17 Best Employee Task Management Software Tools for 2025

Running a business means juggling countless moving pieces—from daily operations to long-term projects and everything in between. When tasks start falling through the cracks, deadlines get missed, and nobody's quite sure who's responsible for what.

Employee task management software is the go-to solution for keeping your team productive and organized. Whether your team works behind desks, on sales floors, or in the field, the right task management platform can help you:

• Assign tasks effectively
• Optimize team productivity
• Track project progress
• Update project timelines

TL;DR: Best employee task management software tools for 2025

If you're a busy manager looking for the best task management solution right now, here's what you need to know.

Top recommendations based on your needs

• Homebase – Best overall for small businesses with hourly workers. Free plan for up to 20 employees at one location. Combines task management with scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. Task Manager add-on available for $13/month/location.
• Asana – Best for project-focused teams of all sizes. Robust workflow automation and goal tracking starting at $10.99/user/month.
• Connecteam – Best for field workers and deskless teams with its mobile-first approach at $29/month for up to 30 users.
• Trello – Best for teams wanting simple visual task organization with intuitive kanban boards starting at $5/user/month.
• Todoist – Best for individuals and teams seeking straightforward task management without complexity at $4/user/month.
• ClickUp – Best for teams seeking maximum customization with multiple view options starting at $7/user/month.
• Microsoft Planner – Best for Microsoft 365 users who need seamless integration with their existing tools.

Must-have features to look for:

• Mobile functionality that works well on smartphones and tablets
• Visual task organization so you can track progress through boards, lists, or calendars
• Automated notifications for deadlines and status changes
• Permission controls for different team roles
• Integrations with your scheduling and payroll systems
• Team alignment and communication to ensure everyone is on the same page

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Your team type and location (desk workers, field workers, hybrid teams)
• Required level of mobility (desktop-focused vs. mobile-first)
• Task complexity (simple checklists vs. multi-stage workflows)
• Specific pain points (missed deadlines, lack of accountability, poor communication)
• Integration needs (scheduling, payroll, communication tools)
• Available budget and pricing structure (per user vs. flat rate)

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What is employee task management software?

Employee task management software helps you create, assign, track, and organize tasks for your team. It's a centralized platform where managers can dole out responsibilities, priorities, and deadlines.

For your team-mates, they can use the software to update their task status, collaborate, and stay accountable.

Key features to look for in employee task software

When you're shopping for task management tools, certain features stand out from the rest, especially when you're managing hourly and shift-based teams.

Quick key features to look for:

• User friendly interface for easy customization and organization
• Visualize tasks using Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and timelines
• Automating recurring tasks to enhance productivity

Mobile-first or mobile-friendly for field and hourly teams

True mobile functionality isn't just a scaled-down desktop version. Look for apps where employees can:

• Set deadlines, so you don't have to!
• View tasks in a pinch.
• Update their status, so you can keep track of projects in a glance.
• Upload verification photos if they need to show a task is done.
• Manage team tasks efficiently on the go.

Visual task dashboards or kanban boards

Visual organization provides immediate clarity about work status across teams or projects. What does that exactly mean? Think of:

• Kanban boards
• Calendar views
• Color-coded lists

These visual tools help everyone grasp priorities at a glance, so your team knows what they need to get done at any time.

Integration with scheduling and payroll

When your task management software connects with scheduling, managers can assign work only to employees who are actually on shift. 

And when it’s linked to payroll as well, you can track how long different tasks take and factor this into labor forecasting and budgeting. 

Automated reminders and status updates

Constantly tapping your team-mates on the shoulder and asking for updates isn't just annoying—it wastes time! 

Smart notifications automatically remind employees about approaching deadlines or alert managers when critical tasks fall behind schedule.

Role-based permissions for managers vs. employees

Different team members need different levels of access. Effective task systems allow you to manage your team's assignments while giving you visibility across all departments. This ensures everyone sees what they need to know to do their jobs effectively.

Offline functionality for workers without constant internet

If internet access is spotty, offline access becomes crucial. Look for tools that allow viewing and updating tasks without an internet connection, with changes syncing once connectivity returns.

Best employee task management software for 2025

The market offers a wide range of task management solutions, each with unique strengths. Let's explore each option to help you find the perfect fit for your team.

Homebase

Best for: Small businesses with hourly employees in retail, hospitality, and service industries.

