What is staff scheduling software?
Staff scheduling software is a tool that helps businesses plan and organize employee shifts. It can be used to create and manage shift patterns, track employee availability, and communicate shift changes.
The 5 Best Staff Scheduling Software Solutions for Small Businesses
What is Staff Scheduling Software?
Staff scheduling software assists businesses, especially businesses that work in different shifts, with organizing and streamlining staff scheduling.
It is a tool that helps track employee availability, schedule shifts, and predict future staffing needs. These software systems may also include features for tracking time off requests, managing payroll, and monitoring compliance with labor laws. It also helps businesses track employee hours, availability, and vacation time.
Efficient employee scheduling helps businesses consolidate employee time, manage assignments through shifts, and communicate clearly across verticals and teams.
Broadly, scheduling is a multi-step process. It requires recognizing demand, identifying resources, breaking down shifts, handling staff preferences, considering past schedules, having a plan B, taking labor law guidelines into consideration, and scheduling.
A business that relies on spreadsheets has to handle each step manually. On the other hand, staff scheduling software allow businesses to automate schedule creation, taking the burden off managers. The software organizes employee shift information and helps managers create schedules with ease. In addition, most modern software have drag-and-drop features that makes it easy to move employees around schedules, as well as capabilities for forecasting labor costs and tracking time off requests.
What are the Benefits of Staff Scheduling for Small Businesses?
Regardless of the business profile, employee management plays a big role in the success or failure of a business. Growing businesses need productive employees. And productive employees make for happy and satisfied customers.
Several benefits come with implementing a staff scheduling solution for small businesses. One of the most obvious benefits is it helps improve communication and coordination between employees. It also helps streamline the process of scheduling shifts and ensures that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. It also makes it easier to identify gaps. In addition, effective employee schedules allow businesses to-
- Improve efficiency- Scheduling optimizes workload distribution and reduces the risk of employee burnout. It results in a more productive environment.
- Reduce employee costs- Having too many employees can be a huge drain on finances. By carefully scheduling your staff, you can avoid having too many people on payroll and save money each month.
- Decrease absenteeism- If employees are properly scheduled, they're less likely to call in sick or take unplanned days off. This leads to increased productivity and fewer disruptions in the workplace. Also, cloud-based scheduling software allows everyone to check the schedule and make changes in advance.
- Plan for slow periods- Most businesses experience ebbs and flow throughout the year, where business is slow at certain times and extremely busy at others (think back-to-school shopping versus December holiday shopping). By being strategic about scheduling employees during these slower periods, you can keep labor costs down without sacrificing service quality when business is booming.
- Act on customer demand- Good staff scheduling can help you to respond quickly and effectively to changes in customer demand and other unexpected challenges. By having a well-planned schedule, you will have the flexibility needed to make last-minute adjustments without disrupting your business.
- Adhere to labor laws- The United States federal and state bodies impose several rules and regulations to ensure workplace fairness. These determine the hours an employee works each day, and require employers to notify their staff before changing schedules. Besides, overtime should be well-accounted for and diligently paid. Shift scheduling apps help adhere to these stringent rules.
The lack of a good scheduling software can be a huge headache when it comes to managing employees.
Zipschedules has curated a list of top 6 best staff scheduling software for small businesses and get back to running your business.
How to Choose the Best Staff Scheduling Software?
While choosing a scheduling software, consider these features-
- Ease of use- The software should be easy to use and intuitive with a user-friendly interface. If it's not, employees will waste valuable time trying to figure it out and may never actually use it.
- Compatibility- The software should be compatible with your existing systems and devices, like time tracking software, accounting solutions, point-of-sale systems, and so on.
- Security- The software should be secure, with data encryption and backups to prevent loss of important information.
- Updates- The service provider should regularly update the software with new features and security patches.
- Mobile access- With more people working remotely or on the go, the scheduling software must be accessible from mobile devices. This allows employees to easily check their schedules (and make changes if needed) no matter where they are.
- Flexibility- The best employee scheduling software is flexible enough to accommodate changing needs and schedules. Choose a software solution that allows you to easily create schedules and edit and view them in various formats (e.g., weekly or monthly).
- Team collaboration- Teams need to access the scheduling software and collaborate easily within the platform. Make sure the software has built-in communication tools.
- Automation- Automated features can save a lot of time when creating or updating schedules. Look for features like automatic shift assignment based on preferences or rules-based schedule generation based on labor laws or company policy.
- Reporting- Being able to track attendance, tardiness, performance data, etc., can help identify issues early on and improve future decision-making. Choose a system with comprehensive reporting capabilities to track what's happening in real time.
- Analytics- Advanced analytics features go one step further by putting the reporting data into context and identifying patterns over time. It can help make strategic decisions about staffing levels, budgeting, etc.
- Pricing- Of course, cost is always important, but don't sacrifice key features or functionality to save a few bucks. In most scenarios, investing in a quality scheduling system will save you money in the long run by automating manual processes, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.
- Customer support- The company should offer excellent customer support to help you address questions or problems about the software.
1. Zip Schedules
A comprehensive scheduling solution for restaurants and other food-related businesses, Zip Schedules is simple and easy to use. Some of its prominent features include-
- An easy-to-install app allows managers to create, edit, and view schedules in real time.
- The internal messaging system enables clear communication between team members.
- It's flexible, so managers can easily approve leave requests, review staff requests, reschedule and update employees. It also allows easy shift trade-offs.
- It allows users to save templates and modify them.
- Its labor tracking and forecasting tools also help employers reduce fines related to labor and wage pay.
