6 Best Staff Scheduling Software for Beauty Businesses

Summary

Managing a beauty or wellness business requires juggling schedules, last-minute changes, and sometimes too much of your time. Staff scheduling software can help with things like automated shift planning, time-off management, and mobile access, simplifying workforce management and saving you precious hours each week. This guide highlights the six best scheduling apps tailored for beauty and wellness pros, including GlossGenius, Vagaro, Square, and more. 

What Is an Employee Scheduling Software?

Employee scheduling software is your new best friend when it comes to managing the chaos of shift-planning, time-off requests, and open shifts. This powerful scheduling tool helps you create schedules with ease, manage staff availability, and streamline your operations, all while saving you hours of (likely unpleasant) admin work.

For business owners in the beauty and wellness industry, every minute counts. An employee scheduling app is the secret to more organized and functional operations. Whether you’re running a salon, spa, or wellness center, these tools simplify your workforce management by handling everything from shift scheduling to team communication.

For example, instead of manually texting or calling staff to fill open shifts, scheduling software can send automated notifications to your team, letting them claim shifts directly through the app. 

Need to track time-off requests? Employees can submit them digitally, and you can approve or deny them with just one click (that's right, no more sticky notes or email chains). And when it comes to shift planning, the software can even flag potential conflicts, like overlapping appointments or overscheduling, before they become a problem.

Just think about everything it could do for you: no more scrambling to fill open shifts, no more double-booking disasters, and no more endless back-and-forth about time-off requests. Instead, you’ll have a clear, organized system that reduces labor costs, minimizes errors, and keeps everyone on your team on the same page.

With the right staff scheduling software (many of which offer a free plan to get you started), you can focus less on administrative headaches and more on delivering the top-notch services your clients love. Ultimately, it’s the much-needed glow-up your business’ operations need. 

6 Key Features of Staff Scheduling Software for Beauty & Wellness Businesses 

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. Ease of use for managers and employees

If your staff scheduling software feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, no one’s going to use it. The best tools are intuitive and user-friendly, allowing both managers and employees (even those who aren’t super tech-savvy) to easily access, view, and update schedules without needing to go out and earn a tech degree.

Whether it’s approving time-off requests, checking shift assignments, or making last-minute changes, ease of use ensures everyone stays on the same page with minimal effort. After all, scheduling should simplify your life, not complicate it.

2. Flexibility to swap shifts on the fly

Let’s face it: life happens. Employees get sick, emergencies pop up, or someone just needs a day off. That’s where flexible shift swapping comes in handy.

A great scheduling tool allows employees to request shift swaps, drop shifts, or pick up open shifts with just a few clicks. Managers can approve these changes quickly, ensuring smooth operations without the headache of constant micromanagement. 

This flexibility not only keeps your team happy but also helps your business run like a well-oiled machine.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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. 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

GlossGenius benefits include: 

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

Cons

GlossGenius drawbacks include: 

• Higher cost for premium features.
• May have more features than smaller businesses need.

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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 not integrate easily into your booking system. Having a separate calendar for your staff management and salon client appointments could be a nightmare.

Pros

TimeClock Plus benefits include: 

• 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

TimeClock Plus drawbacks include: 

• 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

Calendly benefits include: 

• 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

Calendly drawbacks include: 

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

4. Vagaro

Vagaro is truly the personal assistant your beauty and wellness business always wanted. Designed specifically for salons, spas, and fitness centers, Vagaro makes staff scheduling a breeze. With Vagaro, you can create schedules, manage open shifts, and even handle time-off requests, all from one single intuitive platform. The employee scheduling app guarantees that your team is able to stay in sync, while features like shift planning and team communication keep everyone on the same page.

That said, Vagaro’s workforce management tools do come with somewhat of a learning curve, and the add-on costs for extra team members or features like forms and marketing can add up. If you’re a smaller business, you might feel the pinch with higher payment processing fees, too.

Pros

Vagaro benefits include: 

• Tailored for beauty and wellness businesses.
• Robust staff scheduling and shift management features.
• Mobile app for on-the-go workforce management and integrated payment processing/marketing tools.

Cons

Vagaro drawbacks include: 

• Add-on costs for additional features and team members.
• Steeper learning curve for new users.
• Payment processing fees can be pricey for smaller businesses.

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5. Salonist

Salonist is the Swiss Army knife of employee scheduling software for beauty and wellness businesses. From shift scheduling to inventory management, it’s got everything you need to keep your salon running smoothly. The platform’s intuitive scheduling tool makes it easy to create schedules, manage time-off requests, and track labor costs. Its user-friendly interface means even the least tech-savvy team member can jump right in with minimal training, and as a bonus, Salonist’s detailed reporting provides helpful insights to assist you with optimizing workforce management and reducing labor costs.

With that in mind, Salonist’s extensive catalogue of features can be overkill for small businesses, and it also means a higher price tag. If you’re a budget-conscious owner, you’ll want to weigh options carefully here.

Pros

Salonist benefits include: 

• Comprehensive scheduling and workforce management features.
• Easy-to-use interface for team communication and shift planning.
• Detailed reporting for smarter business decisions..

Cons

Salonist drawbacks include: 

• Higher cost compared to simpler options.
• May offer more features than smaller businesses need.

6. Square

A real multi-tasking machine, Square’s employee scheduling software is integrated with the revolutionary Square POS system and allows you to create schedules, manage open shifts, and handle time-off requests, all with just a few clicks.

The mobile app helps salon owners and employees access schedules at any time, from anywhere, making shift management a breeze. The scheduling tool is perfect for businesses already using its ecosystem, which provides seamless integration with payroll and timesheets.

However, Square’s modular approach means you’ll need multiple products (including Square Appointments and the Square Team App) to cover all your bases, which can lead to scattered information and extra costs. And watch out for those payment processing fees, which can add up quickly unless you’re on a top-tier plan. 

Pros

Square benefits include: 

• Easy-to-use scheduling tool with mobile access.
• Seamless integration with Square’s POS system.
• Great for managing schedules and team communication

Cons

Square drawbacks include:

• Requires multiple Square products for full functionality.
• Payment processing fees can be steep.
• Limited advanced scheduling features for larger teams.

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 $50 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 $50 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.

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!