Homebase stands out as a comprehensive workforce management solution that combines powerful task management with scheduling, time tracking, and team communication—making it ideal for businesses managing hourly workers.

Key features:

• Task assignment and scheduling with drag-and-drop simplicity
• Mobile time tracking with GPS verification
• Built-in team communication tools with read receipts
• Performance monitoring and employee feedback tools
• Integration with payroll systems and compliance features

Homebase's task management system works seamlessly with its scheduling features, allowing managers to assign tasks that align perfectly with employee shifts. The mobile app lets employees clock in, view tasks, and communicate with managers from any location—essential for retail, restaurant, and service businesses where staff aren't at desks.

The free basic plan supports one location with up to 20 employees, making it accessible for small businesses. Paid plans start at $20 per location monthly for unlimited employees. Task Manager functionality is available as an add-on for $13/month per location.

Asana

Best for: Teams of all sizes needing robust project and task management with goal tracking.

Asana is a powerful work management platform that helps teams organize everything from daily tasks to complex projects with flexibility and clarity.

Key features:

• Comprehensive task and subtask management with multiple view options
• Workload and resource management to balance team capacity
• Automation and AI-powered workflows to reduce manual work
• Goal tracking that connects tasks to company objectives
• Integration with 270+ apps to create a connected workflow

Asana's strength lies in its flexibility—tasks can be viewed as lists, boards, calendars, or timelines depending on preference. The platform excels at helping teams see how individual tasks connect to larger projects and company goals, promoting alignment across the organization.

Asana offers a free plan for up to 10 users with basic features. Paid plans start at $10.99 per user monthly (billed annually) for the Starter plan, with Advanced features at $24.99 per user monthly. Enterprise plans with enhanced security and support are available with custom pricing.

Connecteam

Best for: Businesses with non-desk or mobile workforces like construction, retail, and field services.

Connecteam delivers a mobile-first employee management platform specifically designed for teams that don't work behind desks, making it perfect for field service, retail, and similar industries.

Key features:

• Mobile-first interface for on-the-go task management
• Real-time task creation, assignment, and status tracking
• Smart alerts and reminders for task deadlines
• Comprehensive admin dashboards with reporting
• Integrated communication channels within the app

What makes Connecteam stand out is its focus on mobile workforces—the platform is built from the ground up to work primarily on smartphones. This makes it incredibly accessible for field workers who need to manage tasks on site.

Connecteam offers a free plan for up to 10 users. Task tracking functionality is included in the Operations Hub, with paid plans for up to 30 users including Basic ($29/month), Advanced ($49/month), and Expert ($99/month). Additional users can be added for a per-user fee.

Trello

Best for: Teams wanting simple, visual task organization with minimal complexity.

Trello offers an intuitive kanban-style board system that makes task organization visual and straightforward—perfect for teams that want simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

Key features:

• Kanban boards with customizable lists and cards
• Detailed task cards with checklists, due dates, and attachments
• Butler automation for repetitive actions
• Power-Ups that extend functionality through integrations
• Real-time collaboration and activity tracking

Trello's card-based system makes it incredibly easy to visualize workflow stages and move tasks through a process. Dragging cards between columns makes it easy and intuitive to figure out.

Trello's free plan includes unlimited cards and up to 10 boards and 10 collaborators per workspace. Standard plan costs $5 per user monthly, Premium is $10 per user monthly, and Enterprise is $17.50 per user monthly for organizations needing enhanced security and administration features.

ClickUp

Best for: Teams seeking extensive customization and flexibility in their task management.

ClickUp offers one of the most customizable task management experiences available, allowing teams to build workflows that match their exact processes.

Key features:

• Custom task hierarchies and organizational structures
• Multiple view options (list, board, Gantt, calendar, workload)
• Automation for routine tasks and workflows
• Integrated docs and wikis linked to relevant tasks
• Goal tracking with measurable targets

ClickUp's standout feature is its adaptability—almost every aspect of the platform can be customized to fit specific team needs, from custom fields to workflow statuses to automation rules.

ClickUp offers a generous free plan with unlimited tasks and members. Paid plans start at $7 per user monthly for Unlimited, $12 for Business, with Enterprise plans available at custom pricing.

Microsoft Planner

Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft 365 who want seamless integration.

