SoftwareDuel

When I Work vs Deputy

A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool

When I Work

When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Deputy

Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Pros

  • Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
  • Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
  • Good team messaging and shift swap tools
  • Simple time clock with GPS tracking

Cons

  • Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
  • No payroll processing or full HR suite
  • Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools

Pros

  • Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
  • Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
  • Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
  • Integrates with 30+ payroll providers

Cons

  • Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
  • Not a full HRIS replacement
  • Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics

Our Take

Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.

Best For

Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers

Best For

Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking