When it comes to choosing the best payroll and benefits platforms for hourly and shift workers, market research indicates that user-friendly interfaces and robust mobile capabilities are essential. Data suggests that platforms like Gusto and ADP Workforce Now consistently earn high marks in customer reviews for their seamless onboarding processes and intuitive design. In fact, many consumers report that Gusto’s all-in-one solution simplifies payroll while providing comprehensive benefits options, making it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses. Interestingly, expert evaluations often highlight the importance of compliance features, particularly for industries with fluctuating labor laws. For instance, Paychex Flex stands out for its strong reporting capabilities and commitment to keeping users informed about regulatory changes, which is a feature that many businesses find invaluable. It’s often suggested that companies prioritize platforms that offer customizable reporting tools, especially since studies show that 70% of organizations value data analytics for making informed HR decisions.When it comes to choosing the best payroll and benefits platforms for hourly and shift workers, market research indicates that user-friendly interfaces and robust mobile capabilities are essential. Data suggests that platforms like Gusto and ADP Workforce Now consistently earn high marks in customer reviews for their seamless onboarding processes and intuitive design.When it comes to choosing the best payroll and benefits platforms for hourly and shift workers, market research indicates that user-friendly interfaces and robust mobile capabilities are essential. Data suggests that platforms like Gusto and ADP Workforce Now consistently earn high marks in customer reviews for their seamless onboarding processes and intuitive design. In fact, many consumers report that Gusto’s all-in-one solution simplifies payroll while providing comprehensive benefits options, making it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses. Interestingly, expert evaluations often highlight the importance of compliance features, particularly for industries with fluctuating labor laws. For instance, Paychex Flex stands out for its strong reporting capabilities and commitment to keeping users informed about regulatory changes, which is a feature that many businesses find invaluable. It’s often suggested that companies prioritize platforms that offer customizable reporting tools, especially since studies show that 70% of organizations value data analytics for making informed HR decisions. When looking at price points, platforms like Square Payroll cater well to budget-conscious businesses with their straightforward pricing model, while larger enterprises might lean towards more comprehensive solutions like Workday, which can handle complex payroll needs. After all, what good is a payroll system if you can't figure out how to pay your employees on time? For those interested in brand history, it’s worth noting that Paycor has been in the HR space since 1990, evolving from a small payroll provider into a comprehensive solution for workforce management. As we dive into the nuances of these platforms, it becomes clear that the right choice hinges on balancing functionality, compliance support, and budget considerations—all backed by solid user feedback and industry insights.
Designed specifically to streamline the payroll and HR tasks of shift workers and hourly employees, Fingercheck is an all-in-one solution that keeps employees clocked-in, paid, and connected. It is perfect for job sites to shop floors, addressing the industry's unique needs for accurate timekeeping and efficient payroll processing.
Designed specifically to streamline the payroll and HR tasks of shift workers and hourly employees, Fingercheck is an all-in-one solution that keeps employees clocked-in, paid, and connected. It is perfect for job sites to shop floors, addressing the industry's unique needs for accurate timekeeping and efficient payroll processing.
Best for teams that are
Businesses with deskless or field-based mobile workers
Construction and home healthcare industries needing geo-fencing
SMBs wanting an all-in-one platform for hourly staff
Skip if
Large enterprises with thousands of employees
Office-only environments where GPS tracking is unnecessary
Companies prioritizing complex expense management features
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Fingercheck stands out for the 'deskless' workforce, specifically in construction and field services. Unlike generic payroll platforms, it integrates robust job costing and certified payroll reports directly into the base product, eliminating the need for expensive add-ons. Research indicates the 'unlimited payroll' model and GPS-enabled time tracking provide significant value for businesses with hourly, mobile employees.
Pros
Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
Built-in Certified Payroll for construction
GPS geofencing and job costing included
SOC 2 Type 2 compliant security
Transparent tiered pricing structure
Cons
Aggressive cancellation and termination fees
Not BBB accredited (C rating)
Inconsistent customer support response times
Mobile app reported as glitchy by some
UI described as outdated by some users
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.7/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of HR and payroll features, specifically looking for automation, tax filing capabilities, and workforce management tools suitable for deskless teams.
What We Found
Fingercheck offers a comprehensive 'all-in-one' platform combining unlimited payroll processing, automated tax filing (federal, state, municipal), and robust time tracking with biometric and GPS capabilities.
Score Rationale
The product scores highly due to its extensive feature set that integrates complex payroll functions with advanced time tracking, specifically catering to field-based and deskless workforces.
Supporting Evidence
Features specialized tools like GPS-verified job costing and certified payroll reports for construction. Fingercheck enables real-time labor cost tracking with GPS-verified time entries that automatically allocate hours to the correct job codes
— fingercheck.com
Platform includes unlimited payroll runs, automated tax filings, and W-2/1099 generation. Every Fingercheck payroll plan is unlimited, so you don't pay extra fees! Run payroll in minutes, anytime you want, at one price.
— fingercheck.com
Documented in official product documentation, Fingercheck offers comprehensive HR features including timekeeping and payroll processing tailored for hourly workers.
— fingercheck.com
8.7
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's reputation through third-party accreditations, user reviews, and established trust indicators like SOC compliance.
What We Found
The company is SOC 2 compliant and has generally positive user reviews on G2 and Capterra, though it lacks BBB accreditation and holds a lower rating there due to unresolved complaints.
Score Rationale
While SOC 2 compliance and positive software reviews signal trust, the C rating from the BBB prevents a score in the 9.0+ range.
Supporting Evidence
The company holds a C rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not accredited. FingerCheck LLC is NOT a BBB Accredited Business... BBB Rating C
— bbb.org
Fingercheck is SOC 2 compliant and audited by an independent third party. Fingercheck is SOC 2 compliant and has been audited by an independent third party to achieve this status.
— fingercheck.com
8.8
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding interface design, ease of navigation, mobile app performance, and the quality of customer support.
What We Found
Users generally find the platform user-friendly and intuitive, though there are documented complaints regarding mobile app glitches and inconsistent customer support response times.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a generally positive user interface experience, slightly diminished by reports of 'patchy' support and occasional mobile app lag.
Supporting Evidence
Some users report frustration with customer support responsiveness and mobile app glitches. Users are frustrated by poor customer support, citing long response times and unresolved issues... One thing that could be improved is the occasional lag or glitch
— g2.com
Users praise the intuitive interface and ease of navigation. Fingercheck is very user-friendly and very easy to navigate.
— fingercheck.com
8.2
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine pricing structures for transparency, competitiveness, and the presence of hidden fees or restrictive cancellation policies.
What We Found
Pricing is transparently tiered starting at $20/month, but the cancellation policy is restrictive with non-prorated final months and significant year-end termination fees.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower than others due to documented 'gotcha' fees upon cancellation, despite the attractive base pricing and unlimited payroll runs.
Supporting Evidence
Cancellation policies include full-month charges and specific year-end processing fees. Cancellation month: Full monthly charge billed; no prorating... Year-end termination fee $50/month until 12/31... Year-end processing fee $200
— help.fingercheck.com
Pricing tiers are clearly published, starting with a base fee plus per-employee cost. Time & Attendance – $20/month. Small Business Starter – $39/month. 360 – $59/month.
— softwarefinder.com
Pricing requires a subscription model starting at $20/month plus $6 per employee, which may limit upfront cost visibility.
— fingercheck.com
9.2
Category 5: Specialized Workforce Management
What We Looked For
We look for features tailored to specific industry needs, such as field worker management, job costing, and specialized time tracking.
What We Found
The platform excels for deskless workforces with features like GPS geofencing, facial recognition time clocks, and real-time job costing integrated directly into payroll.
Score Rationale
The seamless integration of field management tools like geofencing and job costing with core payroll makes it a leader for the deskless workforce niche.
Supporting Evidence
Supports facial recognition and mobile punch-in to prevent buddy punching. I really appreciate Fingercheck for its time clock feature with face recognition... eliminating the need for traditional time cards
— fingercheck.com
Offers GPS-verified job costing to track labor costs by project or location. Fingercheck enables real-time labor cost tracking with GPS-verified time entries that automatically allocate hours to the correct job codes
— fingercheck.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Fingercheck integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting software, enhancing its ecosystem.
— fingercheck.com
9.3
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We evaluate the platform's adherence to industry security standards, data encryption, and compliance with labor and tax regulations.
What We Found
Fingercheck demonstrates strong security posture with SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, 2FA, and automated compliance features for complex regulations like Davis-Bacon (Certified Payroll).
Score Rationale
The combination of SOC 2 compliance and specialized regulatory features for construction (Certified Payroll) justifies a high score in this category.
Supporting Evidence
Includes built-in Certified Payroll reporting for government construction compliance. Our new certified payroll report feature is built into our platform... It's included at no extra cost across all payroll pricing options.
— fingercheck.com
The platform maintains SOC 2 Type 2 compliance for data security. Fingercheck is SOC 2 compliant. Our platform meets the highest standards for data security, privacy, availability, and confidentiality.
— fingercheck.com
Outlined in published security policies, Fingercheck is compliant with industry standards for data protection and payroll processing.
— fingercheck.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users have reported inconsistent customer support experiences, with some citing long response times and unresolved issues as a source of frustration.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
The vendor imposes strict cancellation fees, including charging for the full final month (no prorating) and a 'Year-end processing fee' of $200 plus per-form fees if cancelling near year-end.
Impact: This issue resulted in a major score reduction.
Workstream provides a specialized payroll solution for employers with hourly workers, ensuring accurate and timely payouts. It simplifies payroll procedures and minimizes errors, directly addressing the industry's needs for efficiency and precision in managing shift-based and hourly remuneration.
Workstream provides a specialized payroll solution for employers with hourly workers, ensuring accurate and timely payouts. It simplifies payroll procedures and minimizes errors, directly addressing the industry's needs for efficiency and precision in managing shift-based and hourly remuneration.
PRECISION PAYMENT
Best for teams that are
QSR franchises and restaurants with high employee turnover
Businesses needing combined hiring, onboarding, and payroll flows
Managers of deskless workers requiring mobile-first tools
Skip if
Companies that rely heavily on managing independent contractors
Offices with primarily salaried staff and low turnover
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Workstream is purpose-built for the high-turnover, shift-based nature of the hourly workforce, distinguishing it from generic payroll tools. Research indicates its deep integration with POS systems like Toast and features like instant digital tip payouts directly address the unique pain points of QSRs and franchises. Based on documented features, the seamless flow from text-based hiring to payroll onboarding significantly reduces administrative overhead for multi-location managers.
Pros
Mobile-first design for hourly workers
Deep integration with Toast POS
Automated hiring-to-payroll workflow
Instant pay and digital tips
SOC 2 Type 2 Compliant
Cons
No self-service contractor management
Basic reporting and analytics tools
Mobile app lacks full desktop features
Fees for specific payroll errors
Website setup can be clunky
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.7/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate features specifically designed for hourly workforce management, including automation of complex pay calculations, tax filings, and contractor handling.
What We Found
Workstream offers specialized automation for hourly needs like tip calculations, overtime flagging, and instant pay, but lacks direct self-service management for contractors.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to robust hourly-specific features like instant pay and tip automation, but capped because contractor management requires manual support intervention.
Supporting Evidence
Includes Earned Wage Access (EWA) and digital tip payouts through partnership with Instant Financial. Workstream customers can now offer earned wage access, digital tipping, and modern paycard options through Instant's award-winning payments platform.
— instant.co
Contractors cannot be managed directly in the payroll interface and require contacting support to add or update. Currently, contractors can't be managed directly in Workstream Payroll. To add or update contractors, you must reach out to your Workstream POC or contact our support team.
— help.workstream.us
Automates calculations for breaks, tips, and overtime, plus deductions and remittance on payroll taxes. Automate calculations for breaks, tips, and overtime, plus deductions and remittance on payroll taxes, benefits, and garnishments
— workstream.us
Documented in official product documentation, Workstream Payroll automates payroll processes for hourly workers, reducing errors and ensuring timely payments.
— workstream.us
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for adoption by major industry players, verified user reviews, and established market presence in the QSR and hourly sectors.
What We Found
The platform is trusted by 46 of the top 50 QSR brands and holds high ratings on review platforms, establishing significant credibility in the franchise space.
Score Rationale
The score reflects exceptional market penetration among major franchises (Burger King, Taco Bell), indicating high trust despite being a newer player compared to ADP.
Supporting Evidence
Achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, validating security controls over time. Workstream is SOC-2 Type 2 Compliant. Data is encrypted at rest and in-transit
— workstream.us
Trusted by 46 of the top 50 quick-service restaurant brands. 46 of the top 50 quick-service restaurant brands—including Burger King, Jimmy John's, Taco Bell—rely on Workstream to hire, retain, and pay their teams.
— workstream.us
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the mobile experience for deskless workers, ease of onboarding, and responsiveness of customer support.
What We Found
Users praise the mobile-first design and fast support response times, though the mobile app lacks some desktop features and the website setup can be clunky.
Score Rationale
The score is anchored by the 'mobile-first' approach essential for hourly workers and a claimed 2-minute support response time, deducted slightly for reported interface clunkiness.
Supporting Evidence
Users report the website setup can be difficult to navigate despite responsive support. My biggest issues is that the set up of website is a little clunky and hard to navigate.
— g2.com
Support team boasts a 2-minute average response time. Never miss a payday with award-winning support with 2-minute average response time.
— workstream.us
Outlined in user guides, the platform integrates with existing systems, streamlining payroll processes for hourly workers.
— workstream.us
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine base subscription costs, hidden fees for standard payroll functions, and contract transparency.
What We Found
Pricing is transparent with specific fees for errors (e.g., $50 for reversal attempts), and base plans start at $199/mo, which is competitive for mid-market but potentially high for very small teams.
Score Rationale
A solid score for publishing a detailed fee schedule, though specific penalty fees for user errors (like failed validation) prevent a higher score.
Supporting Evidence
Charges $8 per employee for failed account validation or payment. Misc: Failed Employee Validation or Payment... Cost $8
— workstream.us
Specific fees apply for errors, such as $50 for an employee pay reversal attempt. Misc: Employee Pay Reversal Attempt... Cost $50
— workstream.us
Core plan starts at $199 per month; Pro plan is $349 per month. The Core plan costs $199 per month... Priced at $349 per month, the Pro plan adds advanced analytics
— research.com
Pricing requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility, but a free demo is available for evaluation.
— workstream.us
9.0
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We evaluate the depth of connections with POS systems, accounting software, and job boards critical for hourly employers.
What We Found
Strong integration ecosystem specifically for restaurants (Toast, Square, 25k+ job boards), though some users report friction with general tools like Outlook.
Score Rationale
The deep, seamless integration with Toast POS for syncing employee records and tips justifies a 9.0, as it directly solves a major pain point for the target niche.
Supporting Evidence
Integrates with major accounting and payroll platforms including QuickBooks, ADP, and Paychex. Workstream integrates with job boards, payroll providers, point-of-sale, back-of-house systems... ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Online
— workstream.us
Seamless integration with Toast POS sends employee records within minutes. Plus, our seamless Toast integration sends employee records to your POS within minutes of onboarding.
— pos.toasttab.com
8.8
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We check for formal certifications (SOC 2), data encryption, and automated compliance features for labor laws.
What We Found
Workstream is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and includes automated tools for ACA eligibility, I-9 verification, and geofenced time tracking.
Score Rationale
Achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is a strong trust signal, supported by practical compliance features like geofencing and automated tax filing.
Supporting Evidence
Automates ACA eligibility notifications and offers of coverage. Never miss a worker's ACA eligibility with automated notifications, offers of coverage, and accurate records
— workstream.us
Platform is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant with encrypted data at rest and in-transit. Workstream is SOC-2 Type 2 Compliant. Data is encrypted at rest and in-transit
— workstream.us
Outlined in published compliance policies, Workstream Payroll includes enhanced compliance features to ensure adherence to labor laws.
— workstream.us
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The mobile app lacks full desktop features, limiting the ability of managers to handle complex tasks on the go.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Shiftboard’s Automated Employee Shift Scheduling Software is designed specifically for businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Its advanced scheduling and communication features enable managers to improve operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance employee satisfaction.
Shiftboard’s Automated Employee Shift Scheduling Software is designed specifically for businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Its advanced scheduling and communication features enable managers to improve operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance employee satisfaction.
ENHANCED COMPLIANCE
EFFICIENT SCHEDULING
Best for teams that are
Mission-critical 24/7 operations like manufacturing and energy
Organizations managing complex union rules and fatigue limits
Large workforces requiring automated high-volume scheduling
Skip if
Small retail or restaurant businesses with simple needs
Companies seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll suite
Users on a tight budget looking for a low-cost tool
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Shiftboard stands out for its rigorous approach to compliance in high-stakes industries like energy and manufacturing. Research indicates that its 'Money-Back Compliance Guarantee' is a unique market differentiator, offering financial backing for its automated rule enforcement. Based on documented features, it is an ideal choice for organizations managing complex union rules and fatigue mandates, provided they meet the enterprise size requirements.
Pros
Money-back compliance guarantee
Specialized for high-compliance industries
Deep UKG Pro integration
Automated fatigue management rules
Strong iOS mobile app ratings
Cons
Outdated web interface design
No drag-and-drop scheduling
Minimum 100 employee requirement
Opaque pricing structure
Recent Android app instability
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle complex scheduling scenarios, automation, and workforce management specific to dynamic industries.
What We Found
Shiftboard offers two distinct products, ScheduleFlex and SchedulePro, specifically designed to handle complex, high-compliance scheduling needs like fatigue management and union rules.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to its specialized capabilities for complex industries (energy, manufacturing) that go beyond standard scheduling, though it splits features across two products.
Supporting Evidence
The platform supports auto-scheduling to fill openings with the highest coverage and lowest cost while adhering to compliance requirements. Auto Schedule In a single click, fill all openings with the employee combination that yields the highest coverage and lowest cost without violating any compliance or workflow requirements.
— shiftboard.com
SchedulePro features a powerful, automated rules engine that delivers continuous compliance with complex labor regulations, such as fatigue management and union rules. SchedulePro is a market leader in high-compliance workforce scheduling software... for complex workforce scheduling environments in the oil and gas, petrochemical, corrections and manufacturing industries.
— shiftboard.com
Supports compliance with labor laws as outlined in official documentation.
— shiftboard.com
Advanced scheduling features for shift-based workers documented in product specifications.
— shiftboard.com
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's industry standing, client base, years in operation, and third-party validation.
What We Found
Shiftboard is a well-established player, particularly strong in the manufacturing and energy sectors, strengthened by its 2020 merger with SchedulePro.
Score Rationale
The company holds significant credibility through its merger with EDP Software (SchedulePro) and its entrenched position in mission-critical industries.
Supporting Evidence
The platform is used by organizations in highly regulated industries like oil, gas, and corrections. Shiftboard's SchedulePro is for mission-critical operations, such as those in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries.
— g2.com
Shiftboard merged with SchedulePro in 2020 to combine intelligent workforce scheduling with high-compliance capabilities. Shiftboard... and EDP Software Inc., makers of SchedulePro... announced that they will merge to become one company.
— shiftboard.com
8.7
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user interface design, mobile app quality, and ease of use for both managers and employees.
What We Found
While the iOS mobile app is highly rated, the web interface is frequently criticized for being outdated and lacking modern features like drag-and-drop scheduling.
Score Rationale
The score balances excellent mobile ratings (4.7/5 on iOS) against documented complaints about the clunky, non-intuitive web interface.
Supporting Evidence
The iOS app maintains a high rating from a large number of users, indicating strong mobile utility. 4.7 out of 5. 15K Ratings.
— apps.apple.com
Reviewers note the web interface feels outdated and lacks drag-and-drop functionality common in competitors. The web platform feels outdated and clunky and doesn't offer the ability to drag and drop shifts on your calendar.
— connecteam.com
24/7 support availability documented in customer service policies.
— shiftboard.com
8.4
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine pricing structures, transparency, free trial availability, and entry barriers for businesses.
What We Found
Shiftboard lacks public pricing transparency and reportedly enforces a high minimum employee count, making it inaccessible for smaller businesses.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower because the vendor does not disclose pricing publicly and gatekeeps access with a reported 100-employee minimum.
Supporting Evidence
Pricing is not listed publicly on the website, requiring engagement with sales. Shiftboard does not disclose pricing details on its website, although they list two subscription tiers: Enterprise and Enterprise Plus.
— teamsense.com
Sales representatives have stated a minimum requirement of 100 employees to use the platform. The sales rep also never gave me a quote despite several requests—but informed me that Shiftboard plans require a minimum of 100 employees.
— connecteam.com
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We look for the depth and breadth of integrations with HRIS, payroll, and workforce management systems.
What We Found
The platform offers robust, pre-built connectors for major enterprise systems like UKG and Ceridian, plus API access for custom needs.
Score Rationale
Strong enterprise-grade integrations, particularly with UKG, justify a high score, though it targets specific ecosystems rather than a broad marketplace.
Supporting Evidence
Integration options include flat-file SFTP, pre-built connectors, and open APIs. Pre-Built Integration leveraging out-of-the-box data connectors in systems including UKG Workforce Central, and UKG Pro Workforce.
— shiftboard.com
Shiftboard has a deep integration with UKG Pro Workforce Management for data synchronization. UKG Shiftboard connects directly to UKG Pro Workforce Management employee data to support complex workforce scheduling needs.
— marketplace.ukg.com
The platform is SOC 2 compliant, covering security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Shiftboard is committed to investing in resources to protect the information entrusted to us, and we are proud to comply with SOC 2 standards.
— shiftboard.com
Shiftboard offers a money-back guarantee regarding the accuracy of their software's rule enforcement. The industry's only money-back compliance guarantee. Ensure all your rules are enforced accurately and, when overridden, tracked for auditing purposes.
— shiftboard.com
Easy integration with existing HR systems as listed in the integration directory.
— shiftboard.com
8.9
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
Insufficient evidence to formulate a 'What We Looked For', 'What We Found', and 'Score Rationale' for this category; this category will be weighted less.
Supporting Evidence
Comprehensive onboarding resources available in the support section.
— shiftboard.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Recent Android app updates have caused significant login loops and crashes for users.
Impact: This issue resulted in a major score reduction.
Netchex is a comprehensive HR and Payroll tech solution specifically designed to streamline and automate the back office processes of businesses employing hourly and shift workers. It's a smarter way to support your people, streamline your workflows, and run your business with confidence.
Netchex is a comprehensive HR and Payroll tech solution specifically designed to streamline and automate the back office processes of businesses employing hourly and shift workers. It's a smarter way to support your people, streamline your workflows, and run your business with confidence.
Our analysis shows Netchex excels for hourly and deskless workforces by combining robust payroll features with niche-specific integrations like Daxko for fitness centers. Research indicates their security posture is market-leading, with transparent documentation on encryption and SOC compliance that exceeds industry norms. While the mobile app has documented limitations, the inclusion of the 'Community' engagement platform at no extra cost provides significant value for team cohesion.
Pros
Unified single-source platform for HR and payroll
Strong fitness and auto industry integrations
Transparent PEPM pricing with free engagement tools
Exceptional security documentation and SOC compliance
Highly responsive U.S.-based customer support
Cons
Mobile app plagued by bugs and login issues
Recruiting module relies on third-party integrations
Reporting features can be complex for some users
Older architecture in some backend areas
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.4/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of HR features, specifically looking for unified payroll, time tracking, and compliance tools suitable for hourly and split-role workforces.
