20 Hotel Labor Management Software To Drive Efficiency In 2024
10 Best Hotel Labor Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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Stepping into your shoes, I recognize the challenges you face managing your hotel labor—balancing schedules, minimizing costs, and boosting productivity. This list offers a lifeline to those navigating the dynamic terrain of the hospitality industry. Each software option here streamlines tasks, optimizes your workforce, and, most importantly, saves precious time.
These tools empower your management processes, driving efficiency by automating mundane tasks. They ensure labor laws compliance, predict and control labor costs, and provide real-time insights into workforce productivity.
With these solutions, you can bid farewell to schedule conflicts, inefficiencies, “buddy punching” with biometric clocking, and unnecessary labor shortage and expenses. They cater specifically to pain points like schedule management, overtime costs, and employee engagement, arming you with the means to overcome them. So, dive into this selection, explore these options, and let's take a step closer to achieving operational excellence in your hotel.
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What Is A Hotel Labor Management Software?
Hotel labor management software is a technological innovation embraced by hotel owners, managers, HR professionals, and hotel management companies across the globe. This software serves as an essential tool for streamlining, automating, and optimizing various labor-related tasks within a hotel setting.
It's leveraged to manage employee scheduling, monitor time and attendance, predict and control labor costs, ensure compliance with labor laws, and enhance overall workforce productivity. This powerful solution allows hotel businesses to focus on delivering superior guest experiences by reducing administrative burdens, promoting operational efficiency, and improving the bottom line.
Best Hotel Labor Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| Softworks | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TimeForge | Free for up to 25 users | Website |
| Access | Access's pricing information is not publicly available. To obtain a quote, businesses need to contact the company directly. | Website |
| NextCrew | From $15/user/month | Website |
| Workforce | From $10/user/month | Website |
| M3 | From $20/user/month | Website |
| Synerion | From $2/employee/month | Website |
| Inn-Flow | From $15/user/month, (billed annually). | Website |
| Actabl | From $10/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Hotel Labor Management Software Reviews
Deel is a global HR platform that facilitates the management of hiring, payroll, and compliance for businesses in over 150 countries. It allows companies to hire employees and contractors, automate payroll, and ensure adherence to local laws, reducing the risk of errors and fines.
Why I Picked Deel: Deel offers automated payroll processing, which is particularly beneficial for hotels that manage a diverse and international workforce, as it supports multiple payment methods, including direct deposits, payroll cards, and digital wallets, accommodating various employee preferences globally. It also offers a comprehensive compliance management system that helps mitigate legal risks related to employment status and labor laws.
What do you get for free?
Deel offers a free version of the platform for up to 200 people.
Standout features & integrations:
Other standout features include in-house visa and immigration support, benefits administration, time-off tracking, AI-driven career progression frameworks, and multi-language support. Deel integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Rippling, BambooHR, Workday, ADP, SAP SuccessFactors, NetSuite, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated payroll processing
- In-house visa support
- Integrates with Deel Engage
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Could have more customization options
Best for boosting productivity with flexible work arrangements
Softworks is a workforce management solution that's tailored to increase productivity by offering flexible work arrangements. It provides features that enable employees to easily manage their work schedules, which aligns with its objective of boosting productivity through flexible work arrangements.
Why I Picked Softworks: In my selection process, I identified Softworks as a tool that truly stands out for its focus on flexibility. It's not just about managing the workforce but enabling a level of flexibility that empowers employees and ultimately increases productivity. I regard Softworks as best for this category because of its comprehensive feature set that is designed with flexible work arrangements in mind.
What do you get for free?
Softworks does not provide a free version of its software. However, they do offer a free demo, allowing potential users to experience firsthand the software's functionalities and benefits.
Standout features & integrations:
Softworks provides a range of features, including time and attendance tracking, absence management, and scheduling which are particularly valuable for flexible work arrangements. It integrates well with various HR and payroll systems, thus providing a more seamless experience in workforce management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed tracking for time and attendance
- Integrates with various HR and payroll systems
- Comprehensive features supporting flexible work arrangements
Cons:
- Only offers annual billing
- Pricing could be a bit steep for smaller businesses
- Does not offer a free tier
TimeForge is a robust labor management system designed to control labor costs, a critical issue in high-turnover industries. It focuses on efficient scheduling, attendance tracking, and labor budgeting, all of which are fundamental in industries with high employee turnover, such as retail and hospitality.
