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Like any other service industry, call centers need to be properly staffed to ensure your customers are getting the attention they deserve. Since customers expect faster response times from phone calls than any other channel, meeting call volume is critical. Call center workforce management software is the solution to easing your staffing management concerns.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Call Center Workforce Management Software

Here’s a brief description of each call center workforce management software that showcases the tool’s best use case, their noteworthy features, and some pros and cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.

1

CloudTalk

Best for integrated call center and customer service solutions

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.4
439 reviews

14-day free trial

From $25/user/month (billed annually)

As a user-centered phone system that offers more than 70 advanced calling features, CloudTalk delivers workforce management that’s centered around customer service tools to help providers empower their agents. Some of their top clients include Mercedes-Benz, Fujitsu, Yves Rocher, Electronic Star, and DHL.

Some of the tools that could help agents perform better include international numbers and languages for more than 140 countries around the world. CloudTalk aims to improve every customer interaction with help from voice features, intelligent call routing, and statistics and monitoring.

This management software offers a VoIP suite that’s mostly used by sales teams and customer support teams across a number of verticals. They offer solutions for startups, SMEs, and enterprise organizations for tech, SaaS, fintech, trading, biotech, life sciences, and booking platforms.

CloudTalk Standout Features and Integrations

Features include omnichannel customer support with SMS and calling, call and agent monitoring, and advanced analytics with unlimited history. 

Integrations include Front, MS Dynamics, Dataddo, Active Campaign, Freshservice, Salesloft, Outreach, and Zoho Desk.

Pros

  • Granular agent performance details
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customer-focused tools

Cons

  • Not all phone numbers generated are valid
  • Dashboard needs better visibility
2

Talkdesk

Best for agent-focused workforce management

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.4
2439 reviews

Free demo available

From $75/user/month

This workforce management platform strives to deliver more efficiency and better teamwork through automated forecasting and scheduling, personalized agent coaching, and adherence monitoring.

According to Gartner research, Talkdesk workforce management tools can increase productivity by 19%, decrease attrition by 25%, and improve customer satisfaction by 11%. In addition to proven tools like analytics and insight, they keep innovating with new features to keep up with the modern world, like GPT-4.

Talkdesk offers work management solutions for business process outsourcers, small and medium businesses, and enterprise-level organizations. Companies can search for tools by role, solution type, and business size to create a custom plan that best suits their needs. They also offer custom solutions for financial, retail, and healthcare services.

Talkdesk Standout Features and Integrations

Features include intelligent forecasts, automated scheduling, analytics and insights, omnichannel support, mobile app, and agent request chatbot. The mobile app comes with 24-hour access and support.

Integrations include Freshdesk, Google Contacts, LiveChat, Nimble, Rippling, Salesforce Sales Cloud, Slack, Shopify, Zendesk, and Zoho CRM.

Pros

  • Straightforward, simple UI
  • Easy to track users
  • Customizable metrics on dashboard

Cons

  • Occasional bugs
  • Delays in ticket generation
3

Ameyo

Best for virtual and mobile contact center support

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3
141 reviews

Free demo

Pricing upon request

Ameyo is a leading customer service experience and contact center provider that has the tools businesses need to manage their agents and improve customer interactions. Many companies choose Ameyo for their customer support needs, some of which have experienced a 60% increase in productivity.

When integrated with a workforce management system, Ameyo enables organizations to address customer needs through improved training, comprehensive agent monitoring, and deep call tracking. The map conversation journey is an especially useful tool, as it can preserve the context of the conversation and help agents better understand customers.

Ameyo offers flexible plans to support startups, SMBs, and enterprise organizations across a number of industries, including banking, BPO, education technology, insurance, healthcare, and ecommerce.

Ameyo Standout Features and Integrations

Features include enterprise contact center, cloud contact center, remote call center, video contact center, mobile contact center, Truecaller verified ID, and Google My Business Messages.

Integrations include Google My Business, FieldEZ, Freshdesk, Knowmax, LeadSquared, Salesforce, Sugar CRM, WhatsApp, Zendesk, and Zoho CRM.

Pros

  • Straightforward, user-friendly tools
  • No training needed
  • Control over agent breaks, campaigns, and activities

Cons

  • Report generation is complex
  • Call recordings are deleted after 30 days
4

Five9

Best automated, intelligence-driven workforce management solution

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.1
418 reviews

Free demo available

From $149/month; Custom plans are also available

Five9 is a cloud-based contact center and performance management solution that helps with scheduling, adherence, intraday updates, and forecasting. With real-time data, this WFM software applies automated tools that smooth over bumps in the road. 

This platform offers more flexibility to agents and representatives with automated scheduling that takes shift bidding and skills-based requirements into account. Once agents are part of the workflow, managers can track their work in real-time to ensure they’re staying focused and empower them with added support as needed.

Five9 provides options for healthcare, financial services, retail, higher education, and customer service needs with plans for enterprise, mid-market, and small businesses. You can also search solutions by role to find the right tools for agents, supervisors, or overall business strategy.

Five9 Standout Features and Integrations

Features include multiskill and multichannel forecasting, automated preference scheduling, multiple change notification channels, mobile app, and agent portal. The agent portal comes with shift bidding, schedule change and time off requests, notifications, and alerts.

Integrations include AgencyBlock, CallSource, Dynamics 365, ExecVision, Freshdesk, Gong.io, Grow, Shelf, Velocify, and Zendesk.

Pros

  • Real-time manager guidance capabilities
  • Straightforward to learn and use
  • Very user friendly functionality

Cons

  • Some reports have long load times
  • Complex reporting requires an integration
5

Bitrix24

Best for HR automation and collaboration

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.1
439 reviews

Free plan available

From $49/month (5 users)

In addition to CRM, project management, and collaboration tools, Bitrix24 also offers HR tools and workforce management automation for remote and in-office teams. Bitrix24 has a resume that includes over 12,000,000 organizations that use their tools for productivity, communication, mobility, management, and leadership.

Part of what makes Bitrix24 such an attractive option for many users is that it replaces all current SaaS tools and offers simple migration of data that comes from other systems. This employee scheduling platform also offers a social-style environment, which allows agents to create profiles, like and comment, share content, and message one another.

Bitrix24 offers solutions for various industries of all sizes, including solo operations, small businesses, and enterprise-grade organizations. They have experience in several industries, including legal, retail, travel, restaurant, remote work, storage, and transportation.

Bitrix24 Standout Features and Integrations

Features include work time and tracking reports, clocking in and clocking out, HR automations, and actionable insights and analytics. HR automations include robotic process automation (RPA), automation for routine workflows, and smart process automations (SPA).

Integrations Dropbox, Instagram, Mailchimp, Miro, RingCentral, Stripe, WhatsApp, Xero, Zapier, and Zoom.

Pros

  • Complete online communication from anywhere
  • Simple automations and customization
  • Most features are available for free

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Switching plans can result in locked data
6

PanTerra Networks

Best for versatile workforces with mobile, remote, and hybrid management capabilities

Free demo available, free limited version available

From $24.95/month

PanTerra Networks offers a combined business communication solution that focuses on collaboration. With file sync and sharing, as well as team messaging, managers and agents can get in touch wherever work takes them.

One of the features that makes PanTerra Networks stand out is their function-oriented solutions. Businesses can choose between distributed workforce environments, mobile workforce configurations, and virtual call center software setups to get tools designed specifically for their day-to-day operations. 

PanTerra is designed for medium and large businesses who want to ensure open communication across all departments and levels. Custom seat pricing is available for those with large scale deployments. In addition to solutions for franchise and legal organizations, PanTerra Networks also offers HIPAA secure features that are ideal for healthcare.

PanTerra Networks Standout Features and Integrations

Features include secure cloud storage and communications, team messaging, video conferencing, business analytics, and file sharing and syncing.

Integrations include Google Workspace, HubSpot CRM, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce Essentials, and Zendesk Suite. PanTerra also works with Streams AppDesigner for creating open APIs to connect with CRMs and other third-party apps.

Pros

  • Works with all devices
  • Remote work capabilities
  • Dashboard for instant insights

Cons

  • Multi-language pronunciation is imperfect
  • Cumbersome comments feature
7

Alvaria Workforce

Best for facilities planning post-Covid 19

Pricing upon request

Formerly Aspect Workforce Management, Alvaria Workforce is a workforce optimization solution and contact center software that offers premium staffing services that can help with staffing during shortages. It offers forecasting, planning, agent scheduling, employee self-service, and real-time agent tracking to ensure productivity, efficiency, and good customer interactions.

In addition to its core scheduling capabilities, Alvaria Workforce also provides access to Alvaria Workforce Reserve that can help organizations with a multi-floor contact center make better use of their space post-Covid 19. Key differentiators include automatically assigning empty seats, streamlining seat assignment changes, and increasing visibility of seat management.

