Imagine a world where scheduling conflicts vanish, employee satisfaction soars, and operations run smoother than a hot stone massage. 

Believe it or not, with the best staff scheduling software, this dream can become a reality.

In this post, we'll explore the best employee scheduling apps for small businesses in the beauty and wellness industry, discuss the benefits, highlight key features, and guide you through the process of finding the perfect solution for your business.

What is an Employee Scheduling Software?

Shift scheduling software is a tool that helps manage work schedules, shifts, and availability. Designed to streamline the scheduling process, it can save you hours over paper and pencil.

Adding an employee scheduling app for small business owners in the beauty and wellness industry often means you can focus more on providing top-notch services… and less on administrative headaches.

Self-care businesses, from salons to wellness centers, often have intricate scheduling needs. Staff availability, client appointments, and service durations all play a role in creating a seamless schedule. 

It can be an absolute nightmare trying to juggle it all, but the best staff scheduling software can help you meet these demands more efficiently, reducing errors and enhancing overall productivity.

5 Benefits of Staff Scheduling Software for Your Self-Care Business

Still not convinced? Here are five compelling reasons to consider adopting shift scheduling software:

• Reduces Time Spent on Manual Scheduling: Manual scheduling can be tedious and time-consuming. With software, you can easily see your whole staff’s schedule on one screen, move appointments, send automated appointment reminders, add in gap time, and so much more. Speeding up these processes can save you countless hours that you can reinvest into your business and clients.
• Minimizes Errors and Avoids Scheduling Conflicts: Errors in scheduling can lead to overstaffing, understaffing, or double-bookings. Scheduling software minimizes these errors by providing accurate and real-time updates on staff availability and shift assignments.
• Facilitates Better Communication Between Management and Staff: Staff scheduling software often includes messaging features that allow managers and employees to communicate directly within the platform. Everyone will be on the same page regarding shifts, availability, and changes.
• Increases Employee Satisfaction: When employees have more control over their schedules and can easily request time off or swap shifts, their satisfaction increases. Happier employees lead to better service and a more positive work environment.
• Supports Efficient Resource Management: With the ability to forecast staffing needs based on historical data and trends, staff scheduling software helps you manage resources more efficiently. This can lead to cost savings and improved service delivery.

6 Key Features a Staff Scheduling Software for Beauty and Wellness Businesses Should Have

Now that you know why you need to streamline your operations with a tech upgrade, what is the best staff scheduling software to adopt? Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Time Tracking Features

A great scheduling software should include time tracking capabilities. This allows employees to clock in and out seamlessly, reducing the need for separate time-tracking tools.

For example, GlossGenius’ employee scheduling app for small business owners allows employees to track hours worked from their phones, receive reminders to clock in and out, and log breaks right from their app.

2. Robust Shift Management Features

Robust shift management features are essential to avoid burnout among self-care employees. 

The software should allow for easy shift swaps, drop requests, and coverage without management intervention, ensuring a balanced workload for all staff members.

3. Mobile Access

We live in a world where mobile access is no longer a luxury - it’s a must. Scheduling software should offer mobile-friendly platforms that allow both managers and employees to access schedules, make changes, and communicate on the go.

4. Integration with Other Functional Systems

Integration with payroll, HR, benefits management, and other functional systems means timesheets sync automatically, reducing the time spent on manual data entry and minimizing errors. 

GlossGenius, for instance, offers seamless integration with payroll, providing a unified workflow for business owners.

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5. Customizable Permissions

Different team members may require different levels of access to the scheduling system. The best employee scheduling app should offer customizable permissions, allowing you to control who can view, edit, and manage schedules, ensuring data security and operational efficiency.

6. Automated Notifications and Reminders

Automated notifications and reminders help keep everyone informed about upcoming shifts, changes, or important announcements. This feature means no one misses critical updates, reducing the chances of miscommunication.

