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Workforce Management and HR Software Comparison

The Best Alternative to Rota Cloud

Looking for a workforce management and HR solution that does more? HR Duo offers an all-in-one platform that combines shift scheduling, time tracking, payroll reporting, and HR tools, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions or complex integrations.

In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between HR Duo and Rota Cloud, highlighting why HR Duo is the smarter choice for businesses that require seamless operations, comprehensive HR compliance support, and complete workforce oversight.
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All-in-One HR & Workforce Platform

RotaCloud is primarily a rota and attendance tool. HR Duo combines time-tracking, digital rotas, payroll reporting, contracts, onboarding, and performance management in one system, so you don’t need multiple platforms.

Compliance and Risk Management

RotaCloud doesn’t provide compliance tools. HR Duo includes digital contracts, secure e-signatures, HR policy templates, model HR letters, and employee relations assistance to reduce HR and legal risks.

Advanced Performance & Engagement Tools

RotaCloud supports shift swaps and notes but lacks structured performance tools. HR Duo offers 360 reviews, goal tracking, one-to-ones, improvement plans, and employee engagement surveys to retain and develop talent.

Workforce Oversight Beyond Scheduling

RotaCloud focuses on rotas. HR Duo supports project tracking, subcontractor management, skills matrices, and equipment tracking, all essential for complex industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.

Built-in Communication & Collaboration

RotaCloud notifies staff of shifts but doesn’t support wider communication. HR Duo includes in-platform instant messaging, organisation charts, and a knowledge centre, helping teams stay aligned and informed.

Scalable for Growing Businesses

HR Duo automates over 80% of HR tasks, integrates payroll and workforce data, and adapts as your organisation grows. RotaCloud works well for small teams scheduling shifts, but it doesn’t scale with broader HR needs.

HR Duo

That's us!

0 /month

RotaCloud

Other Provider

8 /month

HR Duo

RotaCloud

Workforce Management

Time-Tracking
Digital Rotas
Shift Scheduling
Absence Management
Leave and Holiday
Payroll Reporting
Employee Profiles
Analytics and Reports
Project Tracking
Mobile App
Employee Self-Service
Geofence Clock-In
Subcontractor Management
Skills Matrix
Task Manager
Document Storage
Equipment Tracking
Permission Groups
Benefit Recording
Instant Messaging
Organisation Charts
Knowledge Centre
Platform Support

HR Management Software

Connected Forms
Model HR Letters
HR Policy Templates
Integrated Emails
Digital Contracts
Secure E-Signature
Employee Relations Assistance
Employee Assistance Programme
Applicant Tracking System
Enhanced Onboarding
Performance Management
360 Reviews
One-to-ones
Improvement Plans
Goal & Objective Tracking
HR Data Reporting
Document Management
Team Engagement

Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to provide up-to-date and accurate information, as of March 2025, to help you compare your options. HR Duo provides this information to offer general insights and it shouldn’t be taken as professional advice. Some of the competitor data comes from competitor sites with the information they provide as well as platforms like Capterra and G2, and while we trust these sources, we haven’t independently verified every detail. We recommend doing your own research and seeking expert advice before making any big decisions.

Work
Workforce Management
Optimise your daily operations with advanced time-tracking, flexible shift scheduling, and accurate payroll reporting.
HR Assist
HR Assist
Automate routine HR tasks and ensure complete compliance with a human-backed digital assistant to support your team.
Employ Path
EmployPath
Manage every stage of the employment lifecycle with all the tools you need to recruit, engage and nurture your workforce.

Everything you need to manage your workforce

We offer game-changing plans tailored to your specific requirements.

Workforce Management

A core solution to manage your frontline teams, enhance operations, and reduce labour costs. 


What's included:

  • Time-Tracking
  • Digital Rotas
  • Shift Scheduling
  • Absence Management
  • Leave and Holiday
  • Payroll Reporting
  • Employee Profiles
  • Analytics and Reports
  • Project Tracking
  • Mobile App
  • Employee Self-Service
  • Geofence Clock-In
  • Subcontractor Management
  • Skills Matrix
  • Task Manager
  • Document Storage
  • Equipment Tracking
  • Permission Groups
  • Benefit Recording
  • Instant Messaging
  • Organisation Charts
  • Knowledge Centre
  • Platform Support
  • MoreLess

HR Assist

A one-of-a-kind offering that simplifies your people processes and automates up to 80% of your HR tasks.