Alvaria Workforce is designed for anticipating customer needs in a variety of industries, including banking and finance, insurance, healthcare, airline, retail, utilities, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Alvaria Workforce Standout Features and Integrations

Features include multi channel scheduling, facilities planning, real-time adherence monitoring, multi-session capabilities, performance optimization, and scheduling assistance. Alvaria offers an enhancement package for those that outsource some of their contact workload. 

Integrations include direct integrations with Bright Pattern and Twilio Flex, as well as Jitterbit Harmony for integrations between Apttus, Netsuite, and Salesforce.

Pros

  • Granular management control
  • Intuitive exploration of features
  • Fast operating speed

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Training support is a separate subscription
8

ZIWO

Best for integrating with all your essential third-party tools

Free trial available

From $40/user/month

As an omnichannel cloud contact center, ZIWO stands out as a platform that integrates with a variety of third-party tools, including any preferred WFM system. It also has all the essential contact center features, including communication through phone, SMS, and WhatsApp.

ZIWO conveniently has ready-made plugins with most CRM systems and other apps because of its API architecture. It can also connect over 140 countries around the globe so that users can expand their reach to new geographies, staffing onsite or remote. Additionally, ZIWO delivers live KPIs and statistics for enhanced agent oversight.

This call center management platform offers solutions for small and medium businesses, as well as custom plans for enterprise organizations. It’s a versatile option that works on web, android, and iPhone devices for more flexibility.

ZIWO Standout Features and Integrations

Features include omnichannel contact center solutions, customer view tools, full API, and call history and tracking. All tools are designed to empower customer service agents to work more efficiently.

Integrations include Calabrio, Freshdesk, Foodics, HubSpot, Intercom, Kommo, Microsoft Azure, Pipedrive, Zapier, and Zendesk. The open API also allows integrations with many other apps.

Pros

  • Automatic country detection
  • Easy to use for self-monitoring
  • Self-improvement tools

Cons

  • Difficult to manipulate the analytics
  • No downloadable desktop version
9

RingCentral Contact Center

Best for WFM solutions as an add-on

Free trial available

From $24.99/user/month

RingCentral Contact Center is primarily call center software with some additional features that can solve other pain points in an organization. With the premium Contact Center plan, businesses get inbound and outbound call management, ACD and IVR, omnichannel capabilities, WEM (workforce engagement management), AI, and UCaaS.

The workforce engagement management solution is not the primary purpose of RingCentral Contact Center, but it exists as a way to ensure higher employee efficiency and productivity. This feature is based on gamification, allowing agents to complete challenges, earn points, and win prizes set by management.

RingCentral Contact Center offers solutions for startups, small businesses, and enterprise organizations, as well as targeting specific industries. They have experience creating custom plans for nonprofits, construction and real estate, financial services, healthcare, and education.

RingCentral Contact Center Standout Features and Integrations

Features include ACD with skills-based routing, advanced IVR with visual flow designer, over 90 real-time and historical reports, quality management, and workforce management.

Integrations include Appy Pie, Box, DropBox Business, Freshdesk, LiveAgent, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Excel, Zendesk Suite, Zoho CRM, and 300 more integrations.

Pros

  • Powerful customer service platform
  • Workforce engagement tools
  • Can connect with any device

Cons

  • Workforce management is not the priority
10

Cisco Unified Contact Center Express

Best for workforce optimization

Free demo available

Pricing upon request

As a WFO solution, Cisco focuses on automating workloads and optimizing application resources across all IT channels. With a real-time decision engine built for hybrid cloud environments, the entire team can access everything they need from wherever they happen to be. Cisco has a three-pronged approach that highlights visibility, insight, and action.

Even companies that aren’t working with a lot of staff can use this workflow management solution to maximize efficiency and keep track of workload placement, capacity, and scaling so no one employee or system gets overwhelmed. With full stack visibility and application-driven resourcing, users can ensure better performance and infrastructure utilization.

Cisco can support small and mid-size businesses in various industries, including education, utilities, government, healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas, and transportation. A couple of their unusual industry-specific solutions include smart buildings, mining, and entertainment.

Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Standout Features and Integrations

Features include call center tools, employee coaching tools, knowledge base management, progress tracking, real-time reporting, and interaction tracking.

Integrations include App Dynamics, Cyber Vision, DNA Center, Intersight, Meraki Platform, Nexus Cloud, Security Cloud, ThousandEyes, vManage, and Webex by Cisco.