6 Best Staff Scheduling Software for Beauty & Wellness Businesses

Finding the perfect staff scheduling software for your beauty or wellness business is no small task. You need a tool that’s user-friendly, efficient, and tailored to your specific needs. After all, managing schedules can be a headache, but the right software can transform it into a breeze.

Here are some of our favorite shift scheduling software options:

1. Square

Square is a well-known name in the world of business tools, and they have staff scheduling software too. Square helps you manage your team’s schedule with just a few clicks.

Square’s staff scheduling software is integrated with its point of sale (POS) system, which means businesses already using Square products can easily sync scheduling with other operational tasks.

Using Square, salon owners can easily create, update, and share schedules with their team. The mobile app allows for on-the-go management, so owners and employees can access schedules from anywhere. 

One downside to Square is that it requires different systems for different parts of their offering. For example, you will need Square Appointments to manage your calendar but you will need Square Team to manage payroll and timesheets. This means an extra cost for you, and on mobile, a different app. 

Square’s POS system also has different payment processing fees depending on payment type and subscription tier, which can really add up unless you’re in their best plan. See more on Square payment processing rates.

Pros

• User-friendly interface that's easy to learn.
• Seamless integration with Square's POS system.
• Mobile app for managing schedules on the go.

Cons

• Limited advanced scheduling features.
• Multiple Square products needed to run your business with different costs associated.
• Potential for high payment processing rates.
• May not be the best option for very large teams.

2. TimeClock Plus

TimeClock Plus is a robust time and attendance software designed to streamline the scheduling process and proactively manage your employees. It offers a high level of flexibility for both admins and users, making it a great choice for businesses with complex scheduling needs. 

This software allows salon owners to set specific rules, multiple pay periods, and automated scheduling with custom variables and employee preferences.

One downside is that, because it wasn’t built for the beauty and wellness industry, it may integrate easily into your booking system. Having a separate calendar for your staff management and salon client appointments could be a nightmare.

Pros

• Highly flexible, allowing for specific rules and multiple pay periods.
• Connects with other team members for seamless shift coordination.
• Automated scheduling with custom variables and employee preferences.

Cons

• Not specific to the beauty and wellness space. May not integrate easily into booking.
• Can be overwhelming for smaller businesses due to its extensive features.
• Higher learning curve for new users.
• Not specific to the beauty and wellness space.

3. Calendly

Calendly is calendar-based scheduling software that simplifies the process of booking internal and external meetings and appointments. It’s perfect for businesses that rely on client bookings, such as salons and wellness centers. 

While it doesn’t offer timekeeping or shift scheduling features, it’s ideal for commission-based business models and managing schedules for freelancers and contractors.

Calendly allows clients to view staff availability and book appointments easily, reducing the back-and-forth communication often involved in scheduling. It integrates with third-party apps for added functionality, making it a versatile tool for managing various business models. 

Pros

• Allows easy viewing and booking of available staff time.
• Suitable for a variety of business models, including real estate and salons.
• Integrates with third-party apps for added functionality.

Cons

• Lacks built-in timekeeping features.
• Per-user pricing can add up if you have a larger team.

4. Vagaro

Vagaro is a scheduling software designed specifically for the beauty and wellness industry. It offers a range of features tailored to salons, spas, and fitness centers, making it a popular choice for businesses. 

Vagaro’s appointment scheduling is easy to use and includes client management, integrated payment processing, and marketing tools.

The mobile app allows salon owners to manage appointments on the go. Vagaro’s industry-specific features make it a good option for beauty and wellness businesses, although it can be pricey. Vagaro has add on prices for additional team members and certain features, like marketing, forms, and it’s custom site builder. If they consider you a smaller merchant, payment processing fees can be expensive as well. Learn more about Vagaro pricing.

With a lot of complex features, it can take a while for you and your staff to learn how to use their system.

Pros

• Industry-specific features for beauty and wellness businesses.
• Easy-to-use appointment scheduling with client management.
• Integrated payment processing and marketing tools.

Cons

• Can be pricey, especially for smaller businesses.
• Some users may find the interface cluttered.
• Potentially large learning curve.