Microsoft Planner provides straightforward task management that integrates deeply with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a natural choice for teams already using Microsoft 365 applications.

Key features:

• Board-based task organization with buckets
• Task cards with assignments, deadlines, and checklists
• Deep integration with Teams, Outlook, and other Microsoft apps
• Visual charts for tracking progress
• Real-time updates and notifications

Microsoft Planner's main advantage is its seamless connection with other Microsoft tools—tasks can be discussed in Teams, added to Outlook calendars, and tied to SharePoint documents without switching platforms.

Microsoft Planner is included with most Microsoft 365 business subscriptions, starting at $8 per user monthly with Microsoft 365 F3. Microsoft Planner is also sold as a standalone subscription at $10/user/month, or as a bundle with Microsoft Project Plan starting at $30/user/month.

Monday.com

Best for: Businesses of all sizes needing highly customizable project and workflow management.

Monday.com offers a flexible work operating system that combines visual appeal with powerful customization options for teams across various industries.

Key features:

• Customizable boards with columns for different data points
• Workflow automation with trigger-based actions
• Multiple visualization options (boards, timelines, calendars, Gantt)
• Integrations with over 200 external tools
• Real-time collaboration features and notifications

Monday.com stands out with its colorful, intuitive interface combined with deep functionality. The platform makes complex task management visually appealing while offering robust features for automating workflows.

Monday.com offers a free plan for up to 2 users. Paid plans start at $9 per user monthly for Basic, $12 for Standard, and $19 for Pro, with Enterprise available at custom pricing.

Teamwork

Best for: Client services teams, agencies, and professional services.

Teamwork is a project management platform specifically designed to help teams plan, collaborate, and deliver client work efficiently.

Key features:

• Task and subtask management with dependencies and deadlines
• Integrated time tracking for accurate client billing
• Reusable project templates for standardizing workflows
• Secure client collaboration portals for sharing progress
• Customizable reports and performance dashboards

What sets Teamwork apart is its focus on client service businesses, with features specifically designed to manage client work, track billable time, and maintain professional communications with clients.

Teamwork offers a free plan for up to 5 users. Paid plans start at $10.99 per user monthly for Deliver, $19.99 for Grow, and $54.99 for Scale, with custom pricing for the Enterprise plan.

Wrike

Best for: Mid-sized to large organizations needing advanced project management and reporting.

Wrike provides a versatile work management platform that helps teams plan, track, and collaborate on projects with powerful customization options.

Key features:

• Custom workflows tailored to specific team processes
• Multiple view options including list, board, Gantt, and calendar
• Advanced analytics, dashboards, and workload management
• Robust file sharing and collaboration tools
• Extensive integration options with 400+ apps

Wrike excels in larger organizations that need sophisticated reporting, resource management, and process customization while maintaining visibility across complex projects.

Wrike offers a free plan with basic task management. Paid plans start at $10 per user monthly for Team, $25 for Business, with Enterprise and Pinnacle plans available at custom pricing.

Notion

Best for: Teams seeking a flexible workspace combining documents, wikis, and task management.

Notion provides an all-in-one collaborative workspace that bridges the gap between documentation and task management with exceptional flexibility.

Key features:

• Customizable databases for tasks, projects, and workflows
• Connected documents and wikis that link to relevant tasks
• Flexible templates for repeatable processes
• Real-time collaboration with comments and mentions
• Integration capabilities through APIs and connections

Notion blends documentation and task management in a single platform, making it particularly valuable for teams that need detailed information on hand while they work.

Notion offers a free plan for individuals and small teams. Paid plans start at $10 per user monthly for Plus, $15 for Business, with Enterprise available at custom pricing.

nTask

Best for: Small to mid-sized teams seeking straightforward task and project management.

nTask offers accessible task management with additional features for meetings and risk management, making it a well-rounded option for teams of various sizes.

Key features:

• Task and project organization with priorities and statuses
• Meeting management tools for agendas and follow-ups
• Time tracking for productivity monitoring
• Risk management capabilities
• Team collaboration with file sharing and comments

nTask provides a balanced combination of essential task management features with useful additions, like meeting management, that many small teams find valuable.

nTask offers a free Basic plan for up to 5 team members. Paid plans start at $3 per user monthly for Premium, $8 for Business, with custom Enterprise pricing available.

ProofHub

Best for: Teams needing centralized proofing and task management without per-user fees.

