Are you in a new business looking to implement workforce planning software into your business? I know it can be a daunting task, but today I am here to make your life easier by giving you our top picks for it.
Let's begin!
What is Workforce Planning?
Workforce planning is the process of streamlining and forecasting a workforce. It includes hiring and recruitment, salary and payroll calculations, absence management, HR activities, and time and resource management. It allows management to make decisions more accurately and plan for the future. All successful businesses have mastered the art of workforce planning.
What is the Purpose of Workforce Planning?
Workforce planning should always be included as part of the process when an organization is planning the strategic direction of its business.
When planning for the workforce, the objective is to arrive at a point of equilibrium between the number of needed and available workers.
To carry out the organization's mission, goals, and strategic plan, it is necessary to analyze the current workforce, determine what it will require in the future, locate the gap between the present and the future, and then put solutions into action.
To accomplish its immediate and long-term objectives, a company needs to have the appropriate number of employees working in the proper location at a reasonable time, at a reasonable cost, and following the terms of the formal contract.
Workforce planning can help an organization maintain its performance over time, allowing it to become more competitive by improving decision-making regarding the requirements of the company's future workforce.
Nevertheless, it is always necessary to prioritize planning the workforce in the most comprehensive manner possible. It may reveal bottlenecks that could limit the transformation of a strategy, such as unreachable objectives or targets. It is also possible to provide advice on addressing threats to strategic goals.
What to Consider When Choosing a Workforce Planning Software?
There are a few key things you need to consider:
- The size and scale of your business
- Your budget
- Emloyee's willingness to learn
- Functionality
- If it matches your use cases.
- Trying out trial versions
- Customer reviews
- Reliability
Here are Some of the Best Workforce Planning Software for 2022!
In no particular order:
1. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a workforce management software that helps businesses of all sizes and has been ranked #1 by G2, Capterra, and many others.
ADP Workforce Now offers the following(and more):
- Performance management
- Self-evaluation Support
- Time collection
- Comprehensive reports and analytics.
- Business administration
- ACA services
- Engagement services
- Payroll integrations
- Auditing
All essential payroll and HR management procedures are integrated into a single database-driven platform. ADP Workforce Now includes all workforce management tools and software encompassing attendance and time tracking, managing paperwork, and payroll calculations.
Users can incorporate ADP Workforce Now with other popular HR platforms. ADP Workforce Now helps users to digitize time tracking features, maintain work schedules, and get a greater profile of all on-site and remote workers by utilizing HR data from various systems and storing it in a centralized database. Users also have access to the payroll calculator on ADP Workforce.
Why we suggest it
- Stellar user reviews
- One of the easiest-to-use platforms.
- Offers a wide range of functions
- Offers bang for your buck
- Compatible with mobile devices
- Exceptional customer support
- Reasonably priced
Things to consider:
- Only works on mobile devices.
- Lackluster design
- Sometimes suffers from logging-in problems.
2. Bitrix24
Bitrix is an HRIS, which stands for Human Resource Information System. It offers all your essentials, including tools for workforce planning.
Bitrix24 offers the following(and more):
- Employee Directories
- Time management
- Absence management
- Information management
- Forms and records
- Helps in Recruitment
- Compatibility with different tools
The Bitrix24 employee search feature will continue to function even if only a portion of an employee's name is entered. With features like drag-drop, it allows users to quickly create graphs and diagrams to help them visualize easily. Its employee management tool allows you to track and monitor all employee activities, including time and GPS, as well as their performance.
On the employee's side, it offers self-service and a wide array of tools that make the lives of employees and management teams much more effortless. Furthermore, its ability to be integrated with similar tools also comes in handy.
Why we suggest it:
- Relatively easy to use
- Great value for money
- Has a variety of functions
- Allows users to share files and folders with security
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to access
- Has a cloud version
Things to consider:
- It is only free for 12 users that too on its cloud version.
- It offers only 5GB of online storage in the free version.
- It is expensive to run and maintain.
- Irregular customer support.
3. ClearCompany
ClearCompany is an award-winning company with over 16 years of experience and understands business needs.