Why I Picked TimeForge: When selecting tools for this list, TimeForge stood out due to its strong emphasis on labor cost control. I found it especially relevant for businesses dealing with high staff turnover, a situation that often results in significant labor cost issues. TimeForge's commitment to helping manage these issues is why I think it is the best tool for labor cost control in high-turnover industries.
What do you get for free?
TimeForge does not offer a free plan or tier. However, they do offer a free trial for potential customers to experience firsthand the tool's capabilities in managing labor costs effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
TimeForge's standout features include automated scheduling, attendance tracking, and an exceptional labor budgeting tool that aids in reducing unnecessary labor costs. As for integrations, it syncs well with several payroll providers and POS systems, enhancing its overall utility for businesses.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with various payroll and POS systems
- Excellent labor budgeting tool
- Specializes in labor cost control
Cons:
- Can be complex for new users to learn
- Advanced features may require additional costs
- No free tier available
Access is a comprehensive HR solution designed to streamline various human resources functions, including workforce management, payroll, and recruitment. Given its wide-ranging features tailored specifically for the hospitality sector, Access offers a one-stop solution for businesses looking to optimize their HR processes.
Why I Picked Access: I picked Access because it provides a broad suite of HR tools under one roof, making it a practical choice for businesses in the hospitality sector seeking to manage multiple HR aspects efficiently. In comparison to other HR tools, Access stands out with its industry-specific focus, hence why I deemed it the best for providing holistic HR solutions in the hospitality sector.
What do you get for free?
Access doesn't provide a free tier of their services. However, they do offer a free demo for potential clients to explore the platform and understand its capabilities.
Standout features & integrations:
Access offers extensive features, including workforce management, payroll processing, and recruitment. In addition, Access provides integrations with leading software platforms, including finance, operations, and POS systems, to allow for a unified business management solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with various business software platforms
- Industry-specific focus
- Comprehensive HR management features
Cons:
- The platform might be too complex for small businesses with simpler HR needs
- No free tier available
- Pricing is not transparent
NextCrew is a robust software designed to enhance staffing efficiency within the hospitality industry. With its smart features, it handles scheduling, time tracking, and labor management with ease, making it a top choice for streamlining the staffing process.
Why I Picked NextCrew: I chose NextCrew for its focus on the unique needs of hospitality staffing. Among the tools I evaluated, NextCrew stood out for its comprehensive approach to labor management, especially in the area of staffing. I consider it the best for streamlining the staffing process due to its specific functionalities that target common staffing challenges in the industry.
What do you get for free?
NextCrew doesn't offer a free tier, but they do have a demo you can request to get a feel for their software and its capabilities before making any financial commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
NextCrew shines with its on-demand staffing feature and business intelligence reporting capabilities, enabling managers to respond to fluctuating labor demands and access powerful dashboards and reports in real-time. It also has strong integrations with popular HR systems, payroll, and POS systems, offering a seamless end-to-end workforce management experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integrations for a holistic management experience
- On-demand staffing feature for flexible labor management
- Specialized focus on hospitality staffing
Cons:
- Higher starting price compared to other options
- Only annual billing available
- No free tier available
Workforce is a dynamic labor management software proficient in blending seamlessly into your hotel operation systems. Its key strength lies in its ability to integrate with a myriad of systems, thus optimizing labor management without disrupting your existing operations.
Why I Picked Workforce: I selected Workforce due to its exceptional integration capabilities. This software stands out because it blends effortlessly with various hotel operation systems, ensuring a harmonious integration without causing any disruption to your current systems. Its excellent integration capabilities make it ideal for those seeking to enhance labor management without overhauling their existing operations infrastructure.
What do you get for free?
Workforce offers a demo version which can be requested from their website. However, they do not provide a free plan or trial period. The demo allows potential users to explore the platform and understand how it can be integrated into their existing systems.
