10 Best Employee Rostering Software For 2024

Employee scheduling can be a massive headache, especially when you’re handling it manually. There’s lots of room for error, and you’ll find yourself devoting a significant portion of your time each week to creating a schedule. 

Fortunately, there are many employee rostering software options available with features that can support your business and reduce the time you spend on scheduling.

With these solutions, you can avoid the common issues associated with over- and understaffing and deploy a streamlined process that enhances scheduling visibility across your entire organization.

In this article, you’ll discover the essential features you should look for in an employee rostering software, and get an insight into the top software solutions for 2024.

Key takeaways:

• Manual employee scheduling is time-consuming and prone to errors.
• A good rostering software solution should offer features like easy navigation, time-saving components, communication platforms, and cross-device functionality.
• Choose a rostering software that integrates with the other tools you use to make your business more efficient. 

Table of Contents

• Key features to consider when selecting an employee rostering software
• Top 10 rostering software solutions for 2024
  • When I Work
  • Connecteam
  • Homebase
  • mHelpDesk
  • 7Shifts
  • RosterElf
  • Fourth
  • Deputy
  • Google Sheets
  • Shiftboard
• Employee rostering FAQs

Key features to consider when selecting an employee rostering software

Rostering software can come with lots of bells and whistles. Still, you’ll want to consider a few key features when purchasing your solution. 

Easy navigation

The software you choose should be easy to use and free from complicated elements. You want to find a rostering software that makes your life easier, otherwise, you might as well stick with your time-consuming spreadsheets, right? If it’s too complicated for your employees, they won’t want to use it either, and then you’ll be right back where you started from. 

Time-saving

To get the most out of your staff rostering software, it should contain time-saving features. Any software you choose should make scheduling faster, with features that make it easy to place and assign shifts, make changes, and more.

Embedded communication

Your software should include a platform for communication between you and your employees. This way, you can consolidate all work-related information in one place, so your employees know where to look for what they need. If not, your team may miss important communications because they don’t know if it’s in a voicemail, text, or email.

Functional across devices

The software should be available for desktop computer usage as well as devices like tablets and smartphones. No matter what tech you and your employees have, you need to know the software works for everyone. Plus, you need the peace of mind knowing that if you want to make a quick change, you can do it from your phone or table right then—no waiting until the next time you’re at your desk.

Integration with other software tools

If you have additional software you use to manage your employees, you’ll want your rostering software to integrate with these tools. It’s important that every software in your tech stack talks to each other. If they don’t, your life just got a lot more complicated by having to piece the systems together with manual work-arounds. That wastes your time and money, which defeats the purpose of rostering software. 

Top 10 employee rostering software solutions for 2024

Without further ado, here are our top ten rostering software solutions that can assist you with your employee scheduling needs.

Comparison of employee rostering software solutions

Rostering solution	Price	Key features	Free trial	Payroll
When I Work	Essentials plan starts at $1.50 per user	• Automated scheduling • Time clock • Team messaging	14-day fully-featured free trial, no credit card required	✅
Connecteam	Basic plan starts at $29 monthly	• Time tracking • Trade shifts • Task management	14 days	Yes
Homebase	Free plan for one location; paid options available with more extensive features	• Employee scheduling • Built-in payroll options	14 days	Yes
mHelpDesk	Call for pricing	• Workflow management • GPS tracking	No	No
7Shifts	Free plan for one location; paid options available with more extensive features	• Employee scheduling • Hiring resources	Yes	Yes
RosterElf	Lite plan starts at $3.20 AUD per monthly user	• Integrates with MYOB and Sage • AI-based scheduling	Yes	No
Fourth	Call for pricing	• Forecast scheduling needs based on historical data • Compliance tools	No	Yes
Deputy	Scheduling starts at $3.50 per monthly user	• AI-optimized scheduling • Time and attendance options	Yes	No
Google Sheets	Free	• Rostering templates • Advanced users can customize	Yes	No
Shiftboard	Call for pricing	• Ideal for unionized industries with complex scheduling needs • Integrates with major ERP and HCM systems	No	No

1. When I Work

When I Work offers a sleek, easy-to-navigate rostering software that enables quick and easy scheduling for all teams.

You can easily add shifts and assign them to qualified employees, and you’ll get alerts if anyone is scheduled to work overtime, helping you decrease labor costs. When I Work also makes it easy for employees to put in their time off and availability, so you don’t accidentally schedule someone when they need to be off. That increases employee engagement and morale.