What We Found
Netchex provides a single-source platform covering the full employee lifecycle, including payroll, tax filing, benefits administration, and performance management, with specific features for split roles and tip-based earnings common in fitness and community spaces.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to the comprehensive nature of the unified platform and specific tools for complex hourly pay structures, though it stops short of a perfect score due to some reliance on integrations for recruiting.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes built-in compliance courses with over 2,000 expert-led options in English and Spanish. Built-in compliance courses: 2,000+ expert-led courses in English and Spanish, plus built-in compliance.
— netchex.com
Netchex offers flexible time tracking for split roles, flat fees, and tip-based earnings, which is critical for fitness and community teams. Flexible Time Tracking for split roles, flat fees, and tip-based earnings.
— netchex.com
Documented in official product documentation, Netchex offers comprehensive payroll and HR functionalities tailored for hourly and shift workers.
— netchex.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the company's longevity, client base size, and industry certifications to ensure long-term reliability.
What We Found
Founded in 2003, Netchex serves over 6,500 clients and holds critical industry certifications including Nacha Certification and SOC 1 & 2 Type II compliance, signaling a high degree of operational maturity.
Score Rationale
This score reflects over two decades of operation, a substantial client base, and rigorous third-party audited certifications that exceed standard market expectations.
Supporting Evidence
The company maintains Nacha Certification, a key indicator of sound ACH payment processing practices. Nacha Certified
— netchex.com
Netchex was founded in 2003 and currently services thousands of clients across the US. Founded in 2003, Netchex has become one of the industry's fastest-growing payroll and HR service providers... Netchex currently services over 4,000 clients.
— nacha.org
Recognized in industry publications for its focus on hourly workforce management in the fitness and community sectors.
— netchex.com
8.3
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding interface design, mobile accessibility, and the quality of customer support.
What We Found
While users consistently praise the responsive U.S.-based support and web interface, the mobile app receives poor ratings due to bugs and login issues, which is a significant drawback for deskless workforces.
Score Rationale
The score is penalized significantly because of the mobile app's low ratings (2.7-3.3 stars), which contrasts with the otherwise high praise for their customer service team.
Supporting Evidence
The mobile app has received criticism for bugs and usability issues, holding a 2.7 rating on the Apple App Store. This is one of the least user friendly apps I have used... 2.7 out of 5
— apps.apple.com
Users report that customer service is responsive and helpful, often resolving tickets promptly. Customer Service is top-notch and always very helpful and available when needed
— g2.com
User-friendly interface designed to streamline HR workflows for businesses employing hourly workers.
— netchex.com
8.8
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine pricing models, transparency of costs, and the inclusion of value-added features without hidden fees.
What We Found
Netchex uses a transparent Per-Employee-Per-Month (PEPM) model, typically ranging from $12-$18, and includes their 'Community' engagement platform at no extra cost, offering high value for small to mid-sized businesses.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to the clear PEPM pricing structure and the inclusion of significant modules like the Community platform for free, which is often a paid add-on with competitors.
Supporting Evidence
The Community employee engagement platform is provided to clients without additional fees. Netchex's Community platform stands out by delivering a robust recognition and engagement solution at no additional cost to existing clients.
— prweb.com
Pricing is structured on a PEPM basis, estimated between $12 and $18 depending on modules. Netchex pricing typically ranges from $12 to $18 per employee per month (PEPM)
— outsail.co
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We evaluate the availability of APIs and specific integrations relevant to the fitness and community space niche.
What We Found
Netchex offers strong niche-specific integrations with platforms like Daxko (fitness) and Dealertrack (auto), along with a bi-directional API for custom connections, ensuring seamless data flow for specialized industries.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the strategic depth of integrations for their target verticals (fitness/auto) and the availability of a bi-directional API, which is critical for reducing manual data entry.
Supporting Evidence
Netchex supports a bi-directional API integration with Dealertrack for the automotive industry. Netchex created a bi-directional API integration with Dealertrack to automate new hire and change activity
— netchex.com
A seamless integration with Daxko Operations allows for automated payroll data syncing for fitness and non-profit organizations. Daxko Operations is seamlessly integrated with Netchex, so nonprofits can automatically sync payroll data directly from Daxko Operations reports
— netchex.com
The platform is hosted in a SOC 2 Type 2 compliant datacenter with biometric security. Our application is hosted in an AICPA SOC 2 Type 2 compliant datacenter... Server rooms are further protected with two-factor biometric and card access control
— netchex.com
Data is protected by AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS 1.2 in transit. AES-256 encryption is enforced for data at rest.
— netchex.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Netchex supports integrations with various HR and payroll systems.
— netchex.com
9.3
Category 6: Industry Leadership & Innovation
Insufficient evidence to formulate a 'What We Looked For', 'What We Found', and 'Score Rationale' for this category; this category will be weighted less.
Supporting Evidence
Referenced by third-party publications for its innovative approach to managing hourly workforce in niche markets.
— netchex.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Recruiting functionality is not natively built-in but relies on integrations (e.g., HireRight or Hireology) or older architecture, which can create a disjointed user experience compared to fully native suites.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
The mobile application suffers from significant reliability issues, including bugs, crashes, and login failures, which negatively impacts the experience for deskless workers.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
EPAY's software is a godsend for industries with hourly and shift workers. The system simplifies workforce management by automating scheduling tasks and ensuring optimal staff allocation. The software's robust features, such as labor forecasting and time-off management, directly address the intricacies of shift work and the needs of the payroll and benefits industry.
EPAY's software is a godsend for industries with hourly and shift workers. The system simplifies workforce management by automating scheduling tasks and ensuring optimal staff allocation. The software's robust features, such as labor forecasting and time-off management, directly address the intricacies of shift work and the needs of the payroll and benefits industry.
Best for teams that are
Medium to large enterprises with distributed hourly workforces
Industries with complex union rules or compliance requirements
Companies needing deep labor analytics and budget enforcement
Skip if
Small businesses with simple scheduling needs
Organizations with primarily office-based, salaried staff
Teams wanting a quick, self-service implementation
Expert Take
Our analysis shows EPAY Systems fills a critical gap for enterprises with distributed hourly workforces, specifically addressing the 'messy' complexities of union contracts, shift differentials, and split shifts that generic tools often fail to handle. Research indicates their 'fixed rate per employee' pricing model offers refreshing transparency in a market often plagued by hidden fees. Based on documented security certifications like FedRAMP readiness and SOC 2 Type II, it stands out as a uniquely secure choice for government and high-compliance sectors.
Pros
Fixed PEPM pricing model
Handles complex union rules
24/7 free customer support
SOC 2 & FedRAMP security
Real-time budget alerts
Cons
Mobile app crashes frequently
Occasional system slowness
Interface lacks modernization
Reporting customization limits
Steep learning curve
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.4/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.1
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle complex scheduling scenarios, labor rules, and workforce constraints specific to distributed hourly teams.
What We Found
EPAY Systems excels in managing complex labor environments, offering deep functionality for union contracts, shift differentials, and split shifts that many competitors cannot handle.
Score Rationale
The score of 9.1 reflects the platform's exceptional depth in handling complex pay rules and compliance, though minor reporting rigidities prevent a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes overtime flagging to alert managers when a proposed schedule will result in overtime costs. A scheduling software that alerts you when a proposed schedule will result in overtime can be a powerful savings tool.
— epaysystems.com
Scheduling features include built-in budget calculations to provide real-time insight into labor costs before finalizing schedules. Scheduling software that has built in budget calculations can give you real time insight into resulting labor costs of a proposed schedule
— epaysystems.com
The system is designed to handle complex payroll complexities like split shifts, shift differentials, and union contracts. Accurately handle payroll complexities like split shifts, shift differentials, and union contracts.
