Tools for managing workforce dynamics in the modern era

Workforce management is what helps organizations optimize how work gets done. It includes everything from forecasting staffing needs and scheduling shifts to tracking time and supporting performance. The ultimate goal? A team that keeps the business running smoothly and efficiently.

Today, workforce management software gives HR teams and managers the tools they need to lead clearly and effectively. Understanding how this software works and what to look for is the key to finding the right fit for your team.

What does workforce management software do?

Workforce management (WFM) means aligning the right people with the right tasks at the right time in a compliant, cost-effective way. WFM software brings that strategy to life by automating and streamlining key functions like demand forecasting, employee scheduling, and labor-cost control.

For many HR teams and managers, WFM challenges manifest as missed staffing targets, manual scheduling headaches, and compliance risks. Purpose-built WFM software reduces those risks by turning real-time workforce data into actionable decisions — no guesswork required.

Benefits of effective workforce management

Modern workforce management software goes far beyond traditional tools. By automating and optimizing key processes, WFM platforms help HR and managers unlock powerful benefits across the organization.

Reduced costs 

WFM software helps organizations cut costs by automating payroll, preventing compliance errors, and enabling demand-based scheduling. For employees, it reduces the chances of missed pay or scheduling mistakes that run the risk of eroding trust.

Increased productivity

For HR and managers, automation speeds up key tasks like time tracking and shift planning, freeing up time for more strategic work. At the same time, employees benefit from faster responses and smoother day-to-day operations.

Enhanced regulatory compliance 

By embedding local labor laws into scheduling logic, WFM tools help organizations stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. For employees, that means more consistent rule enforcement and protections they can count on.

Smarter, faster decisions

Real-time dashboards and predictive insights help leaders make data-driven decisions about staffing and resource allocation. Employees enjoy a more balanced workload and fewer last-minute changes.

8 workforce management tools for HR leaders

More and more HR leaders are turning to purpose-built WFM software solutions. But not every solution offers the same capabilities. The best fit depends on your team’s specific needs, goals, and scale, and not all match an organization’s unique requirements.

Here’s how eight workforce management tools compare, followed by a closer look at what each one offers.

1. Workday

Best for: Enterprise-grade workforce management with deep analytics

Workday is a workforce management platform designed for large organizations with complex operational needs. It supports a wide range of functions — from HR and finance to IT and legal — with AI-powered tools that drive efficiency and strategic planning.

Key features

• AI-driven workforce planning and analytics
• Time tracking and absence management
• Talent and performance management
• Payroll and compliance automation
• Cross-functional integrations across HR, finance, and IT

Pricing: Starts around $8 per user/month (custom quotes vary by organization size and configuration)

Free trial: Yes

2. Connecteam

Best for: Mobile-first workforce management for deskless teams

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management software solution built for mobile teams. It’s especially popular in industries like retail, construction, and hospitality. Connecteam brings together employee scheduling, GPS-enabled time tracking, and task management in a user-friendly mobile app.

Key features

• Shift scheduling and GPS-enabled time and attendance tracking
• Digital forms, checklists, and task automation
• In-app chat and announcements for real-time communication
• Customizable workflows for frontline team operations
• Mobile-first design ideal for on-the-go teams

Pricing: Starts at $29/month for up to 30 users

Free trial: Yes

3. BambooHR

Best for: Streamlined HR management for growing teams

BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS for small and mid-sized businesses. It centralizes key WFM functions — from hiring and onboarding to payroll and performance — in an intuitive, easy-to-use platform.

Key features

• Centralized employee records and document management
• Applicant tracking and onboarding workflows
• Built-in payroll and benefits administration
• Performance tracking and feedback tools
• User-friendly interface for both HR teams and employees

Pricing: Custom quotes; typically starts around $12 per user/month

Free trial: Yes

4. UKG

Best for: Global workforce management with strong compliance tools

Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) is a cloud-based human capital management suite built for complex, global operations. It offers powerful tools for talent management, timekeeping, payroll, and benefits — all backed by AI.