Standout features & integrations:
Workforce's key features include intuitive scheduling, real-time reporting, and employee self-service tools. It also provides robust integrations with payroll, HR systems, and other hotel operation software, offering a comprehensive labor management solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting
- Intuitive scheduling feature
- Exceptional integration capabilities
Cons:
- Entry cost might be high for smaller operations
- Requires a minimum of 15 seats
- No free plan available
M3 is a powerful tool that uniquely combines financial and labor management to offer a comprehensive solution for hotel operations. It stands out for its ability to handle both financial accounting tasks and workforce management in a single platform, perfectly designed for the intricacies of the hospitality industry.
Why I Picked M3: I picked M3 due to its distinctive blend of financial and labor management features. Comparing it to other tools, M3 provides a level of comprehensive management that is rare to find. I believe it is the best for financial and labor management, as it integrates these two essential aspects of hotel operations in one user-friendly interface.
What do you get for free?
M3 does not offer a free version of its software. However, they do provide a demo upon request, allowing you to understand their platform and how it can benefit your business before investing.
Standout features & integrations:
M3 stands out with its robust accounting features that integrate seamlessly with labor management. From cloud-based reporting system for detailed financial reports to easy scheduling, M3 covers it all. It also integrates with hotel effectiveness and many hotel property management systems (PMS), enhancing its functionality in the hotel environment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust accounting features
- Integration with various property management systems
- Comprehensive financial and labor management
Cons:
- Only annual billing available
- Higher starting price compared to other options
- No free tier available
Synerion is a workforce management software solution tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of the hospitality industry, particularly in the area of time and attendance tracking. It enables businesses to accurately track and manage staff hours, reducing administrative workload and increasing efficiency and profitability.
Why I Picked Synerion: After comparing several tools, I selected Synerion because of its specialized focus on the hospitality industry. It is distinct in how it caters to the specific demands and challenges of this sector, particularly with regard to time and attendance tracking. Its design makes it an optimal solution for businesses within the hospitality industry seeking to streamline their time and attendance management.
What do you get for free?
Synerion does not offer a free tier of its software. However, interested users can request a free demo to understand the software's capabilities and how it can cater to their business needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Synerion's time and attendance feature offers a robust toolset for managing and monitoring staff hours. It also features absence management, labor costing, a time clock, and employee self-service modules. For integrations, it works well with HR systems, payroll, and other enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, providing a more unified approach to workforce management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with HR systems and payroll software
- Robust time and attendance tracking features
- Specialized focus on hospitality industry
Cons:
- Only offers annual billing
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- No free tier offered
Inn-Flow is a comprehensive hospitality management software that specializes in providing solutions for various operational aspects such as labor management, accounting, and procurement. The tool's flexibility and extensive functionality make it a prime choice for the complex needs of hospitality industry operations.
Why I Picked Inn-Flow: I chose Inn-Flow for this list because of its multidimensional approach to operations management. Unlike many other tools, Inn-Flow is designed to tackle various facets of hospitality management, making it unique in its scope. Given this broad functionality, I believe Inn-Flow is best suited for comprehensive operations management in the hospitality sector.
What do you get for free?
Inn-Flow does not offer a free plan, but they do provide a free demo for those interested in exploring the platform's capabilities and seeing how it could benefit their operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Inn-Flow excels in features related to labor management, accounting, and procurement, all critical in the hospitality industry. Additionally, Inn-Flow's ability to integrate with various other platforms, such as POS and PMS systems, enhances its usefulness and ease of implementation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration capabilities
- Effective labor, accounting, and procurement features
- Comprehensive hospitality management tool
Cons:
- The extensive feature set might be overwhelming for some users
- Pricing can be high for smaller properties
- No free plan available
Actabl offers a labor management software specifically designed to address the challenges of managing a hotel's workforce. It focuses on delivering an intuitive scheduling system and real-time labor optimization metric, enhancing both productivity and efficiency.
Why I Picked Actabl: In my selection process, Actabl stood out for its user-friendly interface and its commitment to labor optimization in real time. I chose it because it simplifies the complex task of scheduling, reducing errors, and ensuring smoother operations. Its real-time labor optimization makes it an excellent tool for managing a diverse and dynamic workforce, making it the best for those in need of an efficient, easy-to-navigate scheduling system.
What do you get for free?
While Actabl doesn't offer a free plan, they do provide a comprehensive demo upon request. This allows potential users to explore the platform's features and get a sense of its capabilities before deciding to invest.
Standout features & integrations:
Actabl shines with its predictive analytics, which can foresee labor needs based on historical data. Its compliance tracking also ensures you stay within labor laws and regulations. In terms of integrations, Actabl works well with major hotel management systems like PerfectLabor, whitepapers, payroll services, and HR solutions, making it a versatile choice for diverse operational needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Compliance tracking feature
- Robust predictive analytics
Cons:
- Pricing may be high for smaller operations
- Requires a minimum of 10 seats
- No free plan available
Other Hotel Labor Management Software
Below is a list of additional hotel labor management software that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Quinyx
For mobile-first labor management
- Fourth
For smart workforce planning and predictive scheduling
- Workerly
For fast and efficient temp staff scheduling
- Buddy Punch
For drag-and-drop scheduling
- Connecteam
For efficient smart scheduling
- Deputy
Good for ease of use and seamless employee scheduling
- Paylocity
Good for integrated payroll and HR management
- Workday
Good for comprehensive management of finance, HR, and planning
- Bizimply
Good for simplicity in hotel employee scheduling
- Roubler
Good for end-to-end workforce management
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Selection Criteria For Hotel Labor Management Software
Having spent considerable time evaluating various hotel labor management tools, I have narrowed down my choices based on a set of specific criteria that I believe are crucial for this type of software. With the hospitality sector's unique demands, these tools need to balance simplicity for users with comprehensive functionality.
Core Functionality
A hotel labor management tool should enable:
- Efficient scheduling of staff across various roles and shifts
- Quick and accurate payroll processing
- Effective tracking of employee performance and productivity
- Compliance with labor laws and regulations
- Seamless communication between management and staff
Key Features
The essential features to consider include:
- Flexible scheduling: Allows managers to build and modify schedules easily, considering factors such as employee availability, shift patterns, and business demand
- Payroll integration: Seamlessly integrates with payroll systems to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Reporting and analytics: Provides insightful data on labor costs, employee performance, and schedule efficiency
- Mobile functionality: Enables managers and staff to access schedules, swap shifts, and communicate from anywhere
Usability
Usability factors specific to hotel labor management tools include:
- Intuitive design: The software should have a clear, uncluttered interface that's easy to navigate. In a fast-paced hospitality environment, managers don't have time to hunt for hidden features or controls
- Quick onboarding: Given the high turnover rate in the hospitality sector, the tool should allow new users to get up to speed quickly
- Role-based access: The tool should provide different access levels based on user roles, ensuring staff only see relevant information
- Reliable customer support: Timely and effective customer support is crucial for resolving any issues quickly and minimizing disruption to hotel operations.
Most Common Questions Regarding Hotel Labor Management Software
What are the benefits of using hotel labor management software?
Hotel labor management software brings several benefits to the hospitality sector. These include:
- Improved scheduling efficiency: These tools allow managers to quickly create, adjust, and communicate schedules, reducing manual effort and minimizing scheduling errors.
- Labor cost control: By providing insight into labor costs and trends, these tools can help managers optimize staffing to reduce costs while maintaining service levels.
- Increased productivity: Through features such as task tracking and performance reporting, managers can better monitor and improve staff productivity.
- Enhanced compliance: These tools often include features to help hotels comply with labor laws, such as automatic tracking of overtime and rest periods.
- Better employee experience: By enabling easy access to schedules, shift swaps, and communication with managers, these tools can improve the employee experience and potentially reduce turnover.
How much do hotel labor management tools typically cost?
The pricing of hotel labor management tools varies widely based on the size of the hotel, the number of users, the features included, and other factors. Pricing models often include a base fee for the platform plus a per-user, per-month fee.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
The pricing for these tools typically starts at around $5 per user per month for basic packages and can go up to $30 or more per user per month for more comprehensive solutions.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive software?
While prices vary widely, Deputy and TimeForge are on the more affordable end of the spectrum, with plans starting at around $2 and $1 per user per month, respectively. On the higher end, tools like Workday do not publicly disclose their pricing but are known to be more expensive due to their comprehensive suite of features.
Are there any free options for hotel labor management software?
Some tools, like Deputy, offer a free trial period, but fully free hotel labor management software is rare. These tools involve significant development and maintenance and typically require a financial investment. However, many offer tiered pricing plans to fit different budget levels and needs.
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