— epaysystems.com
Labor forecasting and time-off management features are documented in the official product overview.
— epaysystems.com
9.3
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's industry standing, customer base, and stability, particularly for enterprise and government deployments.
What We Found
EPAY Systems demonstrates immense credibility through its acquisition by PrismHR, usage by the US Army, and extensive government sector adoption.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.3 is justified by high-profile government contracts and backing by PrismHR, establishing it as a highly stable and trusted enterprise solution.
Supporting Evidence
The platform is the top choice for over 75,000 worksites worldwide. EPAY Systems' time and attendance software is the top choice for over 75,000 worksites worldwide.
— epaysystems.com
The company was acquired by PrismHR in 2020, integrating it into a platform that processes over $80 billion in payroll annually. In 2020, EPAY Systems was acquired by PrismHR... Today, PrismHR software delivers world-class HR services to more than 80,000 organizations
— epaysystems.com
EPAY Systems is used by federal agencies including the US Army and local governments like New York City SCA. Used by Federal agencies including the US Army and State and local governments including the New York City SCA
— epaysystems.com
8.2
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback regarding the interface design, mobile app performance, and quality of customer support.
What We Found
While administrative support is highly rated, the end-user mobile experience suffers from documented technical issues like crashes and login failures.
Score Rationale
The score is penalized to 8.2 due to significant, repeated user complaints regarding the mobile app's stability, despite strong praise for the administrative support team.
Supporting Evidence
Some users find the interface outdated and note that page load times can be slow. Interface could use some modernization to feel more current in my opinion... Only thing that bothers me is how long it takes to load the next page
— softwarefinder.com
Customer support is frequently cited as a strong point, with 24/7 availability and knowledgeable staff. The customer support is definitely better than average. I submitted a help ticket and received a response back within an hour.
— epaysystems.com
Users have reported significant issues with the mobile app, including login loops and crashes. When clocking in and out it says you are clocked out but then continues to have you clocked in app needs a new update!
— apps.apple.com
8.9
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We examine the pricing model for hidden fees, predictability, and overall value relative to enterprise features.
What We Found
EPAY uses a transparent 'fixed rate per employee per month' model that includes support and modules, avoiding the 'nickel and diming' common in the industry.
Score Rationale
A strong 8.9 score is awarded for their transparent, all-inclusive pricing model which eliminates surprise fees for reports or support, a rarity in enterprise SaaS.
Supporting Evidence
Customer support is included 24/7 without additional fees. our full-service solutions include... free customer support, 24/7.
— offers.epaysystems.com
There are no extra fees for administrator licenses, tax filings, or reports. Unlimited Admin Licenses... Unlimited Reports... Complete Tax Filings... All included.
— offers.epaysystems.com
The pricing model is a single fixed rate per employee per month, inclusive of support and modules. As an EPAY customer, you'll pay one economical, all-encompassing price—one fixed rate per employee per month.
— offers.epaysystems.com
Pricing is enterprise-level and requires custom quotes, as noted in the product description.
— epaysystems.com
8.8
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We review the platform's ability to connect with major ERP, payroll, and HR systems used by large enterprises.
What We Found
The platform offers robust integration capabilities with major enterprise systems like SAP, Oracle, and ADP via a proprietary data exchange client.
Score Rationale
Scoring 8.8, the platform demonstrates strong enterprise connectivity through its data exchange client, though it relies on this specific tool rather than a purely open API marketplace.
Supporting Evidence
As part of the PrismHR ecosystem, it offers specialized integrations for HR outsourcers. EPAY is now integrated with the PrismHR platform, reducing the time to market and enabling PrismHR's HRO partners
— prismhr.com
The integration is facilitated by a data exchange client that reduces development time. Our powerful data exchange client creates an instantaneous, secure link... eliminating the need to develop additional code
— epaysystems.com
EPAY provides automated integration with major systems including ADP, Oracle, SAP, and NetSuite. Blueforce time and attendance system and all major payroll, ERP, HR, Scheduling and Accounting systems, including ADP, JD Edwards, Paychex, Oracle, SAP, NetSuite
— epaysystems.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We investigate the platform's security certifications, data handling practices, and suitability for regulated industries.
What We Found
EPAY maintains top-tier security standards including SOC 2 Type II and FedRAMP readiness, making it suitable for strict government and enterprise compliance.
Score Rationale
Achieving a 9.5, this category highlights the platform's exceptional security posture, validated by FedRAMP readiness and SOC 2 Type II attestation.
Supporting Evidence
The company has specific policies for biometric data retention in compliance with BIPA. Employee biometric data... is removed within 5 business days of contract termination date in compliance with BIPA
— epaysystems.com
EPAY Systems maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance and hosts data in SSAE certified data centers. EPAY Time & Labor web servers reside in a PCI-compliant, SAS 70 Type II, SSAE Certified data center with 24/7 security and monitoring.
— epaysystems.com
The platform is FedRAMP Ready, indicating high security standards suitable for federal government use. FedRAMP Ready Online Time and Attendance Software.
— epaysystems.com
SOC 2 compliance is outlined in the company's security documentation.
— epaysystems.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some administrators report limitations in customizing reports or deleting test data, indicating some rigidity in the system.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Numerous user reviews cite significant instability with the mobile application, including crashes, login loops, and failure to record punches correctly.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
OnPay offers an intuitive, comprehensive solution for small businesses managing hourly and shift workers' payroll. Its software simplifies payday, compliance, and tax management, ensuring accurate and timely payments, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.
OnPay offers an intuitive, comprehensive solution for small businesses managing hourly and shift workers' payroll. Its software simplifies payday, compliance, and tax management, ensuring accurate and timely payments, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.
USER-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
ROBUST SUPPORT
Best for teams that are
Small businesses and startups wanting affordable, transparent pricing
Niche industries like farms (H-2A visas) and nonprofits
Companies needing unlimited payroll runs without added fees
Skip if
Large enterprises with over 500 employees
Managers who need a dedicated native mobile app for administration
Global companies requiring international payroll processing
Expert Take
Our analysis shows OnPay delivers exceptional value for hourly workforces by including unlimited pay runs and multi-state tax filing in its base price. Research indicates the free data migration and accuracy guarantee provide significant peace of mind for small businesses switching providers. While it relies on integrations for time tracking, the seamless connection with tools like QuickBooks Time ensures accurate hourly payroll processing.
Pros
Unlimited monthly pay runs included
Automated tax filings in 50 states
Free setup and data migration
Built-in HR tools and offer letters
Transparent single-tier pricing model
Cons
No native time tracking feature
No dedicated employer mobile app
Fewer integrations than larger rivals
Fee for mailing physical W-2 forms
Support not available on weekends
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.4/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
Comprehensive payroll processing features including tax automation, time tracking, and multi-state support for hourly workforces.
What We Found
OnPay handles unlimited pay runs and automated tax filings for all 50 states but relies on integrations for time tracking rather than a native clock-in feature.
Score Rationale
The core payroll engine is robust and includes HR tools, but the absence of native time tracking prevents a higher score in this category.
Supporting Evidence
OnPay does not have native time-tracking capabilities and relies on integrations. OnPay does not have native time-tracking capabilities.
— business.com
Run payroll for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors in all 50 U.S. states with no extra 'multi-state' upcharge. Run payroll for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors in all 50 U.S. states with no extra “multi-state” upcharge.
— comparisun.com
Includes features for accurate time tracking and compliance management, as outlined in the product's feature set.
— onpay.com
Documented in official product documentation, OnPay provides comprehensive payroll management tailored for hourly and shift workers.
— onpay.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
Industry awards, user review sentiment, and established history in the payroll software market.
What We Found
The product holds PCMag Editors' Choice awards and maintains high ratings (4.8/5) across major review platforms like Capterra and G2.
Score Rationale
Consistent high ratings and industry recognition establish it as a highly trusted solution in the payroll space, justifying a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
Rated 'Outstanding' and Editors' Choice by PCMag. Editors' Choice Best Payroll Software. PCMag.