ProofHub combines project planning, task management, and file proofing in a platform that charges a flat rate rather than per-user fees.

Key features:

• Task management with kanban boards or list views
• Online proofing tools for files and documents
• Time tracking for task and project reporting
• Discussion boards and chat functionality
• Custom role and permission controls

ProofHub's standout feature is its combination of task management with dedicated proofing tools, making it especially valuable for creative teams or those that frequently review visual assets.

ProofHub does not offer a free plan but provides two paid options: Essential at $45 monthly and Ultimate Control at $89 monthly (billed annually), both with unlimited users.

Basecamp

Best for: Teams seeking an all-in-one solution with simple pricing.

Basecamp provides a straightforward approach to project management, task organization, and team communication with a flat-rate pricing model.

Key features:

• To-do list management with assignments and deadlines
• Message boards for organized discussions
• Scheduled calendar for important dates
• Document and file storage
• Automated check-ins for status updates

Basecamp's strength is its simplicity and all-in-one approach—combining tasks, communication, and file storage in a single platform with a clear, straightforward interface.

Basecamp has a Free plan for one project and 1GB storage space. Paid plans cost $15 per user monthly (Plus) or $299 monthly flat rate for unlimited users and projects (Pro Unlimited). 

MeisterTask

Best for: Teams looking for a visually appealing, easy-to-use kanban solution.

MeisterTask offers intuitive kanban-style task management with automation capabilities in a clean, modern interface.

Key features:

• Visual kanban boards with customizable sections
• Task automation for routine actions
• Timeline view for project planning
• Integrations with popular productivity tools
• Collaborative features with real-time updates

MeisterTask excels in providing a visually pleasing, straightforward task management experience that's easy to adopt while still offering useful automation capabilities.

MeisterTask offers a free Basic plan with unlimited tasks and up to 3 projects but limited features. Paid plans start at $13 per user monthly for Pro, $25 for Business, with Enterprise available at custom pricing.

Zoho Projects

Best for: Businesses already using Zoho applications who need integrated project management

Zoho Projects delivers comprehensive project and task management that integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho ecosystem of business applications.

Key features:

• Task and milestone management with dependencies
• Gantt charts for timeline visualization
• Time tracking and timesheet generation
• Collaboration tools including chat and forums
• Automation capabilities for workflows and tasks

Zoho Projects is particularly valuable for businesses that already use other Zoho applications, as it creates a connected experience across CRM, finance, and project management functions.

Zoho Projects offers a free plan for up to 5 users and 3 projects. Paid plans start at $4 per user monthly for Premium, $9 for Enterprise, both with annual billing.

Todoist

Best for: Individuals and teams seeking a clean, straightforward task management system without complexity.

Todoist offers an elegantly simple approach to task management that balances power with ease of use, making it perfect for those who want organization without overwhelming features.

Key features:

• Natural language input for quick task creation
• Priority levels and color-coding for visual organization
• Project templates for recurring workflows
• Collaboration features for team task management
• Cross-platform availability with offline functionality

Todoist excels in its simplicity and thoughtful design. The ability to quickly capture tasks using natural language (like "Submit a report every Friday at 3pm") makes it exceptionally intuitive. Its minimalist interface hides powerful organization capabilities, including nested projects, labels, filters, and priority flags.

Todoist offers a capable free plan with up to 5 active projects and 5 collaborators per project. The Pro plan at $4 per user monthly adds unlimited projects, reminders, and templates, while the Business plan at $6 per user monthly includes team management features and admin controls.

Any.do

Best for: Individuals and small teams needing simple, cross-platform task management.

Any.do provides a straightforward task and to-do list app focused on simplicity and accessibility across multiple devices and platforms.

Key features:

• Task and list management with priorities
• Recurring task management and reminders
• Shared lists and task assignment
• Calendar integration for scheduling
• Cross-platform availability on web, mobile, and smart assistants

Any.do stands out for its simplicity and focus on personal productivity while still offering enough collaborative features for small team coordination.

Any.do offers a free plan with basic features. Premium plan costs $4.99 monthly (annual billing), while Teams plan costs $4.99 per user monthly (annual billing). Any.do also offers a Family plan at $8.33/month for 4 members billed annually.

How employee task software improves productivity

Beyond just organizing to-do lists, effective task management software transforms how your teams operate.

