As technology in restaurants and consumer needs evolve, more and more task management and employee scheduling software join the market. An alternative option in this highly competitive sphere could offer features tailored to your restaurant business needs.
One popular option with a host of awesome alternatives is 7Shifts.
Beloved for its workforce management features since its inception in 2010, 7Shifts has many scheduling software competitors with more advanced task management tools and competitive pricing.
If you’re unsure about 7Shifts, consider this collection of the top 7Shifts alternatives–one of them might just suit your restaurant employee scheduling needs and budget better.
What is 7Shifts?
7Shifts is a popular Cloud-based restaurant employee scheduling software.
Also known as workforce management software, 7Shifts lets restaurant owners, managers, and employees optimize task management, streamline shift time tracking, reduce labor costs, and measure employee engagement.
Advanced features include POS integration, drag-and-drop schedule builders, and labor compliance checkers.
While 7Shifts is a popular brand in the employee scheduling software market, it’s not perfect. Its reporting features are limited and the mobile app needs improvement. (Read our 7Shifts review for an in-depth analysis of the software’s pros and cons).
Fortunately, there are 7Shifts alternatives if you feel like 7Shifts isn’t the right workforce management software for you.
The Best 7Shifts Alternatives
If 7Shifts doesn’t have the employee scheduling features you need or too high pricing, consider these great 7Shifts alternatives.
Findmyshift
Findmyshift is a Cloud-based employee scheduling and task management software solution founded in 2004, in the Netherlands. With two decades under its belt, the software has steadily grown into a reliable and easy-to-use time-tracking software.
Findmyshift’s employee management system focuses on simplicity. It’s web-based, so you don’t have to download any software. The drag-and-drop schedule building is also easy to use.
Findmyshift is also a pay-as-you-go software option. You only pay for the number of employees you have–there is no minimum or maximum.
Main Features
- Cloud, web-based platform
- Drag and drop schedule builder
- Time tracking analytics
- Real-time labor costs calculator
- Automated shift reminders
- Manage time off requests
Monday.com
Monday.com is a popular project management software that offers task planning and time-tracking features for a variety of industries. The software, built to manage predominantly brand projects, is a favorite in the restaurant industry–specifically, for managing teams and individual duties.
It features simple drag-and-drop workforce management features, as well as real-time updates, task prioritization, reporting, etc.
While Monday.com has a steeper learning curve, the advanced features make it a great option for large restaurants that want to manage employee schedules alongside brand projects.
Main Features
- Cloud-based
- Drag and drop schedule builder
- Payroll integration
- Task and workflow management
- Real-time schedule updates
- Reporting and analytics
- Labor costs tracker
- API/Third-party software integration
- Task and scheduling prioritization
When I Work
When I Work provides simple and effective employee scheduling. The key features include employee scheduling, time clock management, payroll integration, and team messaging.
The software avoids unnecessary features, keeping the interface clean and costs low.
Speaking of interface: When I Work offers both an IOS and Android app, allowing employees and managers to check and manage schedules from anywhere. It’s a great option for restaurants looking for straightforward time-tracking software.
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- IOS and Android app
- Employee schedule builder
- Leave management
- Employee scheduling self-service
- Payroll management
- Billing customization
- Offline time tracking
Homebase
Homebase is a user-friendly platform that streamlines restaurant team scheduling, time tracking, and internal communication. It’s most popular among small to medium-sized restaurants, with a focus on hourly rates and shorter restaurant schedules.
The software allows employees and managers to view and manage their work schedules, as well as send and manage time off requests. Users also receive shift reminders.
The software has built-in labor compliance features, ensuring nobody works more than they’re legally allowed to.
Lastly, Homebase includes hiring and onboarding features that allow you to post jobs, track applicants, and streamline onboarding
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- Simple schedule builder
- Time tracking
- Payroll integration
- Labor compliance
- Hiring and onboarding
- Applicant tracking system
- Employee engagement tracker
- Team messenger
Deputy
Deputy, created in 2009, has used the last 15 years to build a robust scheduling system that prioritizes restaurant operations efficiency.
It has all the key features of great employee and task management software, including simple schedule builders, accurate time tracking, and team messaging.
Where it differs is its employee skill assessments. Deputy scheduling software considers employee skills, labor compliance, and labor force availability to craft an optimized restaurant schedule. This allows restaurants to streamline restaurant operations and control labor costs effectively.
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- Smart employee schedule builder
- Labor compliance tracker
- IOS, Android, and web-based time tracking
- POS, HR software, and payroll integration
- Reporting and analytics
HotSchedules
HotSchedules, another popular option in the restaurant industry, is a cloud-based employee scheduling software specifically designed for the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Some of its most popular features include quick scheduling, shift swapping, and a centralized communication dashboard for effective restaurant floor management.
Its standout feature, however, is its smart scheduling and forecasting. It analyzes employee performance and business trends to create schedules that meet restaurant demands–a great addition for bigger restaurants that don’t always want a large workforce on the restaurant premises.
Lastly, HotSchedules offers robust reporting and budgeting features to lower labor costs and craft data-driven insights that improve restaurant operations.
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- Smart employee scheduling software
- Business and budget forecasting
- Basic accounting software
- Payroll integration
- Central communication hub
- Multilingual mobile app
- Reporting and analytics
Sling
Sling employee scheduling software offers a simple, user-friendly design perfect for small businesses. Users can easily create, edit, and share their schedules, and request time off.
It’s also cloud-based. Users receive real-time updates and notifications on schedule changes, ensuring everyone is on the same page at all times.
However, Sling's main selling point is its accessibility.
Sling’s basic software is completely free. If you need the extra bells and whistles, there are price options available. But the basic option, which is perfectly serviceable for small to large restaurants, is available on their website completely free.
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- Easy schedule builder
- Real-time updates
- Task management
- Messaging and newsfeed features
- Third-party integrations
- Multiple location management
- Labor cost optimization
Harri
Harri, like the other workforce management options on this list, offers simple but effective employee scheduling software for better restaurant management. It also provides employers with hiring tools to find, interview, and onboard the best restaurant employees for the job.
Where Harri differs is in its analytics tools. Harri’s software analyzes employee engagement and performance, producing in-depth reports that management can use to optimize both BOH (back of house) and FOH (front of house) restaurant operations.
It’s a great option for restaurants that are struggling to optimize employee workflows for better service and lower labor costs.
Main Features
- Cloud-based platform
- In-depth time tracking
- Facial recognition software
- POS and payroll integration
- Pre-hiring and post-hiring tools
- Robust analytics
- Employee engagement reports
Conclusion
Employee scheduling software allows restaurants to optimize workflows, employee engagement, and restaurant operations–all of which increase profit. However, success relies on you choosing the right scheduling software for your restaurant.
If 7Shifts isn’t the right employee scheduling platform for you, don’t stress. Whether you need business forecasting, in-depth employee engagement reports, or a simple drag-and-drop interface, one of these 7Shifts alternatives is sure to fit your needs like a glove.
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