Time-off Tools
Connecteam’s scheduling system is both powerful and flexible, offering a drag-and-drop interface to create shifts in daily, weekly, or monthly views. The system flags scheduling conflicts, such as double bookings or PTO overlaps, ensuring error-free rosters. Employees can view their schedules, request shift swaps, or submit time-off requests directly via the mobile app, with push notifications keeping everyone updated on approvals or changes.
Time Tracking and Geofencing
Connecteam’s GPS-enabled time clock allows employees to clock in/out from their mobile devices, with location stamps ensuring they’re at the correct job site. The geofencing feature lets managers set virtual boundaries around work locations, restricting clock-ins to designated areas and reducing time theft. Real-time GPS tracking provides visibility into where employees are while clocked in, though this feature is only available in higher-tier plans. The “Switch Jobs” functionality enables workers to transition between tasks without clocking out, streamlining multi-job workflows.
While the time clock is generally reliable, some users report occasional syncing delays in areas with poor internet connectivity, which can disrupt real-time tracking.
Task Management and Communication
Connecteam’s task management tools allow managers to assign tasks with deadlines, checklists, and file attachments, ensuring employees have clear instructions. Priority levels and progress tracking keep projects on schedule, while task-specific chats facilitate direct communication. The platform’s communication hub includes in-app chat for one-on-one or group messaging, company-wide announcements, and surveys for gathering feedback.
However, some users find the extensive feature set overwhelming for small teams, and the mobile app’s occasional glitches—particularly on Android—can disrupt task updates or notifications. We all know how frustrating it is to pay for something that you don’t use – it is the same with Connecteam. Small businesses may not need this feature-rich tool; but if you are working in an enterprise organization with a lot of teams and departments, Connecteam might be the right tool for you.
Integrations
Connecteam integrates with:
- QuickBooks
- Gusto
- Paychex
- Xero
- Zapier
- RUN powered by ADP
These integrations cover the most payroll and accounting needs, but we have to say that Connecteam’s integration options are less extensive than other competitors like ClockShark.
Pricing
Free Trial: 14 days for all plans
Free Tier: Yes (limited features, for up to 10 users)
Basic: $35/ month for 30 users + $0.6 / user / month for each additional user
Advanced: $59/ month for 30 users + $1.8 / user / month for each additional user
Expert: $119/ month for 30 users + $3.6 / user / month for each additional user
Compare All
| Try for free |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at just €20 / month for up to 25 users | Starts at $20 / month + $8 / user / month | Starts at $40/month + $9 / user / month | Starts at $25 / location / month | Starts at $1.70 / user / month | Starts at $4.5 / user / month | Starts at $29 / month up to 30 users |
| Free Trial | No need (all features available for free) | 30 days | 14 days | 14 days | 15 days | 31 days | 14 days |
| Free Plan | Yes (all features included) | No | No | Yes (limited features) | Yes (limited features) | No | Yes (limited features) |
| Use Cases | Best employee time tracking tool | Good for seamless payroll integration | Good for field service and construction time tracking | Good option for hospitality industry | Good for simplified team communication | Good but expensive option for scheduling and time tracking | Good for big teams and complex projects |
FAQ
What is an employee scheduling app?
An employee scheduling app is a digital tool designed to streamline workforce management by organizing employee shifts, tracking work hours, and facilitating team communication. These apps allow managers to create, edit, and share schedules efficiently, often with features like drag-and-drop calendars, time-off request systems, and real-time notifications. Employees can view their schedules, submit availability, or clock in/out via mobile or web platforms, reducing manual errors and miscommunication. Many apps, like Clock Commander, offer role-based access for owners, admins, and workers, ensuring clear oversight and accountability. Some include advanced features like GPS tracking or payroll integration, while others prioritize simplicity and affordability for small businesses. By automating scheduling tasks and centralizing communication, employee scheduling apps save time, boost productivity, and enhance employee satisfaction, making them essential for industries like retail, hospitality, and field services.
How do employee scheduling apps work?
Employee scheduling apps simplify workforce management by digitizing the process of creating and tracking employee schedules. Managers use an intuitive interface, often with drag-and-drop calendars, to assign shifts, set break times, or manage time-off requests. Employees access the app via web or mobile to view schedules, clock in/out, or communicate with supervisors. Features like real-time notifications alert teams to schedule changes or approvals, while some apps offer GPS tracking or QR code clock-ins for accuracy, as seen in Clock Commander. The app stores data securely, generating timesheets for hours worked and approved leaves. By centralizing scheduling, time tracking, and communication, these apps reduce administrative workload, minimize errors, and keep teams aligned, making them ideal for businesses with hourly or shift-based workforces.