ClearCompany offers the following(and more):
- Workforce planning suite
- Creative visualization methods
- Analytics
- Real-Time Feedback
- Tools for Employee Engagement
- Performance management
- Customization
- Background checks
- Performance prediction
- Integration with other platforms and tools.
ClearCompany Workforce Planning offers a centralized platform for strategic workforce planning and headcount management. It guarantees that all stakeholders can collaborate effectively in real time to comply with workforce and hiring plans with the requirements of the business.
Changes to budget and headcount assumptions, as well as modeling of new staffing scenarios, can be made in real-time using Workforce Planning. Discover immediately how this will affect budgets and teams, allowing you to optimize and speed up the implementation of any workforce recommendations.
Why we suggest it:
- It works for all sizes of businesses
- It is a frontrunner for 2022
- User friendly
- Great customer support
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Offers integration with other platforms
Things to consider:
- Issues when exporting data.
- Lacks automation
- Glitchy system
- Interface and functions need improvement.
4. ClickUp
ClickUp is a platform where a workforce and all employees can organize and participate in strategic workforce planning using workforce planning tools.
ClickUp offers the following(and more):
- Business development tools
- Marketing tools
- Customizable templates
- Product Management options.Finance planning and tracking
- Employee documentation and performance tracking
- CRM
- Project Management facilities
- Resource Management
ClickUp is currently one of the best options as it is a good mix between functionality and customization. With ClickUp you are able to visualize and make plans easier to understand and implement. Users get to collaborate and work on projects in a synchronized manner that improves efficiency and allows everyone to be on the same page(pun intended).
With its customizable dashboards and templates, you can have a tailor-made platform that is perfect for whatever business you are running. Not to mention it was also among 2021's Top 100 fastest growing products in the Best Software Awards 2021.
Why we suggest it:
- It offers thousands of integrations.
- Mind maps
- Customizable dashboards
- Works on PCs and mobile devices
- Excellent customer support
- In-person training
- Customizable
Things to consider:
- It needs to be learned
- Recurring tasks
- Automation
- Takes time to load pages
5. Float
Float is one of the best planning and resource management platforms out there as it was built to serve and meet all expectations for those two purposes.
Float offers the following (and more):
- Drag & Drop functions
- Dashboards
- Employee management
- Resource planning and management
- Forecasting
- Reporting and analysis
- Automated functionality
It's a useful piece of software for planning out employee schedules and providing a quick overview of who's readily accessible, when, and who has been making progress on every task. Users can quickly search for individuals by grouping them into workgroups, roles, etc.
Every employee can easily keep track of the time they spend working on projects, which helps them determine how much to charge clients.
It is a simple yet effective and unique platform with features that come in handy in a wide array of cases.
Why we suggest it:
- It offers integrations.
- Interactive dashboards
- Works on both PC and mobile devices
- Live support
- Modernized UI
- Easy to use
- Value for money
Things to consider:
- It can get out of control
- Navigation can be a bit slow
- It has a learning curve
- Has issues here and there
6. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is an excellent platform for organizations that have employees who work from home. It holds employees accountable and makes it easier for managers to keep track of their work.
Hubstaff offers the following (and more):
- Activity dashboards
- Absence management
- Activity tracking
- Planning
- Productivity analysis
- Employee management
- Offline tracking
- Remote support
Hubstaff eliminates the need for individuals to manually track workers and assists us in developing more accurate budgets. Knowing how long workers are expected to be present at a work site from the beginning to the end is one of its most helpful features.
Enter the specific information and checklists for each individual client so that everything is in one location. With Hubstaff's dashboard, you can get a map view as well as the ability to receive notifications and updates in real-time. In addition, Hubstaff enables you to reduce downtime by assigning your workforce to the appropriate jobs or maintenance responsibilities.
Why we suggest it:
- It offers integrations.
- Interactive dashboards
- Works on both PC and mobile devices
- Live support
- Cloud options
- Detailed tracking
- Performance metrics
Things to consider:
- Improper productivity calculating methods of productivity
- Delayed customer support
- Creates an unhealthy mindset.
7. Rippling
Rippling is a management platform allowing users to manage all their employee and management-related needs at once.
Rippling offers the following (and more):
- HRM or Human Resource Management.
- Attendance Management.
