2025’s Best Strategic Workforce Planning Software

Key Takeaways

• Strategic workforce planning helps align headcount, skills, and costs with business goals for optimal resource allocation.
• Limelight stands out with advanced forecasting, real-time reporting, and seamless ERP/HR integrations for mid-to-large businesses.
• Tools like ActivTrak and ChartHop focus on productivity tracking and visualization rather than full FP&A features.
• Choosing the right tool depends on scalability, ease of use, and integration with your current systems.

What is Strategic Workforce Planning Software?

Strategic workforce planning software is essential for aligning your workforce with your company’s long-term objectives. By automating and streamlining workforce management, it helps you efficiently allocate resources, fill skill gaps, and anticipate future labor needs.

These tools provide HR teams and business leaders with real-time visibility into workforce data, enabling them to forecast labor requirements and adjust staffing levels as business conditions evolve. This proactive approach ensures that your organization stays agile, scales efficiently, and mitigates risks related to labor shortages or overstaffing.

However, not all workforce planning solutions are built the same. It’s critical to understand the unique strengths and limitations of each platform before choosing the right fit for your business.

Our list highlights the key features and performance of the top 17 strategic workforce planning software solutions, allowing you to determine which one delivers the best ROI for your organization.

The Top 17 Strategic Workforce Planning Software and Tools in 2025

1. Limelight FP&A Software

Limelight is a cloud-based FP&A and workforce planning platform tailored for mid-to-large-sized organizations. It centralizes financial, HR, and operational data in a single platform, giving teams the ability to streamline budgeting, forecasting, and workforce capacity planning.

With Limelight, businesses can leverage real-time dashboards, driver-based planning, and scenario modeling to optimize headcount, anticipate labor needs, and quickly adjust to changing business conditions. By automating manual processes and eliminating data silos, Limelight helps finance and HR leaders make faster, more accurate decisions.

The result? Reduced forecasting errors, improved workforce utilization, and significant time savings. Limelight’s seamless integrations and intuitive interface empower teams to plan more effectively, enhancing overall business agility and delivering a strong ROI through smarter resource allocation and improved financial performance.

Key Features:

• Headcount planning and forecasting tools: Easily plan and forecast workforce needs based on financial goals and business objectives
• What-if scenario modeling for workforce changes: Use AI-powered scenario modeling to predict the impact of various workforce changes, helping you make data-driven decisions
• Seamless integration with ERP and HR systems: Connect effortlessly with systems like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and others, ensuring real-time data flow and eliminating data silos
• Centralized dashboard for financial and workforce insights: A unified view of key metrics, combining both financial and workforce data to enable informed decision-making across teams
• Automated workflows: Reduce manual data entry and errors by automating routine tasks, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy
• AI-driven analytics and forecasting: Leverage AI to automatically analyze trends, detect anomalies, and generate insights that help forecast future workforce needs with greater precision

Pros:

• Exceptional customer support and an efficient implementation team, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing assistance (source)
• Significantly reduces planning cycle times (source)
• Pre-built finance templates for faster onboarding 

Cons:

• Cost, depending on the size of the organization

Pricing:

From $1,400 per month for five users; subscription-based

Limelight ratings:

• 4.7/5 (G2)
• 9/10 (TrustRadius)
• 4.5/5 (Capterra)

2. Deel

Deel offers a global, compliance-first workforce management solution, designed for companies with distributed teams and operating across multiple labor regulations. It simplifies headcount forecasting, budgeting, and hiring by providing end-to-end support for global payroll, compliance, and contractor management in 150+ countries. Deel ensures that companies remain compliant with local labor laws while managing their workforce efficiently, regardless of location.

Key Features:

• Built-in global compliance and compensation benchmarking: Automatically ensures compliance with local labor laws in over 150 countries and provides competitive compensation benchmarking based on region and role
• Seamless integrations with HRIS and ATS systems: Deel integrates with popular HRIS and ATS platforms for smoother data flow and optimized hiring processes
• Scenario modeling for hiring projections: Allows businesses to forecast hiring needs based on projected growth, budget, and workforce requirements, ensuring strategic talent acquisition

Pros:

• Straightforward and intuitive dashboard (source) 
• Responsive customer support (source)

Cons:

• Pricing can escalate depending on add-on usage and team size (source)
• May lack advanced analytics and customization options that larger enterprise-level companies might need (source)

Deel pricing

Up to $18 per employee per month. Pricing may vary for other plans like employer of record, contractor of record, etc.