2. When I Work
When I Work, an employee schedulingmobile app is an excellent choice for small and growing businesses. Some of its features include-
- Auto-scheduling- This function allows you to create shifts with just one click. It lets employees easily exchange shifts and make time-off requests via a phone app.
- Enforce punctuality- The app lets managers limit clock-ins to specific shifts and locations. This enforces punctuality at the workplace.
- Easy integration- By allowing time off requests to be integrated with a time clock the app helps reduce labor costs. It also easily integrates with a cash register.
- Real-time updates- Multiple employees are notified simultaneously when their schedules are published.
- Import- Managers can easily import Timesheets to process payroll.
Scheduling your employees is a huge headache.
Zipschedules suggests that the best staff scheduling software, you can keep track of your employees’ time and schedule them in a way that works for your business.
3. Shiftboard
Shiftboard eases the complexity of scheduling with data intelligence and automation tailored to your needs. It helps businesses create adaptive, staff-friendly schedules that optimize shift coverage even if operating plans change. Let's look at some of its features that help create efficient schedules.
- Its highly configurable automation supports industry-specific scenarios and matches scheduling steps to internal procedures and union agreements.
- It generates schedules taking into consideration operation areas, shift pattern structures, and crew availability.
- It has an auto-block feature that alerts managers to violation of union contracts, employment laws, fatigue rules, and internal policies.
- It offers employees secure mobile and web access while checking schedules, trade-off shifts, pick-up shifts, and leave requests.
- An agile change management feature allows managers to fill last-minute gaps seamlessly with an on-demand list of available and qualified workers. It also notifies staff about changes in schedule with emails, automated calls, SMS, and mobile notifications.
4. 7shifts
This scheduling software allows businesses to manage schedules, oversee their timesheets, communicate, offer tips, create tasks, and do much more.
- The solution easily integrates with most third-party software solutions already implemented in a business, like point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management platforms.
- It provides multiple ways to communicate with team members -- from direct messages and group chats to broadcast announcements. In addition, employees receive schedules on their email addresses or phones.
- It gives managers real-time access to employee shifts, which helps avoid last-minute conflicts. It also helps them consider labor availability, labor laws, and overtime.
- Its reporting tool helps in weekly labor budgeting.
- It also has a free smartphone app.
- It comes with drag-and-drop templates for creating easy schedules.
5. Homebase
This scheduling software is ideal for small businesses.
- It has an easy "drag and drop" interface, a productivity platform, and GPS integration with any device.
- The software integrates with multiple point-of-sale and accounting solutions and helps businesses streamline and optimize processes.
- A completely cloud-based solution, it helps keep track of employees' daily hours, overtime, breaks, and checklists.
- It allows employees to manage projects, tasks, and client relationships within a secure online environment.
- It has a powerful time-tracking feature that ensures employees are 100% accountable for their hours.
Its essential package starts at $16 per month per location, while its advanced plans with add-on features can cost up to $80 per month per location.
Managing an office is hard enough, but when you add staff scheduling to the mix, it gets even more difficult.
Zipschedules has done all the research for you and found the top 6 best staff scheduling software for small businesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a staff work schedule?
Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.Creating a staff work schedule depends on the size of your business and the hours that your team works. A staff work schedule could be as simple as having everyone pitch in a couple of hours every week to keep the office running smoothly. Or, you could have your staff work normal 8-hour days with 2 midday shifts and another shift at the end of the day. Whichever your situation is, you can find a staff work schedule that fits your team. With different team members, different hours, and different schedules, a staff work schedule is key to running your business successfully, especially if you have multiple people working under the same roof.
What do companies use for scheduling?
Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.Keeping employees happy and productive is the ultimate challenge for any company. With the increasing responsibilities and expectations, the employees need to be happy while working. Moreover, with the increasing amount of business processes and workflows, companies have to be more efficient in their workflows to keep their employees happy. The right scheduling software can help companies manage their employees and processes.
What is the best employee scheduling?
When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.When you have a lot of employees and you want to organize them in the most optimal way, employee scheduling software can be a great help. This software allows you to easily shift employees' schedules, assign them to the workstations where they can be most productive, and monitor their interactions with coworkers. The best employee scheduling software enables you to do all of this while also complying with all relevant regulations and keeping your business running smoothly.
Is there an app for scheduling employees?
Your employees are your most valuable assets. They're the ones who keep your business running. And keeping your team organized and productive is crucial to keeping them engaged and excited about their work. If you have employees, you understand how important it is to be able to manage their hours and assignments. Whether you're a small business owner or the founder of an independent contractor firm, you need to know how to schedule employees.Your employees are your most valuable assets. They're the ones who keep your business running. And keeping your team organized and productive is crucial to keeping them engaged and excited about their work. If you have employees, you understand how important it is to be able to manage their hours and assignments. Whether you're a small business owner or the founder of an independent contractor firm, you need to know how to schedule employees.Your employees are your most valuable assets. They're the ones who keep your business running. And keeping your team organized and productive is crucial to keeping them engaged and excited about their work. If you have employees, you understand how important it is to be able to manage their hours and assignments. Whether you're a small business owner or the founder of an independent contractor firm, you need to know how to schedule employees.Your employees are your most valuable assets. They're the ones who keep your business running. And keeping your team organized and productive is crucial to keeping them engaged and excited about their work. If you have employees, you understand how important it is to be able to manage their hours and assignments. Whether you're a small business owner or the founder of an independent contractor firm, you need to know how to schedule employees.