Plus, When I Work includes team messaging, so you can communicate with your employees one on one or in groups. You’ll get read receipts so you know everyone got the message. All while protecting your employees’ privacy by not sharing phone numbers or email addresses with other team members.

This solution is right for all types of industries, including hospitality, food service, healthcare, retail, professional services, and more. Currently, more than 200,000 businesses use When I Work for their scheduling needs.

Key features

• Employee scheduling: When I Work allows employee scheduling across multiple teams, locations, and job sites.
• Time clock: Employees can clock in quickly using an online time clock app that includes geofencing to avoid early clock ins.
• Team messaging: Employees can send individual and group messages using the built-in team chat app.
• Timesheets: Managers can easily control labor costs and export worked hours into their payroll software systems.
• Manage time off: Employees can place time-off requests directly within the app and keep tabs on their available vacation and sick time.

Pricing

When I Work offers a 14-day FREE trial to explore all the features. There’s the Essentials plan for $1.50 per user, a Pro plan with more customization features for $5.00 per user, and a Premium plan with more integrations for $8.00 per user. Additional add-ons are available.

Which company is this best for?

From small businesses to enterprises, any company that uses shift workers for its operations can benefit from When I Work. Its functionality allows for shift planning, and managers can easily match available workers with critical skills to fit their needs. The system easily integrates with payroll systems, including ADP, Gusto, Paychex, and QuickBooks. When I Work also offers payroll, which is faster and easier than a payroll integration. Because all of your scheduling and time tracking data lives on the same platform as payroll, you can run it one click, with no uploading timesheets and no closing pay periods. Plus, unlike integrations, you’ll be able to see your labor costs in real time.

Sign up to try When I Work, FREE, for 14-days. You can get started today!

2. Connecteam

Connecteam is a scheduling app that managers and employees can use from their mobile devices. Completed schedules are shareable, and employees can chat with one another using an integrated messaging tool. Connecteam also provides storage for essential employee documents, including hiring and tax forms.

Key features

• Time clock: Employees can clock in for their shifts in the app’s time clock, which includes GPS capabilities.
• Task management: Managers can delegate tasks to their employees and manage their completion.
• Chat: Connecteam includes a secure messaging tool that allows for individual and group communications.
• Document storage: You can store all of your employee files within the app, allowing you to view them when necessary and track the document’s status.
• HR management: Managers can retain important employee documents through the app.

Pricing

Connecteam offers four pricing plans: small business, basic, advanced, and expert. The small business plan is free, while the basic plan is $29 per month for the first 30 users.

Which company is this best for?

It’s a retail employee rostering software, and many companies that use Connecteam are in the retail industry. However, integrations with other systems are limited to QuickBooks, Gusto, and Google Calendar.

3. Homebase

Homebase is an employee scheduling tool that helps managers allocate worker shifts according to availability and business needs.

The software solution is appropriate for food and beverage, retail, beauty and wellness, hospitality, and medical businesses. It integrates with multiple payroll applications and also assists with HR compliance.

Key features

• Scheduling: Managers can create and share work schedules for upcoming weeks with their workers.
• Time clock: Employees can clock in and out from any device, including smartphones, PCs, tablets, and POS devices.
• Built-in payroll: You can convert timesheets into hours worked, earned wages, and manage tax forms, including 1099s and W-2s.
• Onboard new hires: Homebase includes an onboarding feature that allows new employees to fill out appropriate tax and direct deposit forms.
• Team communication: Managers can communicate directly with team members through the Homebase app.

Pricing

Homebase bases its pricing on the number of locations a business has. The basic plan is free for one location, while advanced plans with additional features start at $20 per month per location on annual billing plans.

Which company is this best for?

Homebase is best for organizations that have many employees in multiple locations. Homebase also offers features for hiring new employees, such as integrations with job sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.

4. mHelpDesk

mHelpDesk is a comprehensive application designed exclusively for companies in the field services industry, such as plumbing, landscaping, and electrical organizations. Aside from its scheduling capabilities, mHelpDesk allows organizations to manage their workflow, recurring jobs, and track inventory.

