First published on Thursday, June 25, 2020
Last updated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Rostering software can be the key to revolutionising how your business operates in today's fast-paced business environment. With support from the right roster system, you'll always know where your staff are and who is rostered to work when so you can avoid costly rostering errors like understaffing.
Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, there's no shortage of options to choose from, and while this can be beneficial, finding the best rostering tools for your business can feel like navigating a maze.
These options include free and paid options, which begs the question, should you opt for staff rostering software that's free of charge (which can be a great way to try before you buy), or is investing in a paid solution the better move?
In this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of each type of staff rostering software to help you decide which is best for your business.
Plus, we'll explore your options and how BrightHR Lite—a fantastic, free rostering software solution—can help streamline your operations.
What types of staff rostering software are available?
Making the decision to switch from a manual, paper-based rostering system is pivotal for any business, regardless of its size. Once you've decided to go digital, you have plenty of choices when it comes to staff rostering software, including:
Free employee rostering tools like spreadsheets or basic apps
Tailored rostering software for more comprehensive features
Online rostering platforms offer cloud-based management
Many factors can ultimately influence the type of rostering option you choose. However, the decision on which type to use boils down to vital factors like:
The size of your business
Your budget
The number of employees
Your specific industry needs
Whether you're managing a small café or a growing retail chain, finding the best rostering software free or paid depends on your business's specific requirements.
Free rostering software: Is it right for you?
A popular choice, free staff rostering software offers basic features perfect for small businesses or startups. Many free tools include essentials like shift planning, time tracking, and even limited reporting.
Benefits of free rostering software
Cost-effective: No subscription fees mean you can efficiently manage your rosters without additional expenses.
Simple to use: Tools like Excel spreadsheets or basic apps offer straightforward functionality that most supervisors and managers can master with minimal training.
Quick start: Most free tools often don't require extensive setup, allowing you to get started immediately.
Examples of free staff rostering software features
Creating smart rosters and optimising your workplace aren't the only benefits you can expect with a free rostering software. A lot of these free-to-use tools come packed with other valuable features like:
Integrated time tracking
Basic labour cost calculations
Simple reporting tools
For instance, BrightHR Lite, our free rostering software, provides Australian businesses with an easy-to-use platform for managing rosters, time tracking, and even HR advice.
How paid software's features step up your rostering capabilities
While it can be tempting to always go for the free tool—and their features are often enough to meet the needs of small teams, but as your business grows, your team will need a tool with more advanced capabilities.
This is where paid roster software shines. These kinds of software are more suitable for businesses with more than 20 employees and companies with more complex roster needs. It may run you a few dollars, but the investment is worth all the benefits your business will enjoy.
Benefits of paid roster software
Comprehensive features: Paid options come with advanced tools that support effective rostering like absence management, payroll integration, and real-time reporting.
Scalability: Paid rostering systems can handle larger teams and more complex requirements, so they remain useful even as your team grows.
Better control: Thanks to features like automated notifications and shift reminders, the manual effort needed for efficient rostering is significantly reduced.
Advanced features to expect with paid rostering tools
The thought of adding one more cost to your business overhead can seem daunting, but with advanced features like:
Unlimited cloud storage
Mobile access for real-time updates
Cost-control tools to balance wages and sales
Integration with payroll and marketing platforms
Your business will not only enjoy seamless operations, but it'll also boost productivity. So, while free staff rostering software tools are perfect for smaller companies and startups, paid solutions help medium to large businesses thrive.
Comparing free vs. paid roster tools
If you still need help deciding between employee rostering software free and paid options, here are a few factors to consider.
Why BrightHR Lite is a game-changer
With BrightHR Lite, you'll get a combination of the convenience of free rostering software and robust tools usually only available in paid solutions. Designed specifically for Canadian businesses, it offers:
Shift and roster management: Plan and share rosters effortlessly.
HR support: Access free HR advice to manage employee queries.
Mobile app: Manage shifts and rosters on the go.
Plus, as BrightHR Lite is part of a larger ecosystem, you can easily upgrade to the full version when your business outgrows the free version.
Get BrightHR Lite free rostering software and streamline your business operations.
If you're managing a small team with a tight budget, free staff rostering software tools like BrightHR Lite are the perfect solution to your business's rostering needs. They provide essential features to streamline your operations at no cost.
On the other hand, if your business is growing or you need advanced features, paid roster software could be the better fit for your business as it offers the scalability and control your business needs to thrive.
Still unsure? Contact BrightHR for a free, no-obligation demo to see how rostering tools can transform your business operations.