What's included:

  • Connected Forms
  • Model HR Letters
  • HR Policy Templates
  • Integrated Emails
  • Digital Contracts
  • Secure E-Signature
  • Employee Relations Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

EmployPath

Manage your entire employment lifecycle with the tools to help you recruit, engage, and nurture your people.


What's included:

  • Applicant Tracking System
  • Enhanced Onboarding
  • Performance Management
  • 360 Reviews
  • One-to-ones
  • Improvement Plans
  • Goal & Objective Tracking
  • Analytics and Reports

Thinking of combining our plans? 
Unlock top-notch workforce automation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between HR Duo and RotaCloud?

RotaCloud is mainly a shift scheduling and time-tracking tool designed for rota planning and absence management. It works well for small businesses that only need basic staff scheduling software.

HR Duo, however, is a complete HR software and workforce management platform. It includes everything RotaCloud offers, such as digital rotas and attendance tracking, but also adds payroll reporting, digital contracts, compliance tools, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement features. This makes HR Duo a much more powerful Rota Cloud alternative for growing SMEs and larger organisations.

Does Rota Cloud include HR features like contracts, policies, and compliance tools?

No. RotaCloud focuses on rotas, shift swaps, and time & attendance, but it does not include HR compliance software features such as contracts, HR letters, or employment law templates.

HR Duo is built with compliance at its core. It offers digital contracts, secure e-signatures, model HR letters, HR policy templates, and employee relations assistance. For businesses in regulated industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, or retail, HR Duo provides far more value by ensuring HR compliance and legal risk reduction alongside workforce management.

Is HR Duo better than RotaCloud for performance management?

Yes. RotaCloud doesn’t include performance management or employee development tools. HR Duo has a full performance management system built in, with features like 360 reviews, one-to-one meeting logs, goal and objective tracking, improvement plans, and team engagement surveys.

This means businesses using HR Duo can manage not just when people work, but also how they perform, develop, and stay engaged. For organisations that want to reduce turnover and build a strong workplace culture, HR Duo is a stronger long-term choice than RotaCloud.

Can RotaCloud manage subcontractors or project-based workforces?

No. RotaCloud is designed for straightforward shift planning and doesn’t include subcontractor management, project tracking, or equipment tracking.

HR Duo, by contrast, has tools for managing subcontractors, tracking projects, monitoring skills and certifications, and assigning equipment. This makes HR Duo a better solution for industries with complex workforce structures, such as construction, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, where compliance and resource management are critical.

Does HR Duo integrate rotas and time tracking with payroll?

Yes. HR Duo combines shift scheduling, time-tracking, leave management, and payroll reporting in one platform, helping businesses eliminate payroll errors and cut down on admin. It also integrates with payroll systems to streamline processing.

RotaCloud allows payroll export through its time & attendance add-on, but it doesn’t offer a fully integrated payroll reporting function. For companies looking to reduce manual data entry and guarantee accurate payroll every month, HR Duo provides a more advanced workforce and payroll management solution.

Which platform is more scalable for growing businesses, HR Duo or Rota Cloud?

Rota Cloud is a good fit for small businesses that only need rota planning software, but it doesn’t scale easily for companies that also need HR features like contracts, onboarding, compliance, or performance management.

HR Duo is designed to scale with SMEs and larger organisations, automating over 80% of HR tasks. It centralises HR and workforce management data into one system, supports multi-site operations, and gives businesses the tools to grow without adding more admin. If you’re looking for a RotaCloud alternative for scaling teams, HR Duo is the superior option.

 

Why is HR Duo considered a better RotaCloud alternative?

HR Duo is considered one of the best RotaCloud alternatives because it combines everything RotaCloud does well, like rotas, time-tracking, and absence management, with advanced HRMS features that RotaCloud doesn’t offer. These include HR compliance tools, digital contracts, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, subcontractor tracking, and geofenced mobile clock-ins.

For businesses that want more than just rota management, HR Duo offers a complete HR software and workforce management solution that saves time, reduces compliance risk, and improves employee performance and retention.

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