- Payroll Management.
- Performance Management.
- Workforce planning options
- Recruitment tools.
- Resource management.
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that allows organizations to manage all personnel, assets, resources, and calculations within a single interface. Businesses are able to automate work that is normally required to make employee changes by connecting all of their systems to a central repository for employee data. This allows businesses to streamline their operations.
For instance, with Rippling, the onboarding process begins with a simple button click. It only takes about a minute and a half to set up a new employee's payroll, medical insurance, work pc, and various third-party applications.
Why we suggest it:
- It is centralized.
- Organized
- Offers HSA
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Easy navigation
- Effective reporting
- Increases efficiency
- Offers detailed breakdowns
Things to consider:
- Needs visual improvements
- No trial or free options
- Lack of communication options
- UI needs improvement
- Lacks live support
8. UKG Ready
The UKG Workforce Ready is a human resource management platform of tools that are built on a single cohesive cloud platform.
UKG Ready offers the following (and more):
- Employee database
- Reporting and Analysis
- Mobile tracking
- Scheduling
- Absence management
- Payroll management
- HSA
- Dashboards
The human resources (HR) solution known as UKG Ready is adaptable and unobtrusive, and it offers a connected individual experience that makes it simple to manage the complete workforce journey using just one solution. It negates repetitive tasks, improves efficiency, and assists you in maintaining compliance. This experience is designed to be flexible and easy to use.
Its tools help you manage the entire workforce, from pre-hire to retirement, giving you greater control over your workforce.
Why we suggest it:
- Cloud-based
- Works on Windows PC
- Works on mobile devices as well
- On-boarding and off-boarding options
Things to consider:
- Limited customization
- Prone to experiencing errors
9. When I Work
When I Work is one of the best options for any business that has shift-based employees
When I Work offers the following (and more):
- Automated time management
- Employee management
- Workforce tracking
- Mobile tracking
- Real-time updates
- Resource management
- Self-service portals
When I Work gives its users the ability to manage their schedules and keep track of the time on their mobile devices. Using the cloud-based workflow automation tool When I Work, any business is able to manage time and participation, create and modify work schedules, add new activities to the schedule, check records, and populate shifts. Utilizing both applications that are native to the platform and browser-based.
Importing employee records from excel sheets or CSV files gives users the ability to avoid scheduling conflicts and save time. Additional forms of communication, such as personalized communication and team email options are supported as well.
Why we suggest it:
- It works for all sizes of businesses
- It is a frontrunner for 2022
- Especially useful for large numbers of employees
- Easy-to-use layout
- Convenient
- High customer reviews
- Value for money
- Easy to keep track of.
Things to consider:
- Has some GPS issues
- Can get a bit expensive
- Too tedious
- Somewhat poor experience on mobile devices
10. Workday HCM
Workday HCM or Human Capital Management is workforce management software that is highly adaptable.
Workday HCM offers the following(and more):
- Automated tasks
- Augmented Analytics
- Flexible payout options
- Talent Management
- Case Management
- HR Management
- Workforce planning
Workday HCM automates HR management and workforce planning and serves as a platform for organizations by helping them recruit, manage, track, and organize.
Users can also see frameworks, manage both full-time and temporary workers, set up workflows, and define business processes from start to finish.
Hiring managers and supervisors can develop bigger teams with Workday HCM by using the integrated talent search and job profiles to find skilled workers.
Its built-in HR feature lets users manage time off and leaves of absence by offering employees a self-service interface that includes time off requests and reports, time tracking, and using and implementing automated policies.
Why we suggest it:
- It works for all sizes of businesses
- It is a frontrunner for 2022
- Well designed
- Easy-to-use layout
- Convenient
- High customer reviews
- Value for money
- Easy to keep track of.
Things to consider:
- Has a learning curve.
- Difficult to understand for individuals unfamiliar with similar platforms
- Expensive
Conclusion
I hope you find one suitable planner for your workforce from our recommendations. There are many other options out there that might be more suited to your needs. The best thing you can do is try trial versions of any planner you wish to buy, give it a try, and then decide what to purchase or invest in! Remember, the best option is the option that suits you the most and does not depend on ratings and reviews.