Deel ratings

• 4.8/5 (G2)
• 4.8 (Capterra)
• 8.2/10 (TrustRadius)

3. Planful

Planful is a comprehensive cloud-based FP&A and workforce planning platform designed to streamline budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. It helps organizations improve efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across financial planning processes. Trusted by over 1,400 organizations worldwide, Planful enables businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Key Features:

• Workforce headcount modeling and rolling forecasts: Offers detailed workforce planning, including headcount projections and rolling forecasts to align staffing needs with business goals and financial performance
• “Workforce Pro” module: Includes advanced features like Headcount Rollforward for tracking staffing changes and Variance Bridge to analyze discrepancies between planned and actual workforce number
• Excel-like interface with dynamic reporting and scheduling capabilities: Familiar Excel-like interface makes it easy for teams to adopt, while its dynamic reporting and scheduling features enhance real-time collaboration and decision-making

Pros:

• User-friendly interface (source)

Cons:

• Setup and customization can be difficult (source)
• Some users report that Planful isn’t connected to their ERP system which means they still have a few extra steps to take care of as part of their workflows (source)
• Initial learning curve (source)

Planful pricing

No public pricing; users need to request a custom quote. Reviews suggest it's more cost-effective than Anaplan and Workday but still a mid-to-high range FP&A solution.

Planful ratings

• 4.3/5 (G2) 
• 4.3/5 (Capterra)
• 8.2/10 (TrustRadius)

Workday Adaptive Planning offers an enterprise-grade FP&A platform that integrates financial planning, workforce modeling, and AI-driven forecasting to help organizations optimize their financial processes. It is designed for large, global organizations, providing flexibility and scalability to manage complex planning needs across multiple departments, regions, and business units.

Workday Adaptive Planning key features

• AI-powered what-if scenario modeling and strategic forecasting: Offers AI-driven scenario modeling to simulate various business scenarios, enabling more informed and strategic decision-making
• Headcount, cost planning, and talent alignment features: Provides comprehensive tools for workforce planning, including headcount modeling, cost planning, and talent alignment, ensuring that financial and staffing plans are aligned with organizational goals.
• Fully integrated with Workday’s broader HCM suite: Seamlessly integrates with Workday HCM to ensure real-time, data-driven insights into financial and workforce planning, eliminating data silos

Workday Adaptive Planning pros

• Collaborative budgeting environment (source)
• Excellent customer support praised by users (source)

Workday Adaptive Planning cons

• Advanced customization options may be complex to implement (source)
• Pricing may be steep for smaller companies (source)

Workday Adaptive Planning pricing

Custom pricing. Free 30-day trial available.

Workday Adaptive Planning ratings

• 4.3/5 (G2)
• 7.7/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.5/5 (Capterra)

5. ActivTrak

ActivTrak is a workforce analytics and monitoring platform that provides detailed insights into employee productivity, work patterns, behavior, and engagement. It helps organizations understand performance trends, optimize workforce efficiency, and identify areas for improvement by analyzing how employees spend their time and collaborate.

ActivTrack key features

• Real-time productivity dashboards and performance analytics: Provides real-time visibility into employee productivity, work patterns, and performance metrics, enabling managers to make data-driven decisions
• AI-driven coaching, burnout detection, and capacity planning: Leverages AI-powered insights to identify burnout risks, optimize employee capacity, and provide personalized coaching to improve performance and well-being
• Privacy controls and transparency settings for employee trust: Offers robust privacy controls and transparency settings to ensure that employees are informed and confident about how their data is being used, fostering trust in the platform

ActivTrack pros

• Highly intuitive and easy to deploy with insightful dashboards (source)

ActivTrack cons

• Analyzing the reports it generates may be time-consuming (source)
• Performance may slow down when pulling in live reports (source)
• Learning curve (source)

ActivTrack pricing

• 14-day free trial available of Professional plan 
• Essentials: $10 per user per month billed annually 
• Essentials Plus: $15 per user per month billed annually 
• Professional: $19 per user per month billed annually. For larger teams custom quote.