Key features

• Workflow management: Maintain visibility and track each job from beginning to end.
• Job management: Track time spent on a job and see the status of every open job.
• Scheduling and dispatch: Allows managers to schedule technicians for newly requested jobs and prevent overbooking.
• GPS tracking: Provides location data for all workers and job locations, allowing you to map out driving instructions through Google Maps.
• Inventory tracking: Managers can track their available inventory and place reorders when necessary.

Pricing

Pricing isn’t immediately available through the mHelpDesk website. Interested business owners must call the company for a customized quote.

Which company is this best for?

mHelpDesk is best for larger organizations operating in the field services industry and looking for extensive support.

Outside of basic scheduling capabilities, managers can access project management tools, provide estimates, and collect payments from customers. However, smaller organizations may find other rostering software a better fit, especially if they don’t require the additional features that mHelpDesk offers. 

5. 7Shifts

7Shifts is an employee rostering software built specifically for restaurants. It allows restaurant managers to schedule available employees for shifts easily and provides real-time reporting for labor tracking. Currently, more than 30,000 restaurants use 7Shifts to manage their scheduling.

Key features

• Assists with hiring: With 7Shifts, managers can write and post job openings online and track available applicants.
• Training resources: 7Shifts facilitates team member training through task management and videos.
• Employee scheduling: Using the system’s scheduling resources, managers can assign employees to specific shifts, share calendars, and manage clock ins/clock outs.
• Integrate payroll: 7Shifts integrates with multiple payroll systems, including QuickBooks and Gusto.
• Track employee engagement: Managers can track late employees, no-shows, and dropped shifts amongst team members to uncover where additional training is necessary.

Pricing

The Comp plan is free and offers basic features for small restaurants with 15 employees or fewer. To access the more advanced features that 7Shifts offers or include more locations and employees, restaurant owners can choose between four other plans, ranging from $21.99 per month to $135 per month when billed annually.

Which company is this best for?

Since 7Shifts was designed exclusively for restaurants, businesses in that sector will benefit the most. Organizations in other sectors, including retail, field services, and medical industries, will find that compared to 7shifts, When I Work offers features that are more applicable to their needs.

6. RosterElf

RosterElf provides employee rostering that’s available through various interfaces, including a mobile app and cloud-based software. With RosterElf, employees can submit their availability to managers, who can arrange their schedules according to business needs.

All schedules are instantly shareable, and employees can view them through their app. Additionally, RosterElf integrates with popular payroll applications like Xero, MYOB, and Sage, making preparing your team’s paychecks much easier. 

Key features

• Employee scheduling: With RosterElf, managers can easily set up weekly staff schedules according to their availability. Employee scheduling is powered by an AI feature incorporating various data points to suggest weekly rosters.
• Cost forecasting: Managers can view total labor costs before sharing weekly schedules. They can adjust the schedule to reduce expenses if planned costs exceed the desired amount.
• Time and attendance: Employees can quickly check in for their shifts via mobile clock-in from the RosterElf app, which includes GPS enforcement.
• Payroll integration: RosterElf integrates with various payroll programs, including Xero, MYOB, and Sage. 

Pricing

RosterElf is an Australian rostering software that’s available worldwide. Subscribers must pay in Australian dollars. Three options are available—RosterElf Lite, RosterElf Pro, and RosterElf Flexi. RosterElf Lite includes rostering and starts at $4 AUD per employee. 

Upgrading to RosterElf Pro will add time clock and payroll integration features. The RosterElf Pro plan starts at $5 AUD monthly. 

RosterElf Flexi is useful for companies that need scheduling for a short-term event or function, like a festival or conference. It is $7 AUD monthly per employee and includes all the rostering and payroll features of RosterElf Pro. However, there are no long-term commitments, and companies can cancel their plan immediately following the event.

Which company is this best for?

RosterElf offers a few standout features other rostering software providers don’t offer, like their flexible weekly plan. The flexible weekly plan is desirable to companies overseeing a one-time event. 

Companies that use payroll services like MYOB and Sage will likely benefit from RosterElf, as most rostering software apps don’t offer these same integrations.

7. Fourth

Fourth offers employers an easy way to manage their rostering needs. Managers can set up shifts according to team availability, and team members can communicate with other employees directly in the app if they need to swap shifts.

Fourth helps businesses plan their schedules around when they’re most likely to be busy. The forecasting feature can help organizations save money on labor costs by recommending staffing levels according to sales and other trends. 

Key features

• Drag and drop employee scheduling: With Fourth, managers can create schedules using color-coded, drag-and-drop technology. Employees can pick up extra shifts or ask other team members to swap with them.
• Compliance tools: Fourth includes access to labor compliance tools, like minimum wage requirements and overtime features. Companies not complying with local and national laws will receive guidance through the app.
• Forecast labor needs: Fourth notifies managers of times when they need extra staff or can do with fewer hands, based on over 17 million points of data.
• Integrates with POS systems: Retailers and restaurants that use a POS system can easily integrate Fourth with their systems through an API. 

Pricing

Unfortunately, Fourth doesn’t list pricing. However, interested customers can sign up for a free 30-day trial. Fourth also offers one-on-one product demos.

Which company is this best for?

Fourth is best for companies with lots of sales variability, such as restaurants and retail stores. Their forecasting function can decrease labor costs by forecasting labor needs during busy and slow periods. However, Fourth may not be the right fit for smaller companies that don’t have a dedicated HCM system.

8. Deputy

Deputy is a software that offers employee rostering tools, including an AI-based auto-scheduling tool that minimizes labor costs and assigns employees to shifts based on their functions and availability. 

Aside from employee scheduling tools, Deputy also includes a time and attendance feature that integrates with most major payroll and accounting programs. You can purchase the time and attendance feature separately or bundle both products together for a comprehensive solution. 

Key features

• AI-Optimized employee scheduling: While many employee scheduling solutions still use drag-and-drop functionality, Deputy offers an AI-automated feature that makes it possible to create upcoming rosters in a single click.
• Separate time and attendance: Some companies don’t need a rostering solution but need help managing payroll and employee attendance. You can purchase time and attendance features without rostering or combine both elements with Deputy.
• Integrates with major payroll and accounting software: Deputy integrates with ADP, Gusto, and Lightspeed. It can also integrate with several accounting platforms, including Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.

Pricing

Deputy offers separate pricing for companies that just need employee scheduling or time and attendance (but not both). Pricing for either option is $3.50 per user. However, organizations can combine both options in Deputy’s Premium plan, which is $4.90 per user monthly. 

Deputy includes a free 31-day trial for all of its plans.

Which company is this best for?

Similar to When I Work, Deputy is best for small and medium-sized organizations needing basic scheduling help. Managers who are short on time will find the AI-based one-touch scheduling feature beneficial.

9. Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a free spreadsheet solution anyone can use. While it doesn’t provide a dedicated rostering option, there are various templates you can use to set up your employee schedules at no cost to your business.

Key features

• Create rosters with free templates: You can handle your employee scheduling needs with a simple template available through the software.
• Share schedules: Any Google sheet you create is fully shareable with anyone with a link. Additionally, Google Sheets includes an app for iOS and Android users, making schedules visible on the go.
• Customizable: Google Sheets offers many customization options, including filters, formulas, and other features. Advanced Google Sheets users can create automated schedules with the right know-how.

Pricing

Google Sheets is entirely free for anyone with a Google account. Businesses that need more extensive storage space and other options can sign up for their standard plan, which is $12 per month per user.

Which company is this best for?

Google Sheets is best for companies with limited scheduling needs. For instance, an office with dedicated staffing hours that all employees follow might find Google Sheets acceptable.

10. Shiftboard

Shiftboard offers a comprehensive employee scheduling solution, including automated scheduling. It has industry-specific options for business sectors like manufacturing, energy, and corrections.

Shiftboard can set up schedules according to union agreements and internal rules, making it ideal for companies considering regulatory and legal criteria before setting up weekly rosters.

Key features

• Industry-specific options: With Shiftboard, you can manage specific scheduling scenarios, like job rotations or production line needs. Shiftboard also includes functionality for union contracts and fatigue laws, like with truck drivers or freight train operators.
• Shift trades and leave requests: Shiftboard incorporates employee requests for time off, ensuring you don’t schedule employees approved for leave. Additionally, employees can trade shifts with your approval.
• ERP and HCM integrations: Shiftboard integrates with several major ERP and HCM systems, including SAP, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics, and Oracle. 

Pricing

Shiftboard does not list pricing information. Companies must contact the company for a quote and product demonstration.

Which company is this best for?

Shiftboard is best for companies that operate in highly-regulated industries, like manufacturing and transportation. Shiftboard is best for enterprise-level organizations with complex scheduling requirements.

Empower your employee rostering process with When I Work

In the fast-paced business landscape of today, ensuring your employee scheduling is both efficient and error-free is key. Harnessing the power of employee rostering software not only alleviates the stress of manual scheduling, but also equips workplaces with the tools they need for growth and operational efficiency. 

For those seeking a reliable solution, When I Work offers automated scheduling, team messaging, and much more at an affordable rate. Don’t let scheduling hold your business back. Start your journey with When I Work today and experience the future of employee scheduling.

Employee rostering FAQs

You probably have questions if you’re exploring staff rostering software solutions. Here are a few of the ones we get most often.

Q. What is employee rostering software?

Employee rostering software allows business owners and managers to avoid the frustration of manual schedule planning.

Many software solutions incorporate other helpful features, like employee document management, onboarding tools, and chat resources. The solutions employee rostering companies offer can help managers save time and money, as well as eliminate problems with over- and understaffing.

Q. Benefits of using a rostering app?

Rostering apps offer numerous benefits. One of the biggest is the reduced time spent on scheduling, which can take hours each week when handled manually.

Many applications also come with features that help organizations manage HR activities like employee onboarding and hiring. Most rostering software also integrates with payroll systems, which makes calculating paychecks simple and automatic.

Q. How do you do staff rostering?

The traditional method of staff rostering occurs through manual solutions like spreadsheets or even pen and paper. Technology has evolved to support more advanced solutions that enable managers to quickly assign available workers to open shifts.

Most staff rostering systems support “drag and drop” functionality, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Q. What is the purpose of rostering?

Rostering allows managers to establish a schedule for their workers that aligns with the company’s needs and employee availability. The rosters are shareable, allowing workers to view them and know when they’ll need to come to work. Rosters help employers avoid under- or overscheduling, which can be costly to the organization and frustrating to workers.

Q. What is the importance of employee rosters?

An employee roster helps manage labor costs and ensures that employees receive enough hours to cover their employee status, whether it’s part-time or full-time. 

Managers can increase employee scheduling during busy times and reduce it when they expect fewer customers. It’s also helpful for improving employee morale since workers are informed of upcoming shifts clearly and immediately.

Q. How much does a rostering app cost?

The cost of rostering software can vary depending on its features and the number of users. A few rostering apps offering basic features are free, but organizations can benefit from paid solutions offering greater functionality. On average, paid solutions vary from $30 to $100 per month. 

Q. What should be included in an employee roster?

You’ll want to include the days and times your business is open in your employee roster. For each available shift, you’ll list the employees assigned to work during that time. You should include basic information about each employee, such as their name and job title.

Q. What is manual rostering?

Manual rostering involves setting your working schedule using manual methods, like paper and pencil or a spreadsheet. If you have numerous employees, manual rostering can take hours to complete. It’s also not automatically shareable; instead, you’ll have to post your roster where employees can see it or notify them of the schedule via email. 

Q. Is using an employee rostering app worth it?

Employee rostering software can save managers and business owners time, energy, and money. An employee rostering app allows you to ditch the pen and paper and instead take advantage of sophisticated technology to allocate your employees among available shifts quickly.

There are many employee rostering apps available, but When I Work offers some of the best features that organizations from all industries can benefit from.

Q. What are roster shifts?

Roster shifts indicate an employee’s work hours during a particular day. 

Depending on your organization type and your employee’s status, you might offer full-day shifts or several part-time shifts. 

Q. What is HR rostering?

HR rostering is another term for employee shift management. Instead of the owner or department manager handling the allocation of work shifts, your HR manager sets them up. HR rostering involves identifying the number of people you need to work a shift and assigning the appropriate employees. 

Q. How do you roster staff effectively?

To roster staff effectively, you’ll need to understand the needs of your business, which will vary depending on its industry. You’ll want to ensure that you have proper staff coverage during busy periods and that the workers you assign for shifts can meet your clients’ demands.

Q. What is the best rostering app?

When I Work offers significant features to organizations in a wide range of industries. It’s highly flexible and combines rostering with other functionalities, including a built-in time clock, managing labor costs and integrating with your payroll provider. Well over one million people in more than 50 countries rely on When I Work for employee scheduling needs. Sign up for a 14-day free trial to see how it can help your team.