12shifts

12shifts is a cloud‑based workforce management platform that specializes in shift scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and employee communication for service‑industry businesses such as restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Bill Olszak and launched its first product, a scheduling app for restaurants, in 2015. Its headquarters are located in the United States, though the software is available globally and supports multiple languages.

The core functionality of 12shifts includes self‑service scheduling, where employees request shifts and managers approve them through a web interface or mobile app. The system automatically balances labor costs, ensures compliance with labor laws (including minimum wage, overtime, and break requirements), and provides analytics on workforce utilization. Employees can clock in and out via the mobile app, reducing administrative tasks for managers. Payroll integration is supported with major processors such as ADP, QuickBooks, and Paychex, allowing seamless transfer of time data. Additional features comprise staff performance metrics, compliance reminders, and a workforce management dashboard that aggregates data across locations.

12shifts reports rapid growth, with a customer base that includes thousands of restaurants and large hospitality chains. Investors have included Accel Partners, Paris Venture Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The platform has received industry recognition for its user‑friendly interface and legal compliance tools. In 2021, 12shifts released an API to enable integration with custom ERP systems, expanding its appeal to larger enterprises. The company continues to invest in AI‑driven labor forecasting and machine‑learning recommendations to further optimize scheduling and reduce labor costs.