Effective workforce management is more critical than ever for Australian companies in today’s fast-moving business world. It’s not just about keeping things running; it’s about boosting productivity, staying on top of compliance, and creating a better experience for your team. With persistent skill shortages and increasing burnout, effective workforce management software is essential for smooth operations.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 workforce management software solutions specifically tailored for the Australian market, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs.
1. Sentrient – Workforce Management Software
Sentrient offers fast, easy and effective workforce management software that streamlines recruitment, delivers paperless onboarding and enables an all-in-one workforce management solution for employee engagement. Designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand businesses, Sentrient focuses on compliance and HR management.
Key Features
- Paperless Onboarding: Streamlined digital employee induction process
- Compliance Management: Built-in Australian workplace compliance tools
- HR Management: Comprehensive human resource management system
- Performance Management: Employee performance tracking and evaluation
- Recruitment Tools: Integrated recruitment and applicant tracking
- Mobile Accessibility: Cloud-based platform accessible from anywhere
Integrations
- Popular payroll systems
- Australian compliance databases
- Performance management tools
- HR information systems
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Specifically designed for Australian compliance requirements
- Affordable pricing structure
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution
- Strong focus on workplace compliance
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Maybe too focused on compliance for some businesses
- Limited advanced analytics features
- Newer player in the market
Best Suited For:
Small to medium-sized Australian businesses require strong compliance management and straightforward workforce management capabilities.
Pricing
Compliance Management System: A$5 per user per month, HR Management System: A$10 per user per month. A free demo is available.
2. WorkForce Software – #1 Rated Workforce Management Software
WorkForce Software provides a cloud-based workforce management software that can manage time, attendance, scheduling, absence and employee communications globally.
Key Features
- Advanced scheduling and rostering
- Time and attendance tracking
- Absence management
- Labour compliance tools
- Mobile workforce management
- Real-time analytics and reporting
Integrations
- Major HRIS systems
- Payroll platforms
- ERP solutions
- Business intelligence tools
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust scheduling capabilities
- Global compliance features
- Scalable for large enterprises
- Advanced analytics
Cons:
- It can be complex for smaller businesses
- Higher learning curve
- Premium pricing
Best Suited For:
Large enterprises and organisations with complex scheduling requirements and global operations.
Pricing: Contact for custom pricing based on organisation size and requirements.
3. MicroKeeper – Australia’s best workforce management software
MicroKeeper is an Australian-developed workforce management solution specialising in hospitality and retail. It offers comprehensive time and attendance management.
Key Features
- Real-time clock-in/clock-out
- Award interpretation and compliance
- Shift scheduling and rostering
- Labour cost management
- Mobile app for employees
- Reporting and analytics
Integrations
- Popular Australian payroll systems
- POS systems
- Accounting software
- HR management systems
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Australian award compliance
- Industry-specific features
- Real-time cost tracking
- Local support
Cons:
- Primarily focused on hospitality/retail
- Limited scalability for other industries
- The interface could be more modern
Best Suited For:
Australia’s hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses require award-compliant scheduling.
Pricing: Pricing available on request, typically per employee per month.
4. The Access Group – Workforce Management Software
The Access Group offers comprehensive workforce management solutions as part of its broader business software suite and has a strong presence in the Australian market.
Key Features
- Integrated payroll and HR
- Time and attendance management
- Employee self-service portal
- Compliance management
- Advanced reporting
- Mobile applications
Integrations
- Access Group’s broader software ecosystem
- Third-party payroll systems
- HR management platforms
- Financial management systems
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive integrated solution
- Strong compliance features
- Established market presence
- Good customer support
Cons:
- It can be expensive for smaller businesses
- May require other Access Group products for full functionality
- Implementation can be complex
Best Suited For:
Mid to large-sized businesses seeking integrated workforce and business management solutions.
Pricing: Contact for pricing based on modules and user count.
5. FoundU – Workforce Management Software
FoundU is an Australian workforce management platform designed for businesses with frontline workers, focusing on employee engagement and operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Employee scheduling and rostering
- Time tracking and attendance
- Team communication tools
- Performance management
- Mobile-first design
- Analytics and insights
Integrations
- Popular Australian payroll systems
- HR management platforms
- Communication tools
- Business management software
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Mobile-first approach
- Strong employee engagement features
- Australian-built solution
- Good user experience
Cons:
- Relatively new in the market
- Limited enterprise features
- May lack advanced compliance tools
Best Suited For:
Small to medium businesses with mobile workforces are focused on employee engagement.
Pricing: Pricing is available upon request and is typically subscription-based.
6. MYOB – Workforce Management Software
MYOB offers workforce management and payroll in one integrated solution so that you can manage onboarding, rostering, timesheets, and payroll from one dashboard.
Key Features
- Integrated payroll and workforce management
- Employee onboarding
- Rostering and scheduling
- Timesheet management
- Compliance tools
- Mobile accessibility
Integrations
- MYOB’s accounting and business software suite
- Popular Australian payroll systems
- HR management tools
- Banking and financial services
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with the MYOB ecosystem
- Strong Australian market presence
- Comprehensive business solution
- Good compliance features
Cons:
- Best suited for MYOB users
- It can be expensive for standalone use
- Limited customisation options
Best Suited For:
Mid-sized businesses (20 – 1000+ FTEs) already using MYOB products or seeking integrated business management.
Pricing: Pricing varies based on the MYOB product suite and user count.
7. Roubler – Workforce Management & Payroll Software
Roubler provides cloud-based workforce management, HR, payroll software, and a mobile app to save time and significantly reduce costs for Australian businesses.