5. Salonist

Salonist is another option for beauty and wellness businesses. This software is designed to handle everything from appointment scheduling to inventory management, making it a versatile tool for salon and spa owners. 

Salonist’s user-friendly interface ensures that even those with limited tech experience can easily navigate the system.

The integrated marketing tools help grow your business by enabling targeted promotions and campaigns. Detailed reporting provides better business insights, allowing owners to make informed decisions. 

However, the higher cost compared to some other options and the extensive features may be more than smaller businesses need.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set, including appointment scheduling, client management, and inventory tracking.
• User-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.
• Detailed reporting for better business insights.

Cons

• Higher cost compared to some other options.
• May have more features than smaller businesses need.

6. GlossGenius

GlossGenius offers a comprehensive staff scheduling solution tailored for beauty and wellness businesses. Known for its intuitive interface, GlossGenius allows you to schedule appointments, manage team bookings, and access client information from any device.

With the interface, you can quickly schedule appointments and view the schedules of individual team members or the entire team. You can easily  toggle between daily and weekly views for better management and client information is easily accessible within the calendar, so that you never miss a detail. The platform supports mobile, desktop, and tablet accessibility, making on-the-go management seamless.

Pros

• Full calendar management from any device.
• Customizable calendar settings, including gap times and recurring appointments.
• Built-in automated appointment notifications.

Cons

• Higher cost for premium features and additional team members.
• May have more features than smaller businesses need.

How Much Does an Employee Scheduling Software Cost?

The cost of employee scheduling software varies based on several factors, but the average is between $2 to $40 per month. Here’s a breakdown:

• Subscription-Based Pricing: Most scheduling software operates on a subscription-based pricing model, charging a monthly fee for their features. Basic plans can start as low as $2 per user per month, while more advanced plans can go up to $40 per month, plus additional per-user or add-on feature costs.
• One-Time Purchase: Some software options offer a one-time purchase model, where you pay a lump sum upfront. While this can be cost-effective in the long run, it often lacks the flexibility and updates that subscription-based models provide.
• Tiered Pricing: Many software providers offer tiered pricing, where you pay more for additional features. This allows businesses to choose a plan that fits their specific needs and budget.
• Free Versions and Trials: Many scheduling software options offer free versions or trials of their premium plans. These free versions typically have limited features but can be a great way to test the software before committing to a paid plan.

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Enhance Your Self-Care Business Efficiency With GlossGenius’s Staff Scheduling Solutions

Implementing shift management software can revolutionize your self-care business. It not only streamlines operations but also enhances employee satisfaction and overall productivity.

GlossGenius offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for self-care businesses. In addition to staff calendar and management tools, other GlossGenius features include everything from online booking and POS to detailed reports and analytics to track services, sales, expenses, and more. We have all the tools you need to manage your business efficiently.

Ready to take your business up a notch? Explore all the features GlossGenius has to offer and see how it can transform your self-care business. Start your 14 day free trial of GlossGenius today!

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FAQs

What is the best way to schedule self-care employees?

Using shift management software is the best way to create efficient and conflict-free schedules for your self-care business. It automates the scheduling process, reduces errors, and enhances communication.

Should my small self-care business get employee scheduling software?

Even small self-care businesses can benefit from scheduling software. It saves time, reduces errors, and improves employee satisfaction, leading to better service and growth opportunities.

Why is shift scheduling software necessary for my self-care business?

Shift scheduling software is necessary to manage complex schedules, avoid conflicts, and ensure that your business runs smoothly. It provides the tools needed to handle everything from shift swaps to time tracking.

What is the most used scheduling software?

Several scheduling software options are popular among self-care businesses, including GlossGenius, Square, and Calendly. 

What is a 5-5-4 work schedule?

A 5-5-4 work schedule is a common scheduling pattern where employees work five days, followed by five days off, then work four days. This type of schedule can help balance work and personal time to help reduce burnout.