Pros

  • User training manuals
  • Low barrier for entry
  • Easy operation and maintenance

Cons

  • Installation takes time
  • One of the more expensive tools

The Best Call Center Workforce Management Software: Pricing Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top call center workforce management software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.

Tool Trial Info Price
1
CloudTalk

Best for integrated call center and customer service solutions

14-day free trial

From $25/user/month (billed annually) Website
2
Talkdesk

Best for agent-focused workforce management

Free demo available

From $75/user/month Website
3
Ameyo

Best for virtual and mobile contact center support

Free demo

Pricing upon request Website
4
Five9

Best automated, intelligence-driven workforce management solution

Free demo available

From $149/month; Custom plans are also available Website
5
Bitrix24

Best for HR automation and collaboration

Free plan available

From $49/month (5 users) Website
6
PanTerra Networks

Best for versatile workforces with mobile, remote, and hybrid management capabilities

Free demo available, free limited version available

From $24.95/month Website
7
Alvaria Workforce

Best for facilities planning post-Covid 19

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
8
ZIWO

Best for integrating with all your essential third-party tools

Free trial available

From $40/user/month Website
9
RingCentral Contact Center

Best for WFM solutions as an add-on

Free trial available

From $24.99/user/month Website
10
Cisco Unified Contact Center Express

Best for workforce optimization

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website

Other Options

Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best call center workforce management software list:

  1. Nextiva Call Center

    Best for all-in-one call center support

  2. Genesys Cloud CX

    Best for attracting, nurturing, and retaining quality staff

  3. LiveAgent

    Best for call center and help desk in one

  4. Call Center Studio

    Best — and only — Google-based contact center software

  5. Salesforce Service Cloud

    Best cloud-based software for customer and field service

  6. MaxContact

    Best cloud-based call center solution for large teams

  7. UniVoIP

    Best software for transitioning to remote, flexible workflows

  8. Avaya Experience Platform

    Best for managing interactions from multiple channels

  9. Sales Sling

    Best lead-focused call center workforce management software

  10. Playvox

    Best for engaging your agents through motivation tools and incentives

Selection Criteria for Call Center Workforce Management Software

As you read through my software summaries, you might be wondering how I actually chose what to include on this list. I started building this guide by first evaluating recent call center workforce management software market data to get a sense of the biggest players in this software space. I then compared them to see how they stacked up against one another.

Finally, I honed this list down to just the top 20 by using the selection criteria below. Drawing on my years of CX experience, I was able to pinpoint the features that added the most value to ensure I only included those products that balanced price and usefulness the best.

To satisfy your curiosity even further, below are the essential features and other assessment criteria I used to develop this list:

Essential Features for Call Center Workforce Management Software

While many of the best call center software options offer an all-in-one solution for team management and call management, these are not the same. I chose software that placed an emphasis on workforce management as opposed to distributing inbound calls, collecting customer data, or managing outbound calls.

Here's my list of the core features that are essential for call center WFM software:

  • Automated tracking: Keeping an eye on how much time your team spends on calls, chats, and tickets means less paperwork and manual data input.
  • Approval capabilities: Review all shift trades, time off requests, and callouts through your software to streamline management tasks.
  • Work-from-home reporting: With so many companies transitioning to remote work, managers need a reliable way to track agent productivity and efficiency.
  • Forecasting: Data is the best way to build a picture of your business needs. Use forecasting to predict call volumes and schedule in advance.

In addition to these core features, I also used the following evaluation criteria to make my final selections for this list:

Usability

As you explore various tools for your business, you need solutions to business-wide pain points, as well as everyday problems. But you don’t want solutions that end up complicating your workflow or take too long for your team to learn. I chose software that had simple interfaces, intuitive navigation, and a low barrier to entry.

Software Integrations 

Integrations with other software solutions will help you streamline your day-to-day operations. When looking for the right tools to put on this list, I considered those with the most crossovers and integrations to ensure they would work with what you already have. These are the options that share data to improve business flexibility.

Pricing

So many call center workforce management software options charge based on the number of agents on your team, which means they get more expensive as your business grows. I looked for solutions that offered multiple tiers and customization options so that you could find a vendor that worked for your budget.

People Also Ask

Do you have some lingering questions about call center workforce management software? These answers to frequently asked questions are a good place to start:

Improve your Operational Efficiency with Better Agent Scheduling

With this call center workforce management software breakdown, you can explore a variety of solutions that might meet your needs. If you’re looking for more software guides, The CX Lead is here for you. Explore the blog for more top ten lists and sign up for our newsletter for up-to-the-minute insights from the experts.