Key Features
- Fully customised, paperless induction and onboarding process
- Rostering and scheduling
- Time and attendance tracking
- Payroll management
- HR management
- Mobile application
Integrations
- Australian payroll systems
- Accounting software
- HR platforms
- Business management tools
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-in-one solution
- Strong Australian focus
- Paperless onboarding
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- It may be overwhelming for simple needs
- Learning curve for full functionality
- Limited customisation
Best Suited For:
Shift-based teams and businesses seeking comprehensive workforce management solutions.
Pricing: Contact for pricing based on business size and requirements.
8. Workday – Workforce Management Software
Workday offers enterprise-grade workforce management as part of its comprehensive human capital management platform. It has a growing presence in Australia.
Key Features
- Advanced workforce planning
- Time tracking and labour management
- Absence and leave management
- Global compliance
- Advanced analytics
- Mobile workforce management
Integrations
- Workday HCM suite
- Third-party payroll systems
- ERP platforms
- Business intelligence tools
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade functionality
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Global compliance capabilities
- Scalable platform
Cons:
- High cost and complexity
- Primarily suited for large organisations
- Long implementation timeline
- Requires significant training
Best Suited For:
Large enterprises and multinational corporations with complex workforce management needs.
Pricing: Enterprise pricing available upon request.
9. Humanforce Workforce Management
HumanForce is an Australia-based workforce management platform that offers solutions, including employee engagement and scheduling for sectors such as retail and mining.
Key Features
- Smart scheduling and rostering
- Time and attendance management
- Employee engagement tools
- Compliance management
- Business intelligence
- Mobile applications
Integrations
- Popular Australian payroll systems
- HR management platforms
- Business intelligence tools
- Communication systems
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Australian-developed solution
- Industry-specific features
- Strong analytics capabilities
- Good customer support
Cons:
- It can be complex for smaller businesses
- Pricing can be high
- Implementation complexity
Best Suited For:
Medium to large businesses in retail, mining, and other industries require comprehensive workforce management.
Pricing: Contact for custom pricing based on organisation size and requirements.
10. WageLoch
WageLoch is an Australian workforce management solution focusing on payroll compliance and time tracking for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
- Award-compliant payroll processing
- Time and attendance tracking
- Leave management
- Reporting and analytics
- Employee self-service
- Mobile accessibility
Integrations
- Australian payroll systems
- Accounting software
- HR management tools
- Time tracking devices
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Australian award compliance
- Cost-effective solution
- Easy-to-use interface
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Primarily payroll-focused
- Less comprehensive than competitors
Best Suited For:
Small to medium Australian businesses requiring simple, compliant payroll and time tracking solutions.
Pricing: Contact for pricing based on employee count and features required.
Conclusion
Choosing the right workforce management software depends on your business size, industry, budget, and specific requirements. This guide features Connecteam, Deputy, Roubler, Tanda, and Humanforce, among others, as Australia’s best workforce management software.
For businesses prioritising compliance and cost-effectiveness, Sentrient offers excellent value with its Australian-focused approach. Larger enterprises may benefit from solutions like Workday or WorkForce Software, while Humanforce or MicroKeeper might better serve industry-specific needs.
Our Recommendations
Based on our comprehensive analysis, we recommend considering Sentrient Workforce Management Software for the following reasons:
- Australian Compliance Focus: Specifically designed for Australian workplace requirements
- Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing starting at A$5 per user per month
- Comprehensive Solution: Combines HR, compliance, and workforce management
- User-Friendly: Simple implementation and easy-to-use interface
- Local Support: Australian-based support team understands local needs
- Scalable: Suitable for growing businesses from small to medium enterprises
Sentrient represents excellent value for Australian businesses seeking a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective workforce management solution without the complexity and high costs associated with enterprise-level platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is workforce management software?
Workforce management software is a comprehensive solution that helps businesses manage their employees through features like scheduling, time tracking, payroll management, compliance monitoring, and performance management.
2. How much does workforce management software cost in Australia?
Costs vary significantly depending on features and business size. Basic solutions start from A$5 per user per month (like Sentrient), while enterprise solutions can cost hundreds of dollars per month.
3. What features should I look for in workforce management software?
Key features include time and attendance tracking, scheduling/rostering, payroll integration, compliance management, mobile accessibility, reporting and analytics, and employee self-service portals.
4. Is cloud-based or on-premises workforce management software better?
Cloud-based solutions are generally preferred for their accessibility, automatic updates, lower upfront costs, and easier scaling. They’re particularly suitable for businesses with remote or mobile workers.
5. How long does it take to implement workforce management software?
Implementation time varies from a few weeks for simple solutions like Sentrient to several months for complex enterprise platforms like Workday.
6. Can workforce management software integrate with my existing payroll system?
Most modern workforce management solutions offer integrations with popular Australian payroll systems. Always verify integration capabilities before making a decision.
7. What compliance features are essential for Australian businesses?
Look for Fair Work Act compliance, award interpretation, penalty rate calculations, leave entitlement management, and workplace health and safety reporting capabilities.
8. Do I need training to use workforce management software?
Most solutions require some level of training. User-friendly platforms like Sentrient typically need minimal training, while complex enterprise solutions may require extensive training programs.
9. Can small businesses benefit from workforce management software?
Yes, small businesses can significantly benefit from automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance management. Solutions like Sentrient are specifically designed for small to medium businesses.
10. What’s the ROI of implementing workforce management software?
ROI typically comes from reduced administrative costs, improved compliance (avoiding penalties), better labour cost control, increased productivity, and reduced employee turnover. Most businesses see ROI within 6-12 months of implementation.
