Comparisons

HotSchedules vs. When I Work

See why the largest multi-chain and quick-service restaurants choose HotSchedules over When I Work. Compare features, identify the capabilities you need, and read reviews from restaurant operators who have tested both platforms.

HotSchedules vs. When I Work: Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive Integration: HotSchedules integrates across various operational needs, from payroll and compliance to sales and labor planning, providing a more unified solution than When I Work.
  • AI Forecasting: HotSchedules offers advanced AI-driven forecasting for sales and labor, ensuring accurate staffing levels and reducing labor costs, a feature not as extensively developed in When I Work.
  • Built-in Compliance Tools: HotSchedules includes built-in compliance tools that automatically adhere to labor laws and provide real-time notifications to prevent compliance issues, enhancing operational security.
  • Superior Support: Customers value the technical and account support offered by HotSchedules, which contrasts with When I Work’s more self-service-oriented approach. With HotSchedules you can count on support when you need it and have access to support via the resource portal, chat line, phone, as well as email.

Use Cases

When should you choose When I Work vs HotSchedules?

When I Work: Ideal for Streamlined Scheduling Needs

Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need basic scheduling and time-tracking features. It’s user-friendly and offers essential functionalities for managing schedules and team communication.

When should you choose HotSchedules vs. When I Work?

HotSchedules: Essential for large and growing restaurants

HotSchedules is designed for large, multi-chain restaurants that require a comprehensive solution for managing operations across multiple states and locations. Its robust features, including advanced AI for sales and labor forecasting, built-in compliance tools to avoid fines, and geo-fencing technology to prevent employee time theft, make it invaluable for big businesses aiming to optimize budgets and profitability. Furthermore, HotSchedules’ reputation for providing superior technical and account support ensures that large establishments receive the assistance they need to run smoothly.

Key Feature Breakdown

HotSchedules When I Work
AI Sales Forecasting 
Labor Optimization
Geo-fencing
Access to earned wages
Built-in Compliance
24/7 support
Simple, transparent, and scalable pricing
POS Integrations
Mobile apps for staff (Android/iOS)
Manager Log Book
Free Time clocking app
Automatic Shift Reminders
Auto-Scheduler
Task-Management
Cloud-based
Android/IOS Mobile App
Support for Windows / Mac

Customer Success Stories

Labor forecasting accuracy increased by 20%, and Noodles & Company reduced labor spend by $4 million, further optimizing their operating model.

— Noodles & Company

Saved 30+ hours per week in back-of-house operations with HotSchedules forecasting and analytics solution

— Smokey Bones

Decreased scheduling time by 30% and simplified scheduling with HotSchedules

— Ford’s Garage

The top reasons why restaurants switch from Sling to When I Work

Geo-fencing timeclockKeep your employees accountable

Geo-fencing ensures that time clock entries are accurate, reflecting the actual time employees spend on-site. This eliminates discrepancies between reported and actual working hours, leading to more precise payroll processing.

Role-based schedulingGet the right employees on the job

Automate the scheduling process by assigning shifts based on each employee’s specific role and skill set. This ensures that the most qualified individuals are scheduled for the tasks they are best suited to perform, leading to improved service quality and operational efficiency.

Local complianceEliminate compliance risk across locations

HotSchedules is equipped with built-in tools that automatically integrate and update labor laws specific to various regions. Whether you operate in multiple states or municipalities, the platform ensures that your scheduling practices adhere to the latest legal requirements, including overtime rules, minimum wage laws, and mandated break periods.

Sales and labor forecastingThe future is already here

Generate detailed reports on labor and sales forecasts, giving you a clear picture of your restaurant’s performance. These reports help you track trends, measure the accuracy of forecasts, and identify opportunities for further improvement. With this information, you can make strategic decisions that drive profitability.

Scalability and reliabilityGrow without fear of interruptions

Preferred by large restaurant chains for its reliable performance, HotSchedules provides consistent and dependable service. This consistency is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency across all your locations, ensuring that all aspects of your business run smoothly.

Dedicated SupportCustomer support is just a call away—24/7

HotSchedules’ support team is available 24/7 to address any issues or questions you may have, ensuring your operations run smoothly at all times. Whether it’s a technical problem, a question about features, or assistance with troubleshooting, you can rely on immediate help.

Everybody Wins with HotSchedules

The Manager Experience

  • Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop scheduling.
  • AI-driven demand forecasting for efficient staffing.
  • Real-time messaging and compliance alerts.
  • End-of-shift surveys for feedback and turnover risk assessment.

The Employee Experience

  • 5-star rated mobile app for shift management.
  • Easy shift swaps, drops, and pickups.
  • Integrated time-off requests and Google Calendar sync.
  • In-app messaging with personal data protection.
  • 24/7 support for any issues

The Above Store Experience

  • Dashboards for KPIs.
  • Automated reports for labor and sales projections.
  • Visibility into high and low-performing regions.
  • Monitoring labor compliance risks

Build Better Restaurant Management Solutions with POS Systems Integrations

By providing a comprehensive, AI-driven, and compliance-focused solution, HotSchedules stands out as the preferred choice for large and growing restaurant chains compared to When I Work. The robust features and superior support offered by HotSchedules ensure that your restaurant operations run smoothly and efficiently.

View all integrations