ActivTrack ratings

• 4.3/5 (G2)
• 8.6/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.6/5 (Capterra)

6. Cube

Cube is a cloud-based FP&A platform designed to help mid-market companies streamline budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with spreadsheets like MS Excel and Google Sheets, providing finance teams with the flexibility of traditional tools combined with the automation and collaboration capabilities of modern software. Cube simplifies data consolidation, real-time forecasting, and reporting, enabling teams to work more efficiently and make data-driven decisions faster.

Cube key features

• Native integration with Excel and Google Sheets: Seamlessly integrates with Excel and Google Sheets, allowing users to maintain their familiar workflows while benefiting from the automation and collaboration features of Cube
• Automated workflows for forecasting and reporting: Streamlines the forecasting and reporting process by automating routine tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency
• Scenario modeling and multi-entity consolidation: Provides powerful tools for scenario modeling and multi-entity financial consolidation, helping organizations plan for various business conditions and manage complex structures with ease

Cube pros

• Minimal learning curve due to spreadsheet-based interface (source)
• Quick deployment with easy integrations (source)

Cube cons

• Limited advanced workforce planning features (source)

Cube pricing

Custom pricing based on team size and requirements. Quotes available on request.

Cube ratings

• 4.4/5 (G2) 
• 9.1/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.6/5: (Capterra)

7. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR, payroll, and workforce management solution designed for mid-sized and large businesses. It streamlines core HR functions, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and time tracking, while ensuring compliance with labor laws. The platform also supports data-driven workforce planning with real-time insights into employee performance, headcount, and workforce trends, helping organizations optimize their workforce strategy.

ADP Workforce Now key features

• Payroll and tax management: Efficiently processes payroll and ensures compliance with tax regulations, including federal, state, and local taxes
• Time tracking and attendance: Provides tools for accurate time tracking, attendance management, and scheduling, helping businesses manage labor costs effectively
• Benefits administration and compliance: Simplifies the administration of employee benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and compliance with related regulations

ADP Workforce Now pros

• Offers audit trails which is a huge plus for HR (source)

ADP Workforce Now cons

• Interface can feel outdated compared to modern SaaS solutions (source)
• Customer support can be slow during peak periods (source)
• Working with the sales team can feel overwhelming (source)

ADP Workforce Now pricing

Pricing is tiered and depends on modules selected. Custom quotes are provided after consultation.

ADP Workforce Now ratings

• 4.2/5 (G2)
• 7.5/10 (TrustRadius)
• 4.4/5 (Capterra)

8. Anaplan

Anaplan is a leading enterprise planning platform that enables connected financial and workforce planning across global organizations. It is designed for complex modeling, forecasting, and real-time collaboration across departments, allowing businesses to align their financial, operational, and workforce plans seamlessly. Anaplan’s cloud-based architecture supports scalability and adaptability, making it ideal for large organizations with dynamic, data-driven planning needs.

Anaplan key features

• Cloud-native, connected planning: Enables connected planning across all departments, aligning financial, operational, and workforce plans in real-time
• Advanced scenario modeling with AI and machine learning: Utilizes AI and machine learning to perform advanced scenario modeling, helping organizations forecast multiple outcomes and make data-driven decisions
• Scalable for enterprise-level data sets: Designed to handle large, complex data sets, making it ideal for enterprise-level organizations with dynamic and evolving planning needs

Anaplan pros

• User-friendly Excel interface (source)
• Offers integration with various databases and BI tools, along with the ability to create custom integrations using its API (source)

Anaplan cons

• Steep learning curve for new users (source)
• Anaplan's customizability can be both a strength and a challenge. While Anaplan and third-party providers are increasingly offering out-of-the-box solutions, organizations will likely need to invest significant resources in implementation to fully tailor the platform to their needs (source)

Anaplan pricing

Enterprise-level pricing; custom quotes provided based on user count and modules.

Anaplan ratings

• 4.6/5 (G2)
• 8.5/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.3/5 (Capterra)

9. Board

Board is a unified decision-making platform that combines business intelligence, performance management, and analytics. It supports financial planning, workforce planning, budgeting, and strategic reporting, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions and align their operations with business goals.