What can an employee scheduling app do for my company?
An employee scheduling app enhances business efficiency by simplifying shift organization and workforce oversight. It reduces administrative burdens with tools like intuitive calendars for scheduling, time-off management, and instant shift updates, saving managers valuable time. Employees gain flexibility to check schedules, request leaves, or communicate directly through the app, improving engagement and reducing no-shows. For instance, Clock Commander uses QR code clock-ins to ensure precise hour tracking and in-app comments for clear task guidance, fostering accountability.
Is a free employee work schedule app a good choice for my business?
A free employee work schedule app can be an excellent choice for small businesses with limited budgets, but its suitability depends on the features offered. Many free plans, like Clock Commander’s, provide essential tools such as scheduling, time tracking, and communication for up to 5 team members, making them ideal for startups or small teams in all kinds of industries from freelancing to retail or hospitality.
Who benefits most from employee schedule management software?
Employee schedule management software is most valuable for businesses with hourly or shift-based workforces, such as those in retail, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and field services. Small business owners and managers benefit by saving time on scheduling, tracking hours, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Employees gain flexibility to view schedules, request time off, or swap shifts, boosting morale and engagement. Industries with fluctuating staffing needs, like restaurants or event planning, find these tools essential for coordinating dynamic teams and avoiding overstaffing. Additionally, supervisors in multi-location businesses benefit from centralized oversight, ensuring seamless communication across sites. Whether it’s a small café or a growing construction firm, employee schedule management software empowers teams of all sizes to streamline operations, reduce scheduling conflicts, and maintain a productive, organized workforce.
How does employee schedule management software save time for managers?
Employee schedule management software saves managers time by automating repetitive tasks like shift planning, hour tracking, and time-off approvals. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, managers can use intuitive calendars to create schedules quickly, often with drag-and-drop functionality. Apps like Clock Commander streamline approvals with real-time notifications, allowing managers to review requests instantly without endless email chains. Features like QR code clock-ins eliminate manual timesheet entries, ensuring accurate data with minimal effort. By centralizing communication—through in-app comments or alerts—the software reduces back-and-forth, keeping teams aligned.
How can employee schedule management software improve team communication?
Employee schedule management software enhances team communication by providing a centralized platform for real-time updates and direct interaction. Managers can share schedules instantly, send shift change alerts, or post task-specific instructions, ensuring everyone stays informed. Employees can access schedules, submit time-off requests, or communicate with supervisors through in-app messaging, reducing reliance on external tools like email or group chats. Features like push notifications keep teams updated on approvals or comments, even on the go.
Why should small businesses use an employee scheduling app?
Small businesses benefit from an employee scheduling app by gaining efficiency and control over workforce management without complex systems. These apps simplify shift planning, allowing owners to create schedules quickly, track hours accurately, and manage time-off requests with ease. For example, Clock Commander offers a free plan for up to 5 team members, enabling startups to organize schedules and communicate via in-app comments affordably. By reducing manual errors like overstaffing or missed shifts, these tools save money and improve productivity.
When should you invest in an employee scheduling app?
Investing in an employee scheduling app is ideal when your business faces challenges like time-consuming manual scheduling, frequent shift conflicts, or difficulty tracking employee hours. If your team is growing beyond a handful of employees—say, 5 or more—or you’re dealing with high turnover in industries like retail, hospitality, or construction, an app can streamline operations. It’s also time to invest if you notice errors in timesheets, compliance issues with labor laws, or communication gaps causing missed shifts.
How much do employee scheduling apps cost?
Employee scheduling apps vary widely in cost, depending on features, team size, and pricing models. Many offer free plans with basic functionality, while paid plans range from $1 to $6 per user per month or flat rates per location. For example, Deputy charges $4.50/user/month for its Scheduling or Time & Attendance plans, which can become costly for larger teams (e.g., $45/month for 10 users). In contrast, Clock Commander offers a free plan for up to 5 members and paid tiers starting at €20/month for 25 members. Other apps, like Homebase, start at $24.95/location/month for advanced features, which can add up for multi-site operations.