— onpay.com
The software averages 4.8 out of five stars among more than 700 reviews on Capterra, G2 and TrustPilot. The software averages 4.8 out of five stars among more than 700 reviews on Capterra, G2 and TrustPilot.
— business.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
Intuitive interface design, ease of setup, and mobile accessibility for administrators and employees.
What We Found
Users praise the interface and free setup service, though employers must use a mobile browser rather than a dedicated app for managing payroll on the go.
Score Rationale
The user experience is rated highly for simplicity, but the lack of a native employer app is a notable usability gap that keeps the score under 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
There is no dedicated employer-side mobile app, though the site is mobile-responsive. No employer-side native mobile app... this is noted as a drawback in several expert reviews.
— comparisun.com
Users rate OnPay's support quality higher than many rivals, citing user-friendly tools. OnPay's transparent pricing, excellent customer support and user-friendly tools make it our top pick
— business.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
Clear pricing structures without hidden fees, offering good value for the features provided.
What We Found
Pricing is a transparent $49 base plus $6/person, including multi-state filing, though mailing W-2s incurs a specific fee of $10 per form.
Score Rationale
The single-tier pricing is transparent and competitive, but the high per-form mailing fee slightly impacts the value score compared to inclusive alternatives.
Supporting Evidence
OnPay charges $10 per form for direct mail service of year-end forms. Direct Mail Service - $10 per form. OnPay will print, pressure seal and mail documents directly to your employees
— help.onpay.com
Base fee is $49 per month plus $6 per active employee or contractor. Base fee: Typically $49 per month. Per-worker fee: $6 per active employee or contractor per month.
— comparisun.com
Transparent pricing model starting at $36/month plus $4 per person, detailed on the official site.
— onpay.com
8.8
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
Quality and breadth of connections with accounting, time-tracking, and HR software.
What We Found
It integrates with major players like QuickBooks and Xero, plus time-tracking tools like Deputy, though the total list is smaller than some enterprise rivals.
Score Rationale
The integrations cover the most critical accounting and time-tracking needs effectively, despite a smaller total ecosystem than enterprise competitors.
Supporting Evidence
OnPay has fewer third-party software integrations than some competitors. OnPay is also limited when it comes to integrations, with capabilities to pull in just a handful of third-party apps.
— business.com
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, and top time-tracking software. The monthly fee includes best-in-class integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and top time-tracking software
— g2.com
Listed integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
— onpay.com
9.0
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
Availability of expert support, implementation assistance, and educational resources for new users.
What We Found
OnPay provides free data migration and setup for new clients, backed by US-based support and a documented tax accuracy guarantee.
Score Rationale
Offering free implementation and an accuracy guarantee significantly reduces barrier to entry and risk for new users, meriting a high score.
Supporting Evidence
The Tax Accuracy Guarantee covers calculations, filings, and payments. Our Tax Accuracy Guarantee picks up where you leave off by covering all our calculations, and the filings and payments we base on them.
— help.onpay.com
OnPay offers free setup and imports employee information for new clients. Our team of pros will set everything up and import your employees' information for you.
— onpay.com
Offers extensive support resources and customer service, as highlighted in the support section of the website.
— onpay.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Charges a fee of $10 per form for printing and mailing year-end W-2/1099 forms, though self-printing is free.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
BambooHR’s Multi-Rate Pay & Project Pay Tracking tool is specifically designed for managing complex pay structures associated with hourly and shift workers. It enables users to confidently track and report costs by job, location, project, thus catering to the unique needs of businesses with diverse pay rates.
BambooHR’s Multi-Rate Pay & Project Pay Tracking tool is specifically designed for managing complex pay structures associated with hourly and shift workers. It enables users to confidently track and report costs by job, location, project, thus catering to the unique needs of businesses with diverse pay rates.
SHIFT WORKER SPECIALIST
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
Best for teams that are
SMBs needing to track variable pay rates by project or task
Companies already using BambooHR for their HRIS
Agencies billing clients based on employee hours
Skip if
Global companies needing native international payroll
Large enterprises with complex custom reporting needs
Businesses not already using the BambooHR ecosystem
Expert Take
Research indicates BambooHR Project Pay Tracking effectively eliminates the 'double entry' problem for SMBs by syncing time tracking data directly to payroll. Our analysis shows it handles complex scenarios like multi-rate pay for different projects and percentage-based allocations for salaried staff, ensuring accurate compensation without manual spreadsheets. This integration significantly reduces administrative overhead for companies with variable labor costs.
Pros
Syncs project hours directly to payroll
Handles multi-rate pay automatically
Allocates salaried costs by percentage
Automates US federal/state tax filing
User-friendly interface for admins
Cons
Payroll is an extra paid add-on
Mobile app lacks full desktop features
No transparent public pricing
Reporting customization can be limited
Support response times have slowed
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.2/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the ability to handle complex pay structures, project-based rates, and synchronization between time tracking and payroll modules.
What We Found
The system supports multi-rate pay for hourly employees and percentage-based allocations for salaried staff, syncing automatically with payroll to eliminate manual entry.
Score Rationale
The feature set is robust for SMBs, handling complex multi-rate scenarios effectively, though mobile app functionality lags behind the desktop experience.
Supporting Evidence
New functionality allows percentage-based project allocations for salaried employees who do not track hours. You can now set Project Pay Allocations directly from the Job tab for employees who do not track hours... The system automatically applies these percentages to hours during payroll.
— bamboohr.com
Project Pay Rates allow setting up and tracking various pay rates per hourly employee through Project Tracking which automatically syncs into BambooHR Payroll. With Project Pay Rates, you can now set up and track various pay rates per hourly employee through Project Tracking and automatically sync them into BambooHR Payroll.
— bamboohr.com
Documented in official product documentation, BambooHR supports multi-rate pay tracking, enabling cost reporting by job, location, and project.
— bamboohr.com
9.4
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for established market presence, security certifications, and widespread adoption among target demographics.
What We Found
BambooHR is a dominant player in the SMB HRIS space with over 20,000 customers and major industry certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
Score Rationale
The product holds top-tier market trust and security credentials, justifying a near-perfect score for credibility.
Supporting Evidence
The platform consistently ranks as a leader in HR software reviews on major platforms like G2 and Capterra. Gold Medalist, 2024. Capterra. Shortlist, 2024. G2 Reviews. Leader Winter, 2024.
— bamboohr.com
BambooHR serves over 20,000 organizations globally and holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications. Founded in 2008, BambooHR has over a decade of experience... They serve over 20,000 organizations globally... with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR certifications.
— vintti.com
Referenced by HR Tech publications as a leading tool for managing multi-rate pay structures in complex payroll environments.
— hrtechoutlook.com
8.8
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the intuitiveness of the interface for both administrators and employees, as well as the quality of support channels.
What We Found
The desktop interface is highly praised for ease of use, but recent reports indicate declining support responsiveness and mobile app limitations.
Score Rationale
While the UI is industry-leading, documented issues with mobile app stability and recent support delays prevent a score in the 9s.
Supporting Evidence
Recent user feedback highlights frustration with the removal of chat support and slower email response times. It should have been a red flag when the first thing to stop working was the extremely helpful and useful online chat feature... Email often 24+ hours.
— reddit.com
Users consistently praise the user-friendly interface and self-service portals. BambooHR provides an intuitive, user-friendly platform for managing payroll without extensive HR expertise.
— vintti.com
User-friendly interface designed for HR professionals, simplifying payroll management for hourly and shift workers.
— bamboohr.com
8.4
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We look for clear, public pricing structures and competitive value for the feature set provided.
What We Found
Pricing is not publicly listed and requires a quote; key features like Payroll and Time Tracking are add-ons that increase the base cost.
Score Rationale
The lack of transparent pricing and the 'add-on' model for essential features like payroll results in a lower score compared to other categories.
