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HR professionals, we get it—finding the right tools to streamline your hiring and HR processes can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options out there, it's tough to know which platform will truly make a difference. But don't worry, we've got your back. Here are four alternatives to Workstream that might just be the game-changer you're looking for.
What is Workstream?

Workstream is a platform designed to help businesses hire, pay, and retain hourly workers. It serves industries like restaurants, retail, hospitality, and healthcare, offering functionalities such as hiring, payroll, HR, engagement, and time & scheduling. Trusted by 46 of the top 50 quick-service restaurant brands, Workstream addresses issues like shift gaps and multilingual communication, making HR tasks more efficient and less burdensome.
Features of Workstream
Workstream offers a range of features designed to meet the unique needs of businesses that rely on hourly workers.
- Mobile-First Approach: Workstream is built for mobile, allowing HR professionals and managers to handle tasks from anywhere, not just through apps but by making tasks accessible outside the office.
- Focus on Hourly Workforce: The platform is tailored to the evolving needs of the hourly workforce, including compliance with wage rates and regulations.
- Automated Hiring Processes: Workstream automates various stages of the hiring process, from job postings to candidate communication, reducing the time and effort required to fill open roles.
- Integrated Payroll and Scheduling: The platform integrates payroll and scheduling, helping businesses cut labor costs and streamline administrative tasks.
- Multilingual Communication: One unique feature that sets Workstream apart is its support for multilingual communication, making it easier to engage with a diverse workforce.
Challenges and Drawbacks of Workstream
While Workstream offers a robust suite of features, it's not without its challenges. Some users have reported concerns about pricing, noting that it may not be the most cost-effective option for smaller businesses. Additionally, there have been mentions of slower processing speeds, which can be a drawback for fast-paced environments that require quick updates and real-time data.
Workstream might not be the best fit for companies that need advanced analytics or highly customizable reporting features, as these functionalities are somewhat limited. Businesses that rely heavily on real-time mobile updates might also find gaps in the platform's capabilities. For those looking for a more comprehensive analytics suite or faster processing, exploring alternatives could be beneficial.
Workstream's Reviews
Users have given Workstream an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. Many appreciate its mobile-first approach and automated hiring processes, which significantly reduce administrative burdens. However, some users have expressed frustration with the platform's pricing and occasional slow processing speeds, which can be a hindrance in fast-paced environments.
- "The mobile accessibility is a game-changer for our team, making it easy to manage tasks on the go." - John D.
- "While the features are robust, the cost can be a bit steep for smaller businesses." - Sarah K.
For more detailed reviews, visit oneReviews.
Best Alternatives to Workstream
1) Teamsense

TeamSense offers an automated absence reporting system designed to simplify attendance tracking for manufacturing and logistics companies.
- Features: Effortless attendance tracking via text messages, integration with HRIS systems, support for multiple languages, showing employees points & attendance history before the call-off, immediate notifications to managers, and tools for communication like broadcast messages and mobile forms.
- Pricing: TeamSense offers three pricing tiers: Enterprise with custom and flexible pricing, Pro for detailed reports and engagement tools, and Basic for a simple attendance solution. Pricing starts at $500 per month with a yearly minimum spend of $6,000, based on a per-employee model.
- Reviews: Users have given TeamSense an overall positive rating, praising its ease of use, efficient absence tracking, and seamless integration with existing HR systems. Many appreciate the immediate notifications and the ability to track attendance via text, making it a valuable tool for improving operational efficiency.
2) OurPeople

OurPeople is a team communication platform designed to keep frontline workers connected via text, email, and app notifications. It offers features like chat, forms and checklists, surveys, a knowledge center, events, and open shifts. The platform aims to boost team communication, keep everyone up-to-date, and on-task.
- Features: Content Cards for important communications, messaging permissions to target specific individuals or teams, delivery options via text, email, or app notifications, no passwords required for access, familiar interface with a simple feed, real-time feedback showing sent, delivered, and employee responses in a report.
- Pricing: The Reach Plan costs £1200 annually for up to 50 team members and includes a 10,000 text starter bundle. The Communicate Plan is priced at £2000 annually for up to 50 team members and includes additional features like chat, file storage, forms, and targeted communications. Unlimited texting can be added for an annual fee of £600. Potential discounts are available by contacting an OurPeople representative.
- Reviews: OurPeople has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 37 reviews. Users appreciate its effectiveness as a communication tool, ease of use, and excellent customer support. However, some have noted limited customization options and compatibility issues with other HR and payroll software.
3) RedeApp

RedeApp is a modern mobile work platform designed to enhance workforce management by providing a comprehensive solution for engagement and communication, smart automation and workflow, and workforce intelligence and generative AI. It aims to bridge the gap between mobile workforces and work-community success through integrated features and customizable options.
- Features: Team conversations, work chats, direct messages, leadership communications, company updates, collaboration communities, training docs & forms, scheduled smart messages, app hub, advanced workforce AI, Shelbe AI, automated people data management.
- Pricing: RedeApp offers three pricing plans: Express at $3 per employee per month, Express+ at $4 per employee per month, and Enterprise with custom pricing available upon contacting sales.
- Reviews: RedeApp has received positive feedback from users, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. Users appreciate its robust communication features and ease of use, though some have noted that the advanced features in the Enterprise plan can be costly.
4) Deputy

Deputy is a comprehensive software solution designed to simplify employee scheduling, timesheets, and HR management. It helps businesses create schedules in minutes, manage compliance with labor laws, and track employee engagement, all in one platform. With its smart scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, and compliance management features, Deputy aims to improve business efficiency and profitability. The software is used in over 100 countries, supports 380,000+ workplaces, and is loved by 1.4 million shift workers. It helps businesses avoid costly payroll mistakes and compliance errors while maximizing profit margins.
- Features: Smart scheduling, compliance management, time tracking, AI-powered labor forecasting, employee engagement tracking, onboarding, integration with other systems via an open API, mobile app, performance management, task management.
- Pricing: Deputy offers several pricing plans to suit different business needs. The Scheduling Plan and Time & Attendance Plan are both priced at $4.50 per user per month, billed monthly. The Premium Plan costs $6 per user per month if billed monthly, or $5 per user per month if billed annually, offering a 16% savings. For businesses with more than 250 employees and custom configuration needs, the Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing. There is also a minimum monthly spend of $25 USD per invoice on the Premium, Scheduling, and Time & Attendance plans.
- Reviews: Deputy has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users generally praise its ease of use, scheduling features, and time tracking capabilities. Many appreciate the helpful customer service, though some have noted issues with the mobile app and the need for more advanced features. Overall, Deputy is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and efficient management tools.
What to Consider When Selecting a Workstream Alternative?
When searching for alternatives to Workstream, it's crucial to focus on specific features that cater to the unique needs of managing hourly workers. Here are the top five considerations:
- Mobile-First Approach: Ensure the platform is designed for mobile use, allowing HR professionals and managers to handle tasks on the go.
- Automated Absence Reporting: Look for systems that offer automated absence tracking via text messages, simplifying attendance management.
- Multilingual Support: Choose a platform that supports multiple languages to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce.
- Integration with HRIS: Verify that the platform can seamlessly integrate with existing HR systems for accurate and efficient data management.
- Advanced Workforce Analytics: Opt for solutions that provide AI-powered insights and analytics to help optimize labor costs and improve workforce management.
Which Tool Should You Go With?
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which platform might be the best fit for your needs:
- Workstream: Ideal for businesses that need a mobile-first approach and automated hiring processes, but be prepared for potential pricing concerns and slower processing speeds.
- TeamSense: Perfect for manufacturing and logistics companies needing automated absence reporting and immediate notifications, though the starting price might be a bit steep for smaller teams.
- OurPeople: Great for keeping frontline workers connected with its robust communication tools, but watch out for limited customization options and compatibility issues with other HR software.
- RedeApp: Excellent for enhancing workforce management with advanced communication features and AI, but the cost of the Enterprise plan could be a deal-breaker for some.
- Deputy: Best for businesses looking for comprehensive scheduling and compliance management, though some users have noted issues with the mobile app and a need for more advanced features.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, the best platform for your business will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you're in the manufacturing or logistics sector, TeamSense offers a robust solution for automated absence reporting and seamless HRIS integration. On the other hand, if you need comprehensive scheduling and compliance management, Deputy might be the better fit. Both platforms provide unique benefits that can help streamline your HR processes and improve overall efficiency. Choose the one that aligns best with your operational goals and workforce requirements.
About the Author

TeamSense Staff, Digital platform human resource specialists
TeamSense is a text-based digital platform that enhances productivity and connection with hourly workers. The platform is commonly deployed as an attendance management and mass messaging tool. Automatic notifications are triggered to admins (via text or email or both!) based on employee responses, keeping everyone on the same page instantaneously.