The 12 best workforce management software platforms in 2025

Workforce management has come a long way from punch clocks, spreadsheets, and siloed systems. Today, workforce management software covers everything you need to keep hourly and salaried employees running smoothly: time and attendance, scheduling, labor optimization, leave management, compliance, mobile tools, and workforce analytics.

In this guide, I’ll compare 12 of the best workforce management software in 2025. You’ll see where each platform shines, where it falls short, and which option makes the most sense for your business.

What is workforce management (WFM)?

Workforce management, or WFM, is the practice of tracking hours, creating schedules, and ensuring employees are paid accurately while staying compliant and on budget. WFM software automates this by combining several modules:

• Time & Attendance (T&A): Capture hours worked, breaks, and overtime. Approved hours sync straight into payroll.

• Scheduling: Build compliant rosters that factor in labor laws, costs, and coverage. Manage swaps, open shifts, and multi-location staffing without spreadsheets.

• Labor Optimization: Forecast demand, compare budgets to actuals, and prevent unplanned overtime.

• Leave & Absence: Manage PTO, sick leave, and compliance with local and federal rules.

• Mobile & Geofencing: Let employees clock in from their phones, confirm shifts, and communicate on the go, with geolocation.

• Payroll & HR Integration: Keep all data in one system so hours flow directly into payroll and policies apply consistently across the employee lifecycle.

This last bit is where Rippling stands apart. In Rippling, workforce management isn’t bolted on, but rather natively part of the same platform as HR and payroll. That means no siloed employee data or surprises at payroll close.

Types of WFM platforms (and how to choose)

Broadly, WFM platforms fall into three categories:

All-in-one HCM with integrated WFM 

Rippling, Dayforce, and UKG Pro combine HR, payroll, T&A, and scheduling in a single database. These are the best if you want maximum accuracy and a fast payroll close. However, the trade-off is a higher upfront investment.

WFM add-ons from payroll vendors 

Platforms like ADP Workforce Manager extend their payroll systems with WFM add-ons. This works if you’re already standardized on that payroll provider and want linkage to existing time clocks. Otherwise, switching payroll later can be difficult.

Standalone WFM for SMB

These are best for hourly teams. Examples are Deputy and Homebase. They’re quick to deploy and often come with free or low-cost plans. The downside is that you may need third-party integrations for payroll.

Quick comparison: Best WFM software at a glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s a side-by-side look at your options.

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Methodology: How I chose these WFM tools

With dozens of vendors pitching “workforce management” today, I narrowed this list to 12 platforms that are both widely reviewed and actively used by businesses of different sizes. Each was evaluated on the same set of criteria, so you can make apples-to-apples comparisons:

• Integration with payroll & HR: Is employee data unified or split across multiple systems?

• Multi-location scalability: How well does the software handle scheduling and time tracking across multiple sites without excessive per-location fees or complexity?

• Scheduling sophistication: Can managers build compliant rosters, staff multiple sites, and factor in labor rules or demand forecasts?

• Compliance support: How well does the software enforce overtime, breaks, and paid leave, with audit trails?

• Business size fit: Which platforms work best for startups, growing SMBs, established mid-market companies, and large enterprises based on features and cost structure?

• Mobile experience: Can employees clock in/out, swap shifts, and request leave from their phones? Is geofencing available?

• Reporting & labor cost control: Does the WFM software provide real-time visibility into overtime, budget vs. actuals, and other labor analytics?

• Time-to-value: How quickly can SMBs or mid-market teams be up and running?

• Industry alignment: How well does each platform serve specific workforce types like hourly retail, healthcare shifts, field service, or mixed salaried/hourly teams? 

Rippling editorial policy: Rippling puts our customers (and prospective customers!) first. The Rippling team is committed to providing information supported by product data, expert insights, and real customer feedback to inform all of our content. All of our content is reviewed by product experts for accuracy and freshness.

Deep dive: My full review of each workforce management platform

Now let’s look at the 12 WFM software that made my list.

1. Rippling

Pricing/availability

Pricing starts at $8 PEPM. Subscription-based, sold as modules (Time & Attendance, Scheduling, Payroll) within the Rippling platform. 

Why Rippling stands out

If you’re tired of chasing down hours in one system, schedules in another, and payroll in a third, Rippling fixes that. It’s the only workforce management platform on my list that unifies time tracking, scheduling, and payroll on the same employee data and policies, sans third-party integrations. As a result, compliance is automated across the board.

Where Rippling can fall short

If you’re looking for a lightweight, standalone scheduling or attendance tracking tool, Rippling may feel like more than you need. You get maximum value when you use it as an all-in-one system for HR, payroll, and workforce management.

Is Rippling right for you?

Rippling is best if you want fewer tools, fast payroll close, and visibility into labor spend from schedule to pay run. Ideal for companies with 10-1000+ employees who want to eliminate integration complexity.

Feature snapshot

2. UKG Pro WFM

Pricing/availability

Subscription-based. UKG Pro offers Workforce Management modules (Scheduling, Forecasting, Compliance) as part of its broader HCM suite.

Why UKG Pro WFM stands out

UKG Pro WFM makes scheduling smarter and more compliant. Its forecasting tools analyze past volume and seasonal trends to help you build schedules that match demand.

You can also enforce breaks, correct missed punches, manage pay policies, and align with state and federal regulations via dashboards and audit trails.

Where UKG Pro WFM can fall short

• Rollout is long and requires heavy consulting requirements

• If your team is small or you only need basic scheduling, you may end up paying for features you don’t use

• Some forecasting and compliance modules may require higher-tier licenses

Is UKG Pro WFM right for you?

If you're managing multi-site operations and have the budget (and time) for extensive implementation, UKG Pro gives you tools to forecast, plan, and schedule.

Feature snapshot

3. ADP Workforce Manager

Pricing/availability

Quote-based pricing. Workforce Management tools (T&A, scheduling, absence management, compliance, analytics) are offered as modules that integrate with ADP's payroll and HCM systems.

Why ADP Workforce Manager stands out

If your business already runs on ADP, Workforce Manager is an easy extension. It works tightly with ADP’s time clocks, kiosks, and payroll modules. You'll get automated scheduling, leave and absence tracking, and dashboards with overtime and labor trends. 

Where ADP Workforce Manager can fall short

• Setup time can be long

• If you just need simple scheduling, some features may be overkill

• Mobile upgrade, forecasting, and compliance tools are locked behind higher tiers

• While functional, you might find the interface dated compared to other WFM software like Rippling

Is ADP Workforce Manager right for you?

It’s best if you’re already using ADP Payroll and want a WFM suite tied to clocks/kiosks, with compliance, scheduling accuracy, and absence management.

Feature snapshot

4. Dayforce (formerly Ceridian)

Pricing/availability

Quote-based. Modules and licensing tiers vary by size and location.

Why Dayforce stands out

Dayforce is built to handle breadth. You get real-time payroll visibility, forecasting, centralized multi-location scheduling, and a self-service interface for your team.

Where Dayforce can fall short

• Setup, configuration, and implementation are often steep

• Though robust, you might find the reporting dashboards or ad hoc reporting tools less intuitive than those of other competitors

• Some modules (forecasting, schedule automation) may only be fully available in higher-tier licenses

• High total cost of ownership when factoring in implementation and ongoing support costs

Is Dayforce right for you?

If you’re managing large-scale multi-site operations with heavy compliance needs, Dayforce might be a fit. Compared with Rippling, you'd need third-party integrations to link your IT and Finance stack.

Feature snapshot

5. Deputy

Pricing/availability

From $5.50 PEPM. Free trial available.

Why Deputy stands out

Deputy is popular with hourly and shift-heavy teams across retail, hospitality, and healthcare. You can drag and drop shifts, factor in labor, budgets, and coverage requirements. Your employees get a mobile app to clock in/out, swap shifts, and receive reminders (reducing no-shows).

It also includes demand forecasting tools that use sales or foot traffic data to suggest staffing levels.

Where Deputy can fall short

• Deputy is not an all-in-one HCM. Payroll requires integration with a separate provider

• Limited reporting depth and customizations; you'll need to export data for advanced analysis

• There’s a minimum monthly spend per invoice on Premium Deputy plans

• Some core features, like compliance or demand forecasting, may be locked behind higher tiers

Is Deputy right for you?

Best for SMBs and multi-location hourly workforces that need easy employee scheduling, T&A, and POS integrations without the overhead of a full enterprise system.