Key features

• Timekeeping, scheduling, and workforce forecasting
• AI-powered analytics and compliance support
• Talent, payroll, and benefits administration in one system
• Designed for multi-country, multi-location workforces
• Strong customer support and implementation services

Pricing: Starts at $27 per user/month

Free trial: No

5. Deel

Best for: Global hiring and compliance for distributed teams

Deel is a global WFM platform that simplifies international hiring and compliance. Acting as an Employer of Record in 130+ countries, Deel enables companies to onboard full-time employees and contractors without setting up local entities. It also unifies worldwide payroll, contractor invoicing, tax and compliance handling, and HRIS workforce administration across currencies and jurisdictions.

Key features

• Employer of Record (EOR) services in 130+ countries
• Automated global payroll and contractor invoicing
• Built-in tax and labor law compliance tools
• Multi-currency payments and localized contract templates
• Integrated HRIS for managing global teams

Pricing: Starts at $29 per user/month

Free trial: No

6. Replicon

Best for: Time tracking and compliance for project-based teams

Replicon is a cloud-based Time Intelligence platform that centralizes time tracking for projects, payroll, and compliance. With customizable timesheets, built-in labor-law rules, and AI-powered tracking, it helps HR, finance, and operations stay aligned.

Key features

• Configurable time tracking for projects, payroll, and billing
• AI-driven timesheets with automated validation
• Built-in compliance with labor laws and overtime rules
• Real-time analytics and custom report builder
• Integrations with major ERP, HR, and accounting systems

Pricing: Starts at $6 per user/month

Free trial: Yes

7. Planday

Best for: Scheduling and shift management for hourly teams 

Planday is a cloud-based workforce management platform for shift-based and deskless teams. It centralizes scheduling, mobile punch-clock tracking, leave management, and payroll integrations. With Planday, managers spend less time on admin work while employees enjoy more flexibility and clarity.

Key features

• Shift scheduling with real-time visibility
• Mobile punch clock and time and attendance tracking
• Leave and absence management
• Payroll system integrations
• Easy shift swapping and team communication

Pricing: Starts at approximately $3.40 per user/month

Free trial: Yes

8. Monday

Best for: Customizable workflows and time tracking for collaborative teams

Monday is a cloud-based Work OS that helps teams manage custom workflows, including time tracking, resource planning, and HR processes. Its no-code automation and visual dashboards make it easy to adapt to diverse workforce management needs.

Key features

• Customizable boards for planning and tracking work
• Built-in time and attendance tracking
• Workload management
• Visual dashboards for real-time insights
• No-code automation and reminders
• Native integrations with HR and productivity tools

Pricing: Starts at approximately $10.20 per user/month

Free trial: Yes

Workleap: Powering the human side of workforce management

Most WFM tools help you plan work. But they often stop short of supporting the people doing it. That’s where Workleap comes in.

Workleap Performance equips managers with AI-powered insights, flexible review cycles, and tools that turn check-ins into action. It fills the critical gap between planning shifts and driving individual performance, giving managers the clarity and confidence to help their teams grow. And because Workleap integrates with leading HRIS and WFM platforms like BambooHR, Workday, and UKG, it fits easily into your existing tech stack without added friction.

Key features

• Customizable review cycles that adapt to team rhythms
• Role-specific 360-degree feedback flows
• AI-powered insights and summaries to guide meaningful conversations

Plus, with the rest of Workleap’s talent management platform, you can also get:

• Always-on engagement tracking with pulse surveys
• Streamlined onboarding tools with integrated org charts
• Skills mapping to support career growth and internal mobility

Support your workforce from the inside out with Workleap

Workleap Performance brings a people-first lens to the day-to-day. It helps managers deliver timely feedback, align on goals, and build real momentum, all backed by smart automation and AI-driven insight. The result? Teams that feel supported and stay motivated to perform at their best.

Try Workleap Performance for free today to make engagement a constant signal, not a quarterly metric.