Board key features

• Integrated BI and analytics tools: Combines business intelligence (BI) and analytics capabilities in a single platform, providing users with powerful insights for decision-making
• Budgeting and forecasting modules: Offers budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning tools, allowing organizations to streamline their financial processes and align them with strategic goals
• Scenario planning and KPI tracking: Provides advanced scenario planning features and the ability to track KPIs to evaluate business performance under different conditions

Board pros

• Responsive customer support (source)

Board cons

• Longer loading times when displaying many images (source)
• Steep learning curve (source)

Board pricing

Custom pricing; available on request based on company needs.

Board ratings

• 4.4/5 (G2)
• 8.9/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.5/5 (Capterra)

10. ChartHop

ChartHop is a people analytics and workforce planning platform that enables organizations to visualize team structures, track headcount and attrition, and plan for workforce growth. It also provides insights into skills, roles, and diversity, helping leaders make data-driven HR and planning decisions.

ChartHop key features

• Dynamic org charts and people data visualization: Create interactive organizational charts that visualize reporting structures, roles, and employee information in real-time
• Headcount planning and compensation tracking: Plan workforce needs, track headcount changes, and manage compensation budgets to optimize workforce allocation
• Integrations with HRIS and payroll systems: Seamlessly connect with existing HRIS and payroll platforms to synchronize data and streamline workforce management processes

ChartHop pros

• Excellent user interface (source)
• Centralized, visual platform where everything from headcount planning and compensation analysis to DEI reporting and organizational design is accessible and transparent (source)

ChartHop cons

• Some users have experienced some site instability (source)
• There’s some learning curve associated with the platform (source)

ChartHop pricing

Core modules pricing

• Starting at $8 per employee per month: includes the ChartHop Platform as your first module
• Additional modules at $4 per employee per month: Mix and match extra modules to fit your organization’s needs
• Minimum contract: $9,000 per year
• Implementation fees: One-time setup costs are scoped separately based on your requirements

ChartHop Basic

• $2 per employee per month: Enables teams of any size to visualize their people and foster employee connection
• No minimum contract and no implementation fee, making it easy to get started with ChartHop Basic

ChartHop ratings

• 4.3/5 (G2)
• 8.5/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.6/5 (Capterra)

11. Orgvue

Orgvue is a platform for organizational design, workforce planning, and analytics. It enables businesses to analyze workforce data, optimize organizational structures, and improve efficiency, while also supporting scenario modeling, headcount planning, and change management for more strategic decision-making.

Orgvue key features

• Organizational modeling and structure optimization: Visualize and redesign reporting structures, roles, and team hierarchies to improve efficiency and alignment
• Workforce cost analysis and scenario planning: Model different staffing scenarios, forecast headcount needs, and analyze workforce costs to support strategic decisions
• Data-driven analytics and dashboards: Leverage analytics and interactive dashboards to monitor workforce performance, identify trends, and make informed planning decisions

Orgvue pros

• Strong org design capabilities (source)
• Great for scenario planning and workforce cost tracking (source)

Orgvue cons

• Can be challenging for users who are not very tech-savvy, as its interface is not always intuitive (source)
• Performance with large datasets, particularly those with complex links, can cause lag or occasional freezes. Frequent saving is recommended to prevent data loss. (source)

Orgvue pricing

Custom pricing based on modules and company size.

Orgvue ratings

• 4.4/5 (G2)

12. Visier

Visier is a people analytics platform that provides insights into workforce performance, costs, and trends. It enables HR and business leaders to make data-driven decisions, including workforce planning, talent management, and predictive modeling, to optimize organizational effectiveness.

Visier key features 

• Workforce analytics and planning: Provides insights into headcount, workforce composition, and operational metrics to support strategic workforce planning
• Predictive analytics for retention and hiring: Uses AI-driven forecasting to predict turnover risks, identify high-potential employees, and optimize hiring strategies
• Pre-built dashboards and reporting templates: Offers ready-to-use, customizable dashboards and reports that provide clear visualizations of workforce data for HR and business leaders

Visier pros

• Strong predictive analytics capabilities (source)
• Highly responsive compared to many competitors, allowing dashboards to update almost instantly when filters are added or modified (source)
• Excellent for HR-driven workforce strategy

Visier cons

• Users face some challenges when it comes to customizing graphs and layouts (source)
• Lack of strong customer support (source)

Visier pricing

Enterprise pricing model; quotes provided on request.

Visier ratings

• 4.6/5 (G2)
• 8.5/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.5/5 (Capterra)

13. SAP SuccessFactors Human Capital Management

SAP SuccessFactors is a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suite that provides tools for workforce planning, payroll, talent management, learning, and employee engagement. It helps organizations manage the full employee lifecycle while aligning workforce strategies with business goals.

SAP SuccessFactors HCM key features

• End-to-end HR and workforce management: Covers the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding, providing a unified HR management experience
• AI-driven workforce planning: Uses AI and predictive analytics to forecast workforce needs, optimize headcount, and support strategic decision-making
• Payroll, benefits, and compliance modules: Automates payroll processing, manages employee benefits, and ensures compliance with local labor laws and regulations

SAP SuccessFactors HCM pros

• Strong integration with SAP ecosystem (source)
• Ideal for large, global enterprises
• Streamlined operations (source)

SAP SuccessFactors HCM cons

• Complex implementation requiring SAP expertise (source)
• Higher cost compared to standalone workforce tools (source)
• Learning curve (source)

SAP SuccessFactors HCM pricing

Custom enterprise pricing depending on module selection and user count.

SAP SuccessFactors HCM ratings

• 4.1/5 (G2)
• 8.4/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.0/5 (Capterra)

14. Vena

Vena is a cloud-based FP&A and workforce planning solution that simplifies budgeting, forecasting, and reporting while leveraging a familiar Excel interface. It enables finance teams to consolidate data from multiple sources, streamline workflows, and generate accurate, real-time insights for strategic decision-making.

Vena Solutions key features

• Native Excel interface for easy adoption: Allows finance teams to continue using the familiar Excel environment while leveraging cloud-based automation and collaboration
• Workflow automation for reporting and approvals: Automates repetitive tasks, streamlines reporting, and manages approval workflows to save time and reduce errors
• Scenario modeling and variance analysis: Enables organizations to create what-if scenarios, analyze budget vs. actual variances, and plan for multiple outcomes

Vena Solutions pros

• Smooth transition for teams used to Excel 
• Responsive customer support (source)

Vena Solutions cons

• Learning curve for non-finance users (source)
• Pricing can feel high for smaller companies (source)

Vena Solutions pricing

Two plans: Professional and Complete. Request a custom quote.

Vena Solutions ratings

• 4.5/5 (G2)
• 8.5/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.5/5 (Capterra)

15. Runn

Runn is a resource and workforce planning tool designed for project-based businesses. It enables teams to allocate resources effectively, track utilization and performance, and forecast capacity across projects, helping organizations optimize staffing and project delivery.

Runn key features

• Real-time resource scheduling: Allocate and adjust resources dynamically across projects to maximize efficiency and meet deadlines
• Utilization and capacity reporting: Track resource utilization, project capacity, and team performance to optimize workforce deployment
• Budgeting for projects and teams: Plan and monitor project budgets, including labor costs, to maintain financial control

Runn pros

• Clean, intuitive interface (source)

Runn cons

• Limited financial planning beyond resource tracking (source)

Runn pricing

• Starter: $10 per person per month
• Professional: $14 per person per month 
• Premium: custom pricing

Runn ratings

• 4.5/5 (G2)
• 9/10 (TrustRadius) 

• 4.8/5 (Capterra)

16. Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for deskless and frontline teams. It simplifies employee scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and task management, helping organizations streamline operations and improve workforce productivity.

Connecteam key features

• Employee scheduling and time tracking: Create and manage work schedules, track hours, and monitor attendance for deskless and frontline teams
• Team chat and communication tools: Facilitate real-time communication, announcements, and group discussions across teams
• Task management and checklists: Assign tasks, track progress, and ensure accountability using customizable checklists and workflows

Connecteam pros

• Very user-friendly (source)
• Easy to set up (source)

Connecteam cons

• Lack of offline mode (source)
• Some features do not work properly (source)

Connecteam pricing

• Entirely free for up to 10 users
• Basic: $29 per month for the first 30 users
• Advanced: $49 per month for the first 30 users
• Expert: $99 per month for first 30 users
• Enterprise: custom quote

Connecteam ratings

• 4.6/5 (G2)
• 8.5/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.6/5 (Capterra)

17. ClearCompany

ClearCompany is a talent management and workforce planning platform that focuses on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement. It helps organizations streamline the hiring process, track employee performance, and align workforce planning with business objectives.

ClearCompany key features

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Streamlines recruitment by tracking candidates, managing job postings, and facilitating collaboration across hiring teams
• Onboarding workflows and automation: Automates new hire onboarding tasks, documents, and training to accelerate time-to-productivity
• Performance and engagement tracking: Monitors employee performance, goals, and engagement levels to support development and retention

ClearCompany pros

• Strong ATS and onboarding capabilities (source)

ClearCompany cons

• Functionality can be time-consuming which users don’t seem to like (source)
• Overall UI is not intuitive (source)
• Poor customer support and response time (source)

ClearCompany pricing

Custom pricing based on modules and company size.

ClearCompany ratings

• 4.6/5 (G2)
• 8.1/10 (TrustRadius) 
• 4.4/5 (Capterra)

The Importance of Strategic Workforce Planning Solutions

Before we start digging into what makes one strategic workforce planning software superior to another, it’s important to first remind ourselves of the goal of strategic workforce planning.

Workforce planning is the process of managing your workforce demand and supply through:

• Analyzing your financial data
• Organizing your financial data
• Forecasting future needs with real-time financial data

These processes can be immensely helpful to fast growing organizations, as it ensures that you are never understaffed or overstaffed. Instead, your staff planning is informed by analytics so that your workforce is optimally organized to yield the best results for your organization. 

While it may seem obvious to state that your organization can’t run without a qualified workforce, too often workforce planning is overlooked - with dire consequences. 

Consider that: 

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a massive increase in the need for nurses in the coming decade, with shortages likely (remember the need for nurses during the pandemic and the catastrophic results due to the shortage)
• Over 50% of CEOs surveyed in PWC’s 26th Annual Global CEO Survey viewed labor/skill shortages as challenges to their profitability
• There are 3.3 million fewer Americans working today compared to pre-pandemic levels, increasing competition for highly skilled workers

Organizations like yours run the risk of falling behind in talent acquisition to the competition if you’re constantly being reactive to workforce planning needs. 

But the right workforce planning tools and/or workforce planning platform can help you be proactive to these demands and ensure that your staffing is one less thing you need to be worried about. 

To that end, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top strategic workforce planning software on the market so you can avoid these potential roadblocks to growth and profitability. 

How We Compare Different Strategic Workforce Planning Tools?

Strategic workforce capacity planning tools and platforms offer you, the user, a variety of different benefits. Depending on your organization and industry, some of these capabilities may be more important than others. 

That said, we’ve ranked the software below based on the following criteria: 

1. Functionality 

Does the software offer comprehensive workforce forecasting tools? Is it a full-on workforce planning platform or simply an add-on to Excel? What tools does it feature (headcount planning tools, headcount management software, headcount tracking software, can it deliver a detailed workforce planning report, etc.)? 

2. Intuitiveness 

You could have the best staff planning tool in the world - but it won’t do you much good if it’s too complicated to use. How user-friendly the workforce capacity planning tools are is critical, especially as you’ll want to be able to collaborate with teams across your organization. The more opaque and complex a workforce planning tool’s user-interface is, the more time will be spent on training/opportunity for error and misuse. 

3. Integration

Ideally, your strategic workforce planning solutions will be able to integrate with whatever your current ERP and HR management systems are. That makes the transition over that much more seamless and unlocks a variety of additional benefits. 

4. Implementation

Is the workforce planning platform difficult to implement and leave room for errors? Does it take a long time to implement? The second question is especially important as each day you’re not using the right software is another day that you’re wasting time battling older systems or missing out on key insights and headcount tools that could make your staff planning that much more effective and accurate. 

5. Applicability

Some headcount planning software is only effective in some industries, while others have more applicability across industries and use cases. To that end, the more versatile a strategic workforce planning software is, the higher it will rank in our list. 

6. Track Record

We looked at case studies and other examples of the software being used in real-world scenarios by their current or former clients. While metrics and analytical data are all fantastic informational assets that can inform your decision making, there’s nothing like seeing a company produce positive results in the real world as a vetting and review tool. 

Features We Look for in Strategic Workforce Planning Platforms and Tools

Each of the tools in our list offers a wide variety of features and applications. But the ones that we most value are:

1. The Ability to Model What-If Scenarios

Being able to test for what-if scenarios has never been more critical - just look at the last 15 years how many ‘black swan’ events we’ve encountered; being prepared to meet any challenge - predictable or unpredictable - is at a premium currently. What-if scenario planning allows your organization to project multiple future scenarios with a few tweaks, helping you prepare to meet these challenges head-on. 

2. The Ability to Automate 

Did you know that finance teams spend over 60% of their time on activities that can be fully automated? A huge part of staff planning is the numbers - especially as your organization grows, data can be prone to getting out of hand. Payroll for a few dozen employees is easy; payroll for a few hundred is a much more complicated task. Automating data collection and collation can be hugely beneficial in a number of ways, not the least of which is that you can save hundreds of hours of time. You’ll also be able to more reliably count on the data, leaving less room for human error (software has gotten really good at collecting data, as you’d imagine). 

3. The Ability to Provide Insights

Data tells a story. It can provide so, so, so much information to you and your team. But technical barriers often prevent these stories from being told. But the right software removes those barriers and makes it easy to leverage real-time information to power data-driven decision making.

Limelight - the Right Strategic Workforce Planning Software for Your Organization

There are many strong strategic workforce planning solutions out there - but we’re confident that Limelight offers more value than our competitors. 

Our platform can manage all your budgeting, forecasting, planning, and analysis needs - and ensure they’re completed faster and more accurately than ever before. 

With our powerful platform backing your business, you will save thousands of hours and uncover hundreds of thousands in hidden costs, reduce budget reviews, and make collaboration across teams seamless.

We also specialize at servicing a variety of industries, including (but not limited to): 

• FP&A for the insurance industry
• FP&A for the financial industry
• FP&A for the healthcare industry
• FP&A for the manufacturing industry
• FP&A for the SaaS subscription industry
• FP&A for the professional services industry
• FP&A for the non-profit industry
• FP&A for higher education
• FP&A for the energy industry

Save money, get a more comprehensive picture of your business’s financial health, plan and forecast easier - do it all with Limelight. Book a demo to see the platform work - and see how it can help your business grow. 

FAQs

1. What is the best workforce management software?

Choosing the right workforce management software depends on your organization’s specific needs. While smaller teams may prioritize simplicity and automation, larger enterprises often need scalability and deeper insights. With Limelight, you can align strategic workforce planning with real-time financial data — using features like headcount forecasting, dynamic dashboards, and scenario modeling to drive faster, smarter decision-making.

2.What are the 7 r's of workforce planning?

The 7 R’s of workforce planning provide a strategic framework for HR teams to ensure a steady pipeline of talent. They focus on:

• Right people: Recruit and retain individuals who align with your organization’s values and contribute meaningfully to its success.

• Right skills: Align employee capabilities with business goals, and bridge skill gaps through targeted hiring or training.

• Right shape: Structure your workforce effectively, maintaining a balanced ratio of leadership to staff and encouraging diversity.

• Right size: Keep headcount aligned with current business demands, scaling up or down as needed to remain agile and competitive.

• Right time: Time your hiring, training, and workforce changes to respond quickly to shifting market or business needs.

• Right place: Deploy your team where they can perform best—whether in-office for customer-facing roles or remotely for digital tasks.

• Right cost: Manage talent-related expenses wisely by offering competitive compensation while keeping hiring and development costs within budget.

3.What is the main tool used during workforce planning?

The main tool used during workforce planning is typically workforce planning software, which combines analytics, forecasting, and reporting tools to assess and meet staffing needs. These platforms allow businesses to predict headcount requirements and analyze employee turnover, to match workforce needs with organizational goals. With Limelight, you can integrate with native spreadsheets to provide a centralized view of workforce metrics and help decision-makers plan human resources effectively.

4.What is the difference between HR planning and workforce planning?

HR planning primarily deals with employee processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. In contrast, workforce planning is centered on aligning talent with business objectives. It involves evaluating current skills and workforce capacity, then projecting future staffing needs to ensure the organization can meet its goals.