Feature snapshot

6. Homebase

Pricing/availability

Free plan available (≤10 employees at one location). Advanced scheduling and time-tracking plans start at $30 per month, priced per location.

Why Homebase stands out

With Homebase, you get drag-and-drop scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging without extra software. The free tier is generous if you're trying to keep costs down.

It includes hiring and onboarding tools at higher tiers, so you can post jobs, collect applications, and track new hires. Integrations with POS systems and payroll providers extend its reach if you don’t want a full HCM suite.

Where Homebase can fall short

• Features like forecasting and compliance are lightweight compared to enterprise WFM tools

• Per-location pricing model becomes expensive for multi-site operations

• Customer support is primarily email-based or AI assistants for lower tiers

Is Homebase right for you?

Best if you need affordable scheduling and time clocks for a small team in a single location.

Feature snapshot

7. Microsoft Shifts (via Intune + Teams)

Pricing/availability

No standalone cost. Shifts is included with certain Microsoft 365 plans.

Why Microsoft Shifts stands out

If your workforce already lives in Microsoft Teams, Shifts offers a lightweight way to schedule, track time, and manage frontline staff without adding new software. Your employees can clock in/out, request time off, and managers can assign or swap shifts all within the Teams app. 

For IT, because access, permissions, and mobile device policies can be centrally managed through Microsoft Intune.

Where Microsoft Shifts can fall short

• Generally limited compared to dedicated WFM tools; no advanced labor forecasting or deep compliance automation

• Reporting is basic and not designed for labor cost analysis

• Requires broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem investment

• No payroll integration; scheduling only

Is Microsoft Shifts right for you?

Choose Shifts if your company is already standardized on Microsoft 365 and needs basic scheduling and time tracking for frontline teams.

Feature snapshot

8. Paycor

Pricing/availability

Plans are quote-based and vary by company size and modules.

Why Paycor stands out

Paycor combines payroll, HR, and WFM in one system. Its scheduling tools allow you to build compliant rosters, monitor overtime, and forecast labor needs. 

Where Paycor can fall short

• Limited reporting and report customization capabilities

• Setup complexity can overwhelm smaller teams

• Fees can quickly add up as you scale across multiple locations

Is Paycor right for you?

Best for mid-sized businesses moving to bundled payroll, HR, and WFM, and can navigate complex implementation.

Feature snapshot

9. Paylocity

Pricing/availability

All plans are quote-based.

Why Paylocity stands out

If you want HCM bundled with your workforce management tools, Paylocity might be a fit. It also offers scheduling and time tracking tools with compliance baked in, plus dashboards for overtime and labor cost control.

Where Paylocity can fall short

• Interface feels outdated compared to other WFM tools

• Steep learning curve makes feature navigation challenging

• Customer support reviews show inconsistent service quality

• Weaker custom reporting: no pivot tables, recruiting data is separated, and no master reporting with third-party data

Is Paylocity right for you?

Choose Paylocity if you’re a mid-sized business that wants payroll, HR, and WFM together, and can tolerate a more traditional UI in exchange for compliance depth. 

Feature snapshot

10. Workday

Pricing/availability

Subscription is quote-based. Workforce Management (Time Tracking, Scheduling) is a modular add-on, not a core product.

Why Workforce.com stands out

Workday is an enterprise-grade HCM suite with global workforce support, compliance features for multiple jurisdictions, and analytics.

Where Workday can fall short

• Setup and implementation are time-consuming, requiring internal and external consulting support

• Extremely high cost structure limits it to large enterprises

• User interface complexity requires significant training investment

• Over-engineered for companies focused primarily on workforce management

Is Workday right for you?

Best for large, global enterprises that want to centralize HCM, payroll, and WFM, even though workforce management is secondary to its core HR functions.

Feature snapshot

11. QuickBooks Time

Pricing/availability

QuickBooks Time offers two plans: Time Premium at $20 base + $8 PEPM, and Time Elite at $40 base + $10 PEPM. Both include time tracking; Elite adds project tracking (budget vs. actuals) and geofencing.

Why QuickBooks Time stands out

Designed for small businesses, QuickBooks Time is simple and affordable for tracking employees with direct integration into QuickBooks Payroll.

Where QuickBooks Time can fall short

• Scheduling is basic compared to dedicated WFM systems

• Limited compliance automation beyond simple overtime rules

• Manual oversight is required for complex labor law compliance

• Confined to the QuickBooks ecosystem; difficult to switch payroll providers

Is QuickBooks Time right for you?

Ideal for small teams that need simple time tracking tied directly to QuickBooks Payroll.

Feature snapshot

12.Workforce.com

Pricing/availability

Pricing is quote-based, depending on employee count and modules (scheduling, compliance, payroll integrations).

Why Workforce.com stands out

Workforce.com markets itself heavily to shift-heavy industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare with automatic break rules enforcement and fair workweek regulations.

Managers get forecasting tied to sales data, and employees use the mobile app for scheduling, shift swaps, and time tracking.

Where Workforce.com can fall short

• Not an all-in-one HCM; payroll requires integrations

• Additional costs for advanced compliance features

Is Workforce.com right for you?

Best for shift-heavy industries that need strong compliance, labor forecasting, and scheduling, especially in retail and healthcare.

Feature snapshot

Which workforce management system is best for you? 

The answer depends on your headcount, how your team works, and what specific WFM needs you have — whether that’s cutting overtime, integrations, scheduling across multiple sites, or keeping payroll and compliance airtight. 

Here’s how I’d match different tools to different business needs.

Based on your company's stage

Based on your workforce profile

Based on your integration requirements

Bonus: Based on roles

Why Rippling is the #1 workforce management software in 2025

Most WFM software focus on one piece of the puzzle — time clocks, scheduling, or compliance — and then bolt on payroll through an integration. Rippling is different. It combines Time & Attendance, Scheduling, and Payroll in a unified system built on the same employee data.

That unified design delivers four advantages you won’t get from siloed tools:

• Live labor cost control: See the true cost of a shift before it’s scheduled, and prevent unplanned overtime at the source.

• Policy automation: Enforce custom overtime, break, and premium rules, cutting admin and risk.

• Seamless payroll sync: Approved hours flow straight into payroll. No re-keying, no integrations to maintain, no surprises on payday.

• Mobile and multi-location support: Manage shifts across sites with mobile clock-ins, geofencing, and live alerts. Grow your team without the per-location licensing fees that plague competitors.

Rippling also scales beyond WFM. Because it runs on the same platform as your HR, IT, and Finance systems, you can manage devices, apps, benefits, and expenses without juggling multiple vendors (or spreadsheets).

If you’re looking for the best workforce management system for accuracy, speed, and visibility in 2025, Rippling is the clear #1 choice.

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FAQs on workforce management software

What’s the difference between WFM and time & attendance?

Time & attendance just tracks hours and breaks. Workforce management adds scheduling, leave, forecasting, compliance, and cost control.

Do I need WFM software if my payroll already tracks hours?

If all you want is timesheets, payroll is enough. If you need to prevent overtime, manage shifts across locations, or keep labor costs under control, you definitely need workforce management software.

How does WFM reduce overtime and labor leakage?

WFM reduces overtime and labor leakage by enforcing rules at the scheduling stage. For example, if a shift assignment will trigger overtime, the system flags it instantly. That stops budget creep before payroll closes.

Which WFM is best for multi-location scheduling?

Rippling scales without per-location fees and keeps hours, schedules, and payroll in one place.

Can WFM integrate with my POS/HR/payroll?

Yes, but integrations can cost extra. Rippling avoids that by natively combining HR, payroll, and WFM. Retail-focused WFM systems like Workforce.com or Deputy can also sync with POS data, so your sales volume feeds into forecasts.

How fast can an SMB implement WFM (and what’s the typical rollout plan)?

With Rippling, setup can take a few days to a few weeks, since modules share one employee record. Legacy systems like UKG, ADP, or Dayforce often take months of configuration.

What’s the difference between WFM and HCM software?

HCM covers the full employee lifecycle: hiring, benefits, and payroll. WFM is the operational layer with scheduling, time, and compliance. They overlap but solve different problems.

What’s the ROI of WFM software?

Savings come from fewer payroll errors, reduced overtime leakage, and less admin time. Rippling adds ROI by closing payroll in minutes and eliminating integration maintenance.

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This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of September 26, 2025.