Best Workforce Management Software in 2025

Managing a modern workforce is a balancing act. Between remote teams, gig workers, compliance rules, and shifting labor demands, workforce management (WFM) software has become a must-have. But which one is the best in 2025?

In this post, I compare the 7 best workforce management software platforms available today. I look at pricing, features, integrations, and who each tool is best suited for.

What is Workforce Management (WFM) Software?

Workforce Management (WFM) software helps businesses optimize employee productivity by automating key HR and operational tasks.

Typical features include:

• Employee scheduling
• Time tracking & attendance
• Labor forecasting
• Leave & absence management
• Payroll integration
• Compliance monitoring

WFM software is essential for industries like retail, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics—where labor costs are high and schedules change often.

1. UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Best for enterprise-scale workforce operations

Why it stands out:

UKG Pro is a powerhouse in enterprise workforce management. It combines HCM (Human Capital Management) with deep scheduling and compliance tools. In 2025, UKG is favored by major brands like Tesla and Marriott.

Key features:

• AI-powered scheduling & labor forecasting
• Compliance management across states/countries
• Advanced analytics & reporting dashboards
• Integrates with over 200 HR/payroll platforms

Price: Custom pricing (starts at $600/month for 100 employees)
Free trial: No
Website: https://www.ukg.com

2. Deputy

Best for shift-based industries (retail, healthcare, hospitality)

Why it stands out:

Deputy simplifies scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. With drag-and-drop shift scheduling and mobile-first design, it’s ideal for managing hourly staff.

Key features:

• Smart scheduling with shift swapping
• Geofenced time clock and mobile check-ins
• Real-time communication within the app
• Easy integrations (Xero, ADP, QuickBooks)

Price: Starts at $3.50/user/month (Scheduling or Time & Attendance only)
Free trial: Yes – 31 days
Website: https://www.deputy.com

3. ADP Workforce Now

Best for midsize to large companies needing HR + WFM

Why it stands out:

ADP Workforce Now goes beyond scheduling and attendance—it’s a full HR suite with strong payroll capabilities. In 2025, it remains a go-to for businesses scaling from 100 to 1,000+ employees.

Key features:

• Time tracking, scheduling, and payroll in one
• Talent management tools (recruiting, learning)
• Mobile access and employee self-service
• Compliance alerts & automated reporting

Price: Custom pricing
Free trial: No, but demos are available
Website: https://www.adp.com

4. Homebase

Best for small businesses and restaurants

Why it stands out:

Homebase is affordable, easy to set up, and packed with features designed for small business owners. It's especially popular with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Key features:

• Free plan for one location
• Employee time clock with mobile access
• Auto-scheduling and break compliance
• Built-in messaging and labor cost forecasting

Price: Free for one location; paid plans start at $20/location/month
Free trial: Yes
Website: https://www.joinhomebase.com

5. Paycor

Best for HR teams looking for analytics + automation

Why it stands out:

Paycor offers a cloud-based workforce platform with strong HR automation, recruiting, and analytics features. It's growing fast in 2025 among companies looking to reduce HR overhead.

Key features:

• Automated scheduling based on labor trends
• Predictive analytics for turnover and cost
• Recruiting and onboarding modules
• Mobile punch-in and overtime monitoring

Price: Custom pricing
Free trial: No
Website: https://www.paycor.com

6. Zoho People

Best for remote and hybrid teams

Why it stands out:

Zoho People brings flexibility to workforce management. It’s fully cloud-based, making it great for distributed teams and hybrid work models.

Key features:

• Shift scheduling with custom workflows
• Attendance via IP address, mobile, or biometrics
• Integration with Zoho’s full suite (CRM, Projects, etc.)
• Custom leave policies & performance tracking

Price: Free for up to 5 users; paid plans from $1/user/month
Free trial: 30 days
Website: https://www.zoho.com/people

7. Replicon (Now part of Deltek)

Best for project-based businesses and professional services

Why it stands out:

Replicon excels at tracking time by project, which is essential for consultants, law firms, and agencies. It combines time intelligence with compliance and billing tools.

Key features:

• Project time tracking & billing
• AI-driven timesheet reminders
• GPS & mobile time logging
• DCAA-compliant reports (for federal contractors)

Price: Starts at $6/user/month
Free trial: Yes – 14 days
Website: https://www.replicon.com

Key Comparison Table

How Do You Choose the Best WFM Software?

Here are 5 questions to guide your decision:

1. How many employees do you manage?
   Smaller teams may prefer Homebase or Zoho People. Larger companies should look at UKG or ADP.
2. Do you manage shift workers or remote teams?
   Deputy and Homebase are better for shift-based roles. Zoho People fits remote/hybrid setups.
3. Do you need payroll integration?
   If payroll is a must, consider ADP, Paycor, or UKG.
4. Do you want project-level time tracking?
   Replicon is your best bet here.
5. What’s your budget?
   Homebase and Zoho People offer budget-friendly options without compromising features.

Final Thoughts: What's the Best Workforce Management Software in 2025?

If I had to pick:

• Best overall (enterprise): UKG Pro
• Best value for small teams: Homebase
• Best for hourly & shift-based teams: Deputy
• Best for hybrid teams: Zoho People
• Best for consulting firms: Replicon

But the best software depends on your specific business model. Schedule a few demos, test the free trials, and choose what fits your workflow—not just what’s trending.