Keep tasks from slipping through the cracks.

When responsibilities are documented and tracked systematically rather than relying on memory or scattered notes, nothing gets overlooked. 

Regular tasks stay on schedule, while one-off assignments have clear ownership and deadlines, creating a reliable system that prevents important work from being forgotten.

Improve accountability with clear ownership.

Task management creates transparency around responsibilities, eliminating ambiguity about who owns what. 

This stops finger-pointing and easily identifies who your high performers are, as well as team members who need additional support.

Eliminate the need for constant check-ins or manual updates.

Status updates happen within the system rather than through constant check-ins or messages. That means everyone can stay focused while still providing you with the information you need to monitor progress and address issues proactively.

Lets managers track team workload and redistribute if needed.

Workload imbalances become immediately visible when some team members are overloaded while others don't have much to do. 

You, or your managers, can quickly redistribute tasks to ensure work gets done while staving off burnout.

Boost employee autonomy with self-managed checklists.

With clear task lists and priorities, employees can self-direct their work between customer interactions or other responsibilities.

How to choose the right tool for your business

With so many options available, finding the perfect task management solution requires considering your specific business needs.

Size of your team

• Small teams (under 10 people) typically need simple and quick implementation more than advanced features. 
• Mid-sized teams often require role-based permissions and more structured workflows. 
• Enterprise organizations need robust governance, security features, and scalability to manage hundreds or thousands of employees effectively.

Type of work (field, desk, creative, hourly)

• Field service teams need robust mobile apps with offline functionality, while desk-based workers might prioritize depth of features over mobile experience. 
• Retail and hospitality businesses benefit from tools that integrate with scheduling.
• Creative teams often prefer highly visual interfaces. 

Mobile vs. desktop use

If most task management happens on smartphones, prioritize software with purpose-built mobile apps rather than responsive websites. Test the mobile experience directly—can users complete all essential actions from their phones, or will they need desktop access for certain functions? 

The answer should align with how your team actually uses their devices.

Integrations (payroll, scheduling, HR)

Consider how task management will fit into your current technology ecosystem. Direct integrations with your communication platforms, scheduling software, and operational tools create a seamless workflow, while disconnected systems can lead to friction and duplicate data entry.

Ease of use and learning curve

Balance functionality against usability. The most powerful system is worthless if adoption is poor. Consider your team's technical comfort and willingness to learn new tools. Sometimes a simpler solution beats a feature-rich platform that goes unused because no one can figure it out.

Pro tip: Start with a free trial or free plan and test with a small group before rolling out to your entire organization.

Streamline your team's tasks with Homebase

Managing tasks for a team of hourly workers—where shift changes and swaps can happen on the fly—can be a headache without the right employee task management software. 

While there are many excellent task management tools available in 2025, Homebase stands out by combining robust task management with scheduling, time tracking, and team communication in one integrated platform.

Homebase's free plan for up to 20 employees at one location makes it accessible for even the smallest businesses, with paid plans adding features as your needs grow. By keeping tasks, schedules, and communication in one place, teams spend less time juggling different systems and more time getting work done.

Ready to streamline your team's tasks and boost productivity? Try Homebase today and discover how the right task management system can transform your business operations.


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FAQs about employee task management software

What is the best software for task management?

The best task management software depends on your specific needs: 

• For small businesses with hourly workers, Homebase offers excellent all-in-one functionality. 
• For project-focused teams, ClickUp provides robust features. 
• For visual simplicity, Trello excels. 

Consider your team size, work type, and specific requirements when choosing the right solution.

What is an employee task management system?

An employee task management system is a type of software that helps businesses create, assign, track, and organize work assignments. 

These platforms provide a place for managers to distribute responsibilities and monitor progress while giving employees information about their priorities and deadlines.

Which is the best employee management software?

For comprehensive employee management beyond just tasks, Homebase stands out by combining task management with scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and payroll integration—particularly valuable for businesses with hourly employees. 

For larger organizations with salaried knowledge workers, platforms like Asana, Monday.com, or Wrike might be more suitable.

Does Office 365 have a task manager?

Yes, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) includes Microsoft Planner, a dedicated task management application. Additionally, Microsoft To Do offers personal task management, and tasks can be created within Microsoft Teams. 

These tools integrate with each other and with the broader Microsoft ecosystem, making them convenient for organizations already using Microsoft products.