HotSchedules Vs PeopleMatter: Fourth’s Workforce Tools Compared

Workforce Management

HotSchedules specializes in managing employees after they’re hired. It offers tools for creating schedules using a drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered labor forecasting. Employees can request time off, and managers can approve it from mobile or desktop apps. One standout feature is the built-in compliance alerts—so if a schedule accidentally breaks labor rules (like overtime), managers get notified right away. HotSchedules makes it easy to run day-to-day operations smoothly and with fewer errors.

PeopleMatter, on the other hand, focuses on workforce management before hiring. It streamlines the interview stage with ‘Direct-to-Interview,’ which lets qualified candidates book interview slots automatically. After hiring, it supports onboarding and handles compliance tasks like E-Verify. However, it doesn’t offer post-hire scheduling tools.

Together, the two tools can connect to create a seamless hiring-to-scheduling workflow. Once a new hire completes onboarding in PeopleMatter, their information can flow directly into HotSchedules, where managers can immediately begin assigning shifts.

AI And Automation

HotSchedules focuses on post-hire automation. It uses AI to forecast staffing needs by analyzing things like past sales, weather, and local events. Based on that, it automatically creates optimized shift schedules, helping managers avoid over- or understaffing. It also integrates with POS systems to adjust schedules in real time and alerts managers if any schedule breaks labor laws. For employees, HotSchedules offers self-service tools—like swapping shifts or requesting time off via mobile—and even sends automatic shift reminders. On the operations side, its integration with MacromatiX helps restaurants automate inventory and ingredient ordering based on sales forecasts, reducing food waste and improving stock accuracy.

PeopleMatter, meanwhile, brings automation to the hiring and onboarding process. Its AI tools automatically manage job ad placements to attract more applicants at a lower cost. It pre-screens candidates through custom questionnaires and instantly schedules interviews for those who qualify—cutting down hiring time dramatically. Once someone is hired, PeopleMatter automates onboarding tasks like tax paperwork and E-Verify checks. It also supports two-way SMS conversations with applicants, which helps reduce drop-off rates during hiring.

Compliance And Reporting

HotSchedules is built for post-hire compliance. It helps managers stay within labor laws by flagging violations in real time—like scheduling minors too many hours or breaking predictive scheduling rules. It tracks employee certifications, such as food safety licenses, and notifies managers before they expire.

On the payroll side, HotSchedules generates detailed reports that show hours worked, overtime, and job-specific labor costs, helping teams stay audit-ready. It also pulls in data from POS systems to compare sales with labor, preventing costly overstaffing. Managers can also access reports on staff availability to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure agreements are honored. Even purchasing compliance is covered—its Program Compliance Report shows if managers are ordering from approved vendors or not.

PeopleMatter, in comparison, handles compliance during hiring and onboarding. It ensures each user has a unique login to meet E-Verify rules and tracks incomplete I-9s or pending verifications right from the dashboard.

All I-9 forms and E-Verify steps are automated, with full audit trails to support inspections. It also includes training modules for users to stay compliant with federal guidelines. Beyond that, PeopleMatter tracks protected class data—like veteran status or disabilities—to support equal opportunity reporting. For hiring analytics, it reports on candidate demographics and requisition statuses to help businesses maintain fair hiring practices.

Financial Tools

HotSchedules integrates with Fuego’s Earned Wage Access system, which allows employees to withdraw up to 50% of their earned wages immediately after completing a shift. This amount is then automatically deducted from their next paycheck, just like a regular post-tax deduction. There’s no cost to the employer, and the process is fully integrated—employees simply log into HotSchedules to check their shifts and can instantly see how much money they’ve earned and how much is available for early access. This gives workers more financial flexibility, especially in industries with variable hours and tight cash flow between pay periods.

PeopleMatter, meanwhile, supports financial access at the onboarding stage, particularly for employees who may not have a traditional bank account. During the hiring process, PeopleMatter offers enrollment in the Fuego Visa® Card—a reloadable pay card that enables unbanked workers to receive their wages digitally. This card functions like a regular debit card, allowing employees to make purchases, withdraw cash, and manage their earