Best Scheduling and Time Tracking Software: Improve Accuracy and Workflow

Maria Kharlantseva, November 18, 2024
scheduling and time tracking software: 8 ultimate efficiency tools

Are you struggling to manage your team’s schedules and track time accurately? If so, you’re not alone. Scheduling and time tracking can be daunting tasks, especially as teams grow and operations become more complex. But fear not, because, in this article, we’ll explore the world of scheduling and time-tracking software, including recommendations for free employee shift scheduling apps. Whether you’re a small business owner juggling multiple schedules or a team leader overseeing a large workforce, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover how the right real-time scheduling software can make all the difference in managing your team’s time efficiently.

Essential Features for Choosing Scheduling and Time Tracking Software

Flexible scheduling Choose software that lets you easily create, edit, and customize schedules
Time tracking Effective time tracking functionality provides insights into productivity, helps identify areas for improvement, and ensures compliance with labor regulations
Mobile accessibility Opt for time tracker employee scheduling software that offers mobile accessibility, allowing employees to access schedules and track time on the go
Integration capabilities Choose time tracking and scheduling software that integrates seamlessly with other tools and systems your business uses
Automated notifications Time scheduling software with automated notifications minimizes miscommunication, reduce no-shows, and improve overall team coordination
Reporting and analytics Prioritize employee scheduling and time clock software that provides robust reporting and analytics tools to track key metrics, analyze trends, and gain actionable insights into workforce performance
User-friendly interface Select scheduling and time tracking software with a user-friendly interface that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and accessible to users of all skill levels

Scheduling and Time Tracking Software: Table

Tool Pricing Free Trial Standout Feature
Shifts by Everhour Free Yes User-friendly scheduling
Everhour Free Plan & $8.50 Team Plan Yes Time tracking insights
Buddy Punch Standard: $3.99
Premium: $4.99
Enterprise: Custom
Yes Mobile time tracking
Connecteam Starts at $29/user per month Yes Centralized communication hub
DeskTime Pro: €6
Premium: €9
Enterprise: €18
Yes URL tracking
When I Work Essentials: $2.50
Pro: $5
Premium: $8
Yes Employee availability tracking
Hubstaff Starter: $4.99
Grow: $7.50
Team: $10
Enterprise: $25
Yes Advanced reporting
Homebase Basic: Free
Essentials: $20 per month per location
Plus: $48 per month per location
All-In-One: $80 per month per location
Yes Flexible shift creation

Top 8 Scheduling and Time Tracking Tools

Shifts by Everhour

Shifts by Everhour stands out as a top-tier employee scheduling and time tracking software, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency for businesses of all sizes. With lots of features but no learning curve, Shifts is the ideal solution for optimizing workforce management.

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Key features

  • Flexible scheduling: Shifts by Everhour provides a seamless solution for creating, editing, and managing shifts tailored to your business’s unique requirements.
  • Mobile accessibility: With Shifts’ intuitive mobile app, you can access schedules anytime, anywhere, ensuring your workforce stays informed and productive while on the go.
  • Attendance tracking: Shifts by Everhour comes equipped with built-in tracking capabilities that enable you to accurately monitor employee attendance, saving you time and ensuring precision in your records.
  • Mobile clock-in/out: With Shifts’ mobile clock-in/out feature, you can ensure that time tracking is not only convenient but also accurate, helping you streamline your payroll processes.
  • Open shifts availability: Allow employees to schedule themselves based on availability, promoting flexibility and autonomy in shift assignments.
  • Friendly interface: Navigate the software effortlessly with its intuitive and user-friendly interface, minimizing training time and maximizing productivity.

Pricing

  • Free: Shifts by Everhour offers a no-cost pricing model, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes and budgets.

Shifts by Everhour sets the standard for scheduling and time tracking software, providing unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. All in all, it is the go-to solution for workforce management and greater productivity.


Everhour

Everhour is a versatile scheduling and time tracking app designed to streamline project management and optimize team productivity. With its intuitive interface and robust time tracker features, Everhour empowers teams to efficiently allocate resources, track time, and manage projects effectively.

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Key features

  • Time tracking: Easily track time spent on tasks and projects with a simple and intuitive interface. This employee scheduling and time clock app ensures accurate time tracking and helps teams stay on top of project deadlines.
  • Project budgeting: Set project budgets and track expenses in real time to ensure projects stay within budget. Everhour provides comprehensive budgeting tools to help teams monitor project costs and make informed decisions.
  • Team collaboration: Foster collaboration among team members by providing tools for sharing project updates, collaborating on tasks, and communicating immediately. Everhour’s collaboration features also streamline communication and enhance teamwork.
  • Reporting and analytics: Everhour’s reporting tools provide valuable data to help teams identify areas for improvement and optimize project workflows.
  • Integration: Integrate Everhour with popular project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Basecamp to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. This integration ensures smooth data sharing and enhances the overall project management experience.

Pricing

  • Free plan: Includes basic features such as time tracking and project management for small teams
  • Team plan: Starting at $8.50 per user per month, the Team plan includes advanced features such as budgeting, reporting, and integration with popular project management tools

Buddy Punch

Another tool on the list, Buddy Punch streamlines workforce management and boosts productivity with its intuitive time tracking software. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it offers real-time insights, making it effortless for teams to manage schedules and track work hours.

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Key features

  • User-friendly interface: Buddy Punch’s time entry is simple for all users. Its intuitive design ensures straightforward navigation and easy time tracking for employees and managers alike.
  • Real-time insights: Gain quick insights into work hours and time card data with Buddy Punch’s real-time reporting features. Stay up-to-date on employee attendance and productivity, enabling proactive decision-making and effective workforce management.
  • Mobile accessibility: Access Buddy Punch anytime, anywhere with its mobile-friendly interface. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, tracking time cards and managing schedules is just a tap away, ensuring seamless workforce management for remote and field-based teams.

Pricing

  • Standard Plan: $3.99 per user per month
  • Pro Plan: $4.99 per user per month
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom

Connecteam

Another powerful tool on the list, Connecteam is an employee management platform designed to streamline communication, task management, workforce management, and training for businesses of all sizes. With its centralized communication hub and task management features, mobile workforce management, and training, Connecteam is a scheduling and time clock app that empowers organizations to enhance productivity across their teams. 

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Key features

  • Communication hub: Connecteam serves as a centralized communication hub, enabling seamless interaction and collaboration among team members. Features like group chats, announcements, and feedback forms facilitate effective communication.
  • Task and project management: With features like task lists, checklists, and project timelines, Connecteam enhances productivity in a structured manner, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within scope.
  • Mobile workforce management: Mobile clock-in/out, location tracking, and scheduling flexibility empower businesses to manage remote or field employees effectively.
  • Training and knowledge base: By building a knowledge base, Connecteam also ensures that employees access essential resources for skill development.

Pricing

  • Starts at $29 per user per month when billed annually

DeskTime

DeskTime is a powerful time tracking and productivity analysis software designed to help businesses monitor employee activity, analyze productivity, and streamline project management. With its advanced features such as URL tracking, productivity reports, and project management integration, DeskTime helps organizations optimize their workflow for maximum efficiency.

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Key features

  • URL tracking: The desktop version of DeskTime comes equipped with advanced tools like URL tracking, allowing meticulous monitoring of app and website usage. This feature enables businesses to gain insights into how employees are spending their time online.
  • Productivity reports: DeskTime generates comprehensive productivity reports that offer valuable insights into employee activity. These reports distinguish billable time from non-billable activities, allowing businesses to accurately measure productivity and bill clients accordingly.
  • Project management integration: DeskTime seamlessly integrates project management functionality, facilitating the linkage of tracked time to specific tasks and clients. This integration streamlines project tracking and billing processes, ensuring accurate time allocation and billing for client projects.

Pricing

  • Pro Plan: €6 per user/month
  • Premium Plan: €9 per user/month
  • Enterprise Plan: €18 per user/month

When I Work

When I Work is one of the best shift schedule makers and an employee scheduling and time tracking software designed to streamline workforce management for businesses of all sizes. With features like employee availability tracking, time and attendance management, shift swapping, and labor cost forecasting, When I Work empowers businesses to optimize their scheduling processes and manage labor costs effectively.

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Key features

  • Employee availability: When I Work’s intuitive interface makes it easy to view and manage employee schedules, reducing scheduling conflicts and improving workforce efficiency.
  • Time and attendance: Employees can clock in and out using their mobile devices, reducing time theft and simplifying payroll processes. With real-time attendance tracking, businesses can ensure compliance with labor regulations and minimize payroll errors.
  • Shift swapping and pickup: When I Work enables employees to swap shifts, request time off, and pick up available shifts through the mobile app. This fosters greater scheduling flexibility and empowers employees to take control of their work schedules.
  • Labor cost forecasting: When I Work’s labor cost forecasting feature helps businesses understand their budget and manage labor expenses effectively. By analyzing historical data and projected staffing needs, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their workforce and improve profitability.

Pricing

  • Essentials: $2.50 per user per month
  • Pro Plan: $5 per user per month
  • Premium Plan: $8 per user per month

Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a time tracking and productivity-monitoring software designed to streamline workforce management and enhance productivity. All in all, its precise time tracking, project management integration, advanced reporting, location services, productivity monitoring, and customizable alerts, optimize operations and improve team efficiency.

clock in/clock out

Key features

  • Precise time tracking: Hubstaff offers accurate time tracking through various methods, including manual entry, GPS tracking, and also desktop screenshots.
  • Project management integration: Integrates with popular project management tools, thus allowing users to link time tracking directly to specific projects and tasks.
  • Advanced reporting: Provides robust reporting features, enabling users to generate detailed time and activity reports. These reports offer insights into employee productivity, project progress, and resource allocation.
  • Location services: Incorporates GPS location tracking and geofencing, thus ensuring comprehensive insights into employee movements.
  • Productivity monitoring: Utilizes activity tracking functionalities to monitor employee productivity and analyze work patterns. By tracking application and website usage, Hubstaff helps identify inefficiencies and distractions that may impact productivity.
  • Alerts and reminders: Configurable alerts help prevent overtime and ensure compliance with labor regulations.

Pricing

  • Starter: $4.99 per user per month
  • Grow: $7.50 per user per month
  • Team: $10 per user per month
  • Enterprise: $25 per user per month

Homebase

Lastly, Homebase is a versatile scheduling and time tracking solution designed to simplify workforce management for businesses of all sizes. It provides a range of features including flexible shift creation, availability tracking, shift reminders, time off requests, and shift swaps. These empower managers to craft efficient schedules while prioritizing employee satisfaction and compliance.

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Key features

  • Flexible shift creation: Easily create, assign, and manage shifts to meet your business’s needs. Whether you need regular schedules or customized shifts, Homebase offers intuitive tools to streamline shift planning.
  • Availability tracking: Allow employees to update their availability, helping managers schedule shifts with individual preferences and constraints. This enhances scheduling accuracy and reduces conflicts.
  • Shift reminders: Automatically send shift reminders to employees, reducing absenteeism and late arrivals. With timely notifications, employees are more likely to adhere to their schedules.
  • Time off requests: Streamline the time-off request and approval process by allowing employees to submit requests directly through the app. Thus, managers can efficiently review and manage requests.
  • Shift swaps: Enable employees to initiate shift swaps with their colleagues, thus reducing managerial workload and ensuring adequate shift coverage.

Pricing

  • Basic Plan: Free
  • Essentials Plan: $20 per month per location
  • Plus Plan: $48 per month per location
  • All-In-One Plan: $80 per month per location

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is scheduling and time tracking software?

Scheduling and time tracking software are tools designed to streamline workforce management by enabling businesses to create, manage, and optimize employee schedules, as well as track and analyze their work hours. These software solutions offer features such as shift creation, availability tracking, time-off management, and detailed reporting to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Who can benefit from using scheduling and time tracking software?

Scheduling and time tracking software can benefit various businesses, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Organizations that rely on effective employee scheduling and accurate time tracking can significantly benefit from implementing such software.

What are the key features to look for in scheduling and time tracking software?

Key features to consider when choosing scheduling and time tracking software include flexible shift creation, availability tracking, shift reminders, time-off management, shift swaps, detailed reporting, and integration with other business tools such as payroll and project management software. These features help businesses effectively manage their workforce and optimize scheduling processes.

How can scheduling and time tracking software help businesses save time and money?

Automating manual scheduling processes, reducing scheduling errors, optimizing shift planning, and accurately tracking employee work hours, scheduling, and time tracking software can help businesses save time and money. Beyond these benefits, such solutions streamline workforce management, minimize labor costs, and boost overall productivity. They also ensure compliance with labor regulations, reinforcing operational integrity.

Is scheduling and time tracking software suitable for businesses of all sizes?

Yes, scheduling and time tracking software are available in various formats to accommodate businesses of all sizes. Generally, many software providers offer scalable solutions with pricing plans and features tailored to the needs of different business sizes and industries.

How do I choose the right scheduling and time tracking software for my business?

When choosing scheduling and time tracking software for your business, consider factors such as your industry-specific requirements, the size of your workforce, your budget, ease of use, customer support, integration capabilities, and scalability. Evaluating multiple software options and choosing one that best aligns with your needs is essential.

In case you’re looking for a seamless way to improve shift planning and a powerful work schedule maker, Shifts by Everhour is the best scheduling app. With features like real-time monitoring, easy scheduling, and mobile accessibility, managing your workforce has never been simpler.


Scheduling and Time Tracking Software: Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to scheduling and time tracking software, Shifts by Everhour stands out as the best staff scheduling system that offers user-friendly features, robust functionality, and affordability. With features such as intuitive interface, flexible shift creation, and advanced time tracking capabilities, Shifts simplifies workforce management and helps businesses optimize their scheduling processes. To sum up, Shifts provides the tools you need to effectively manage your team’s schedules and track their work hours, ultimately improving productivity and efficiency. With Shifts by Everhour, you can take control of your scheduling needs and unlock greater success for your business.

Maria Kharlantseva

Maria is a proud content guardian with experience working for international teams and projects of different complexities. Maria has a passion for fantasy novels, music, black-and-white films, and nitpicking (because there is always room for improvement!).