Using pen and paper, for instance, is a time-tested technique. There are also several varieties of free employee scheduling software. This article will start by discussing the pros and cons of both pen-and-paper scheduling and software scheduling. Finally, this post will share 14 free employee scheduling software tools and how they work in a business setting. Despite decades of technological advancements and the advent of software for just about every conceivable demand, some managers still prefer using pen and paper to make their work schedules.
Fair enough. And the good, old-fashioned pen-and-paper method does have its advantages. Any changes to the schedule require another round of printing and distribution. It takes a little time to learn the ins-and-outs of any new system or process, and free employee scheduling software is no exception.
Until you become acquainted with the software, it might feel a bit cumbersome. Using free employee scheduling software also assumes that all of your employees have access to the internet and a device they can use to get online.
This might seem like an issue, but a recent study from Pew Research Center shows that 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone. Those numbers are even higher for younger people: a full 92 percent of Americans aged own a smartphone, and the figure drops only slightly to 88 percent for Americans aged Now for the advantages of free employee scheduling software. Even the most basic software can provide all of these benefits.
And advanced, industry-specific software can actually do much, much more. That makes it pretty clear that software trumps pen and paper because software offers all the advantages of the pen-and-paper method, and then some. When making your schedule, there are a number of factors that you have to consider. Any free employee scheduling software worth its salt should take those changing elements into account, too.
For example, if an employee is scheduled for too many shifts and will have overtime hours, that should be made clear in case changes are necessary. So what program can handle all of these tasks? Microsoft Word or some other word processing software is basically just glorified pen and paper. Word processing software was created with the written word in mind, not scheduling.
That step could be printing it and posting it or handing it out. And while it is more-or-less free, there are certainly better free alternatives out there.
Keep reading to find more. Excel is a more common replacement for pen and paper. Excel allows you to easily resize rows, columns, and even individual cells. Excel was designed as a database and accounting tool. It is in these tasks that it excels no pun intended. It can also reach a large number of people quickly.
Dropbox is another option that can facilitate your schedule distribution. With Dropbox, you first create your schedule then upload it to Dropbox, where you can specify who is allowed to access the file. Dropbox can then be instructed to send notifications to all parties involved via email, text, and various other means to let your employees know that a new schedule has been posted. Is there a way to combine the creation process and the distribution process into something a bit more streamlined?
Read on to find out. Google Docs takes the creation of your employee schedule and puts it firmly in the cloud. You create your document online. And you can specify who has access to the document.
With Google Docs, the distribution has been streamlined considerably, but the creation still leaves a lot to be desired. If you want your enterprise to become more customer-friendly and agile, then you might also want to try out one of the scheduling platforms mentioned in this article.
When you start your search for the right software solutions, you are likely to get overwhelmed by all the options available. It becomes challenging to figure out the key differentiators and make the right decision. Here are a few essential points that you must consider while searching for the right scheduling software:.
Most online scheduling software platforms come with numerous attractive features and elements. But you need to choose the one whose features meet all your requirements. Look for a scheduling software tool that offers functionalities that are capable of making your business process smooth and efficient. Make sure that the scheduling platform you choose offers robust and seamless integration with website, social media applications, and other third-party applications.
It would help you keep omnichannel connect with resources and customers. Take InviteOnce , for instance:. These integrations allow InviteOnce to retrieve real-time availability and make things more streamlined. Make sure to look for a scheduling platform that provides efficient compatibility with all platforms and devices.
You might also want to look for an option that offers a mobile app to ensure smooth and seamless access to your entire business schedule. If you are a small business but riding on a high growth rate, then it would be wise to go for highly scalable scheduling software. It is essential to ensure that the platform would be able to meet your expanding requirements in the future.
Therefore, check the number of users it supports and how many customers it can handle in a single point in time. Look for a scheduling platform that offers omnichannel customer support to help resolve issues. Also, make sure to check whether the platform assists with the setup or not. Consider these points to judge each option more critically and single out suitable options easily.
So, there you have it — some of the best scheduling software available online today. However, to make the right pick, you first need to analyze the requirements of your organization. The best thing you can do is take the assistance of a scheduling platform to streamline your business meetings for you.
Would you be using any scheduling platform from this list? Please share your favorites in a comment below. Recommended Reading on AdamEnfroy. With over , monthly readers , my mission is to teach the next generation of online entrepreneurs how to scale at startup speed. Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan.
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What is the Best Scheduling Software? Acuity Scheduling. HubSpot Meetings. Square Appointments. Appointments can be viewed by:. Looking for more information? We can help. Contact our consultants. Call or click here. Employee scheduling software are online computer programs that facilitate the scheduling of shifts and tasks to employees and the workforce. These platforms often include time tracking and attendance features as well as mobile apps and built-in chats.
The software also commonly includes dashboards, data analytics, and reporting functions that provide managers with valuable staffing insights. The main function of the programs is to automate the schedule building process and to gather data that informs future staffing decisions.
The benefits of employee scheduling software include saving time and automating the assignment process for your workforce. Most programs include mobile versions and employee portals that make it easy to swap shifts on the go and give all staff access to the most accurate schedules.
Data-driven scheduling reduces suspicions of unfair assignment practices, and program compliance features help employers adhere to labor laws. Plus, the software collects, analyzes, and presents shift and project insights in a way that helps employers improve staffing processes. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses. Skip to content You found our list of the best employee scheduling software.
This article contains: online employee scheduling apps free staff scheduling software work scheduling software workforce scheduling software shift scheduling software Here is the list! List of employee scheduling software Here is a list of the best work scheduling software for both hourly employees and salaried workforces.
ZoomShift ZoomShift is a scheduling tool for hourly employees. Easy to use clock in and clock out functionality. Timesheet error prevention measures Customizable payroll reports Learn more about ZoomShift. Workforce Workforce is one of the most popular employee scheduling platforms. Humanity Humanity is an enterprise shift scheduling software built to integrate seamlessly with leading HR software.
Homebase Homebase is one of the better free employees scheduling tools. When I Work When I Work is a standard workforce scheduling software that facilitates the building, sharing, and tracking of schedules. Key Features: Online time clock and attendance Budgeting and labor forecasting Contractor management Team news feeds, alerts, and real time chats Automated shift distribution One click auto scheduling Payroll and resource management Performance metrics, reporting, and analytics Easy shift swapping Mobile app Learn more about When I Work.
Deputy Deputy is a work scheduling platform that aims to simplify the shift assignment process. Connecteam Connecteam is one of the more robust employee scheduling apps. Clockshark Clockshark is a mobile time tracking and scheduling software designed primarily for field service companies. Float Float is a resource management software geared towards creative and collaborative projects.
Resource Guru. Conclusion Scheduling is an important responsibility, and can be time consuming without the right tools.
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