Top Workforce Management Software for 2025: Tools to Run Smarter Teams

In 2025, the best workforce management software (WFM), along with free employee shift scheduling apps, does more than build a schedule — it connects people, tools, time, and business goals. Workforce management isn’t just about filling shifts anymore. It’s about:

• Forecasting demand accurately
• Managing compliance across regions
• Reducing labor cost while boosting performance
• Giving managers a real-time view of who’s doing what

🏆 Top Picks: Best Workforce Management Software (2025)

🏆 Tool	Best For	Forecasting	Scheduling	Time Tracking	HR Integration	Notes
Shifts by Everhour	Small to medium businesses	✅	✅	✅	✅	Fast setup, intuitive UI
UKG (Kronos)	Large enterprises + call centers	✅	✅	✅	✅	Enterprise-grade, deep features
Deputy	Multi-location retail, hospitality	✅	✅	✅	✅	Great mobile tools, compliance
BambooHR + WorkforceNow	HR-first WFM stack	Partial	✅	✅	✅	Built for HR-led teams
Homebase	Small retail & service businesses	✅	✅	✅	✅	Includes free tier, strong UX

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🧩 Shifts by Everhour: Best All-in-One for Growing Teams

For small to mid-size teams who want scheduling, availability tracking, and labor visibility, Shifts by Everhour is hard to beat. You get:

• Drag-and-drop shift planning
• Approval workflows for overtime
• Clean exports for payroll
• Easy setup, great support

Perfect for remote, hybrid, or deskless teams that need clarity and control without the complexity of a full enterprise suite. Great scheduling and time tracking software!

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☎️ UKG (Kronos): Best Enterprise WFM Platform

If you run a large operation — call center, healthcare org, or multi-country business — UKG is the most powerful WFM platform on the market. Features include:

• AI-driven demand forecasting
• Automated labor compliance
• Deep ERP + HRIS integrations
• Skill-based scheduling

Downside? Cost and onboarding time. But it’s built for global scale.

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🛍️ Deputy: Best for Multi-Location Shift Work

Retail, hospitality, and field-based teams love Deputy because it’s mobile-first and compliance-ready. Why it works:

• Staff can swap shifts via mobile
• Break + overtime alerts built-in
• Forecasting based on demand
• Visual dashboards for store managers

Great for hourly staff who need flexibility + visibility.

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🧾 BambooHR + WorkforceNow: Best HR-Led WFM Suite

If your HR department drives scheduling and performance tracking, BambooHR with WorkforceNow covers both sides:

• HRIS + time off + benefits
• Shift scheduling and time tracking
• Performance reviews and reports
• Role-based permissions and approvals

It’s not built for fast-paced shift environments, but it works well for structured internal teams.

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🧰 Homebase: Best Budget-Friendly WFM Tool

For smaller operations who want to ditch the whiteboard:

• Free scheduling and time tracking
• Clock-ins via mobile or tablet
• Budget tracking by location
• Simple compliance features

Not ideal for scaling companies or enterprise reporting, but excellent value to start.

Check out our breakdown of Homebase vs When I Work!

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❓ FAQs

1. What is the best workforce management software in 2025?

For most small and mid-size teams: Shifts by Everhour. For enterprise: UKG. The best retail scheduling software? Deputy scheduling.

2. What workforce management software is best for remote teams?

Shifts by Everhour. Simple remote shift planning, time tracking, and payroll exports.

3. What’s the best budget-friendly workforce management software for medium enterprises?

Homebase offers great value. Deputy is strong if you need compliance. Shifts by Everhour is flexible without being bloated.

4. Which workforce management software offers the best integration with existing HR systems?

UKG and BambooHR integrate with most HR suites. Everhour also connects with tools like QuickBooks and Gusto.

5. Which workforce management software has the best customer support?

Shifts by Everhour is known for fast, human responses. Deputy and Homebase also score well in user reviews.

6. What workforce management software is best for performance-focused teams?

Use BambooHR + WorkforceNow for HR-led metrics. Combine with Everhour to see real-time task-level performance.

7. Which software is best for small tech businesses?

Everhour for tracking + Shifts for scheduling. Lightweight, scalable, and flexible across teams.

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🔎 Final Word

The best workforce management software isn’t the one with the most dashboards. It’s the one that helps your team:

• 📅 Get scheduled
• ✅ Stay compliant
• 🎯 Hit their goals
• 😊 And actually enjoy showing up

If you want to spend less time fixing spreadsheets and more time running your team, start with the best shift schedule maker, Shifts by Everhour.

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In case you’re looking for intuitive shift scheduling software, Shifts by Everhour is the perfect solution. Shifts is also an excellent choice even for complex team structures like those in law enforcement, where having efficient police department scheduling software is essential.

If you want more industry-specific scheduling options, check out our list of the best security guard scheduling software or the best healthcare scheduling software systems!