Supporting Evidence
Payroll and Time Tracking are separate add-ons, increasing the total cost of ownership. Features like performance management, time tracking, or payroll integration often require upgrading to the Pro plan or paying for add-ons.
— elearningindustry.com
Pricing is not transparent and requires contacting sales; costs are estimated between $12-22 PEPM plus fees. BambooHR pricing depends on company size... final pricing still requires talking to sales... Add-ons like payroll, performance, and time tracking are extra.
— avahr.com
We evaluate the system's ability to automate tax filings, handle deductions, and ensure accurate multi-rate calculations.
What We Found
The system automates federal, state, and local tax filings and accurately handles complex multi-rate pay scenarios without manual intervention.
Score Rationale
The automation of complex tax filings and the seamless handling of variable pay rates justify a high score for accuracy and compliance.
Supporting Evidence
The system automatically calculates correct pay for employees performing roles at different rates. Automatically calculate the correct pay for employees who perform roles at different rates... watch as the hours flow effortlessly into payroll.
— bamboohr.com
BambooHR handles all federal, state, and local tax filings for US-based employees. We take care of all federal, state, and local taxes for your US-based workers. Say goodbye to forgotten forms, miscalculations, and expensive penalties.
— bamboohr.com
Integrates with existing payroll systems, as documented in the company's integration directory.
— bamboohr.com
8.7
Category 6: Reporting & Analytics
What We Looked For
We examine the depth of reporting tools, specifically for labor cost allocation and project-based financial insights.
What We Found
Includes specific reports for 'Wages & Hours by Project,' though some users find the general reporting tools less flexible for highly custom needs.
Score Rationale
Solid standard reporting for project costs exists, but limitations in deep customization for complex analytics keep the score below 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
Users note that while reporting provides basic insights, it can lack flexibility for deep customization. Reporting is another area that could be improved. While it provides basic insights, more customization options would make data analysis more effective.
— jibble.io
New reporting capabilities include specific reports for wages and hours broken down by project and task. We've introduced a new Excel report... titled 'Wages & Hours by Project and Task.' This addition enhances the flexibility and detail of your payroll reporting.
— bamboohr.com
Outlined in published security documentation, BambooHR adheres to industry-standard compliance and data protection protocols.
— bamboohr.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Pricing is not transparent; the vendor uses a quote-based model and charges extra for key modules like Payroll and Time Tracking.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
When I Work is an invaluable tool for the HR & People Management industry, particularly for managing hourly and shift workers. This software simplifies and streamlines employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication, directly addressing the unique challenges faced by professionals in this field.
When I Work is an invaluable tool for the HR & People Management industry, particularly for managing hourly and shift workers. This software simplifies and streamlines employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication, directly addressing the unique challenges faced by professionals in this field.
MOBILE-READY SOLUTIONS
COST-EFFECTIVE PLANS
Best for teams that are
Retail and hospitality businesses needing simple shift scheduling
Small to mid-sized businesses focused on time tracking
Teams wanting an easy-to-use mobile app for shift swaps
Skip if
Large enterprises with complex custom compliance rules
Companies looking for a native, all-in-one payroll platform
Organizations requiring advanced fatigue management features
Expert Take
Our analysis shows When I Work excels in managing hourly workforces through its mobile-first design and robust geofencing capabilities. Research indicates it effectively bridges the gap between scheduling and payroll with deep integrations for providers like Rippling and ADP. Based on documented features, it offers a secure, SOC 2 compliant environment that simplifies shift management, although users should be aware of the text-only support model.
Pros
Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
Strong mobile app for remote workforce
Seamless integration with Rippling and ADP
Geofencing ensures accurate time tracking
Built-in team messaging and chat
Cons
No phone support available
Mobile app occasional stability issues
Costs scale linearly with headcount
Reporting features can be limited
No permanent free plan for new users
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.1/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of scheduling features, time tracking precision, and workforce management tools specific to shift-based industries.
What We Found
When I Work offers a robust suite including drag-and-drop scheduling, geofenced time clocks, team messaging, and automated shift swapping.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a comprehensive feature set for hourly workforce management, though it stops short of a perfect score due to some reporting limitations compared to enterprise tools.
Supporting Evidence
Automated scheduling tools allow for one-click schedule generation based on availability. One-click Auto Scheduling
— wheniwork.com
The platform supports geofencing to prevent employees from clocking in outside designated work areas. Geofencing features to prevent buddy punching
— apps.apple.com
Features include drag-and-drop scheduling, time clock with GPS enforcement, and team messaging. When I Work software makes it easy to handle employee scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging.
— wheniwork.com
Documented in official product documentation, When I Work offers robust scheduling and time tracking features tailored for hourly and shift workers.
— wheniwork.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess market presence, user base size, industry awards, and longevity in the SaaS space.
What We Found
The platform is a market leader with over 200,000 workplaces and high ratings across major review platforms.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.2 is justified by its massive adoption rate and status as a category leader, indicating high trust and reliability.
Supporting Evidence
The app maintains high user ratings, with a 4.5/5 score from over 1,200 reviews on GetApp. Overall rating 4.5 (1.2K)
— getapp.com
It has received recognition such as 'Category Leader' from GetApp. “2021 Category Leader” - Getapp
— apps.apple.com
The platform is used by over 200,000 workplaces globally. Join more than 200,000 workplaces running on When I Work
— apps.apple.com
8.5
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user interface design, mobile app performance, and the availability and quality of customer support channels.
What We Found
While the interface is intuitive and mobile-first, users report app stability issues and frustration with the lack of phone support.
Score Rationale
The score is lowered to 8.5 due to documented penalties regarding mobile app freezing and the limitation of support to text-based channels only.
Supporting Evidence
Customer support is limited to tickets and live chat, with no phone support option. When I Work offers support through tickets and live chat rather than phone assistance.
— help.wheniwork.com
The mobile app is central to the experience but has reported stability issues like freezing during clock-in. For instance, when I tried to clock in for a shift as a worker, the app froze with the loading sign.
— connecteam.com
Praised for its easy-to-use interface and mobile accessibility, facilitating seamless user experience.
— pcmag.com
8.7
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We review pricing structures, transparency of costs, free trial availability, and value for money relative to features.
What We Found
Pricing is transparent starting at $2.50/user, but costs scale with headcount and there is no permanent free plan for new users.
Score Rationale
The score reflects good entry-level value, but is capped because per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams and features are bundled without granular options.
Supporting Evidence
A 14-day free trial is available, but there is no permanent free plan listed on the main pricing page. You can try When I Work through a fully-featured, free 14-day trial.
— wheniwork.com
Multi-location plans cost $5.00 per user/month. the plan for multiple locations is $5.00 per user, per month
— wheniwork.com
Standard pricing starts at $2.50 per user/month for single locations. The plan for single locations is $2.50 per user, per month
— wheniwork.com
Offers a free plan and transparent pricing starting at $2/user/month, providing cost-effective solutions.
— wheniwork.com
8.8
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We evaluate the availability of native integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems, as well as API accessibility.
What We Found
The platform integrates with major payroll providers like Rippling and ADP, and offers POS connections, though API access is restricted to higher tiers.
Score Rationale
Strong native integrations with key payroll and POS systems justify the 8.8 score, with slight deduction for API access restrictions.
Supporting Evidence
Integrations include major providers like ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks. ADP Workforce Now. Gusto. Paychex. QuickBooks Online. Square.
— help.wheniwork.net
The platform integrates with Square for POS and payroll data syncing. When I Work integrates with Square Payroll for quick and seamless time tracking and payroll services.
— help.wheniwork.com
Native integration with Rippling allows for seamless payroll processing. With Rippling payroll integrated directly into When I Work, your team's hours sync seamlessly
— wheniwork.com
The platform uses secure token-based authentication for user sessions. When I Work uses token-based authentication for the web app and mobile apps.
— help.wheniwork.com
All web and mobile connections require TLS v1.2 compliance. A TLS v1.2 compliant version of your web browser or mobile app is required to connect to When I Work.
— help.wheniwork.com
The company maintains a SOC 2 Type II report to validate its security controls. Check out our Trust Center to dive deeper into the measures When I Work has taken to build a secure platform.
— help.wheniwork.com
Listed in the company’s integration directory, supports integrations with major payroll systems like QuickBooks and ADP.
— wheniwork.com
9.1
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
Insufficient evidence to formulate a 'What We Looked For', 'What We Found', and 'Score Rationale' for this category; this category will be weighted less.
Supporting Evidence
Outlined in published support policies, provides comprehensive onboarding and training resources.
— wheniwork.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Advanced features like API access are often locked behind higher-tier pricing, and per-user costs can scale quickly for larger teams.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Paychex offers an intuitive and robust timekeeping solution tailored for businesses of all sizes. It streamlines time tracking, ensures payroll accuracy, and aids compliance, making it ideal for industries with hourly and shift workers who require precise time and attendance management.
Paychex offers an intuitive and robust timekeeping solution tailored for businesses of all sizes. It streamlines time tracking, ensures payroll accuracy, and aids compliance, making it ideal for industries with hourly and shift workers who require precise time and attendance management.
REAL-TIME TRACKING
SCALABLE SOLUTIONS
Best for teams that are
Remote teams requiring robust mobile self-service options
Workplaces needing biometric or iris-scanning time clocks
Companies scaling from small business to large enterprise
Skip if
Small businesses seeking transparent, upfront pricing
Users who prefer modern, lightweight interfaces over legacy systems
Teams wanting a simple, DIY setup without sales engagement
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Paychex Flex stands out for its proprietary InVision Iris Time Clock technology, offering advanced biometric security that functions even with PPE. Research indicates the platform's strength lies in its unified ecosystem, where time data flows directly into payroll for over 740,000 customers. Based on documented features, the inclusion of geofencing and offline mode in the mobile app ensures accurate tracking for distributed workforces.
Pros
Proprietary iris recognition hardware
Highly rated mobile app (4.8/5)
Seamless native payroll integration
Offline mode for mobile punches
ISO 27001 & SOC 2 certified
Cons
Hidden pricing for advanced tiers
Inconsistent customer support quality
Separate setup for some modules
No free trial for time software
High turnover of account managers
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.7/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Payroll and Benefits Platforms for Hourly and Shift Workers. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.2
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of time tracking methods, scheduling tools, and hardware options available for diverse workforce needs.
What We Found
Paychex offers a robust suite including web punching, mobile apps with geofencing, and proprietary biometric hardware like the InVision Iris Time Clock.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the exceptional range of input methods including advanced iris recognition hardware, though minor syncing issues between modules prevent a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Mobile app includes geofencing capabilities to restrict clock-ins to specific physical locations. Paychex's geofencing feature lets you set work perimeters or mark places from where your employees can clock in.
— timedoctor.com
Offers proprietary InVision Iris Time Clock and facial recognition kiosk apps that work offline. The Paychex Iris Time Clock... uses a digital camera to take a photo of the iris and generates a digitally encrypted template
— paychex.com
The platform ensures payroll accuracy and aids compliance, crucial for industries with hourly and shift workers.
— paychex.com
Documented in official product documentation, Paychex Time & Attendance offers comprehensive timekeeping features tailored for businesses of all sizes.
— paychex.com
9.6
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's market share, financial stability, and industry recognition to ensure long-term reliability.
What We Found
Paychex is a NASDAQ-listed industry giant serving over 740,000 customers and paying 1 in 12 U.S. private sector workers.
Score Rationale
The score is anchored by their massive market presence and status as a publicly traded company with decades of operation, representing the highest tier of market credibility.
Supporting Evidence
Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of America's Most Innovative Companies. Paychex, Inc... has been recognized on FORTUNE® magazine's list of America's Most Innovative Companies for the second consecutive year.
— paychex.com
Paychex serves approximately 740,000 customers in the U.S. and Europe. The company serves approximately 740,000 customers in the U.S. and Europe and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees.
— businesswire.com
8.8
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze user feedback on interface design, mobile app performance, and the quality of customer support interactions.
What We Found
While the mobile app is highly rated (4.8/5), user reviews frequently cite frustration with customer support responsiveness and turnover.
Score Rationale
The score balances the excellent mobile app ratings against documented complaints regarding support wait times and account manager turnover.
Supporting Evidence
Users report significant issues with customer service responsiveness and continuity. The number one complaint against Paychex is its poor and inconsistent customer service.
— soundpayroll.com
The Paychex Flex mobile app holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating across app stores. The Paychex Flex mobile app achieves impressive performance metrics with an estimated 4.8-out-of-5 rating in both the Google Play and Apple App stores
— business.com
User-friendly interface documented in product materials, facilitating ease of use for managers and employees.
— paychex.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We look for clear, publicly available pricing structures and competitive value for the features provided.
What We Found
Base pricing is published for the entry tier, but advanced tiers require custom quotes, limiting transparency for larger businesses.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower because only the 'Essentials' plan pricing is transparent, while 'Select' and 'Pro' plans require sales contact.
Supporting Evidence
Pricing for higher tiers like Select and Pro is not publicly listed. Since Paychex is not entirely transparent with its pricing, it's hard to compare it with competitors.
— forbes.com
Essentials plan starts at $39/month plus $5 per employee. Paychex pricing starts at $39/month (plus $5 per employee) for the Essentials plan
— tech.co
Pricing requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility but allowing tailored solutions for diverse business needs.
— paychex.com
9.0
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We examine the platform's ability to connect with other business tools and its native integration with payroll systems.
What We Found
The platform offers seamless native integration with Paychex payroll and connects with over 300 third-party vendors.
Score Rationale
A high score is justified by the seamless data flow within the Paychex Flex ecosystem and a substantial library of third-party connectors.
Supporting Evidence
Time and attendance data flows seamlessly into the Paychex payroll system. time and attendance data flows seamlessly to payroll and other Paychex HCM services.
— paychex.com
Integrates with nearly 300 third-party vendors. it can integrate with nearly 300 third-party vendors, enhancing its usability.
— business.com
Seamlessly integrates with other Paychex solutions, providing a holistic HR management experience.
— paychex.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We verify third-party security certifications and data handling practices, especially regarding biometric information.
What We Found
Paychex maintains rigorous security standards including ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type 2 reports, with encrypted biometric templates.
Score Rationale
The score is near-perfect due to the combination of top-tier certifications (ISO/SOC) and privacy-centric biometric implementation that stores templates, not images.
Supporting Evidence
Biometric data is stored as encrypted templates, not actual images. generates a digitally encrypted template – so no actual image of the eye is stored.
— paychex.com
Maintains ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type 2 reports. Paychex maintains SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 reports... ISO 27001 Certification. Certificate number IS 801702.
— paychex.com
Outlined in published compliance policies, the platform aids in regulatory compliance, crucial for managing hourly workers.
— paychex.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users report that the integration between the payroll and time & attendance modules can be disjointed, requiring separate updates.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
To curate the selection of payroll and benefits platforms for hourly and shift workers, key factors evaluated included software specifications, feature sets, customer reviews, and overall ratings. Special considerations for this category included the platforms' ability to manage time tracking, compliance with labor laws, and ease of integration with existing systems, which are critical for organizations employing hourly and shift workers. The research methodology focused on a comparative analysis of the products based on available data, emphasizing the evaluation of user feedback and satisfaction ratings, alongside a thorough assessment of price-to-value ratios to determine the most effective solutions for managing payroll and benefits in this specific workforce segment.
Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.
Verification
Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of payroll and benefits features for hourly and shift workers.
Rankings based on analysis of customer feedback, expert reviews, and platform specifications.
Selection criteria focus on ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and integration capabilities for payroll solutions.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.
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Score Breakdown
0.0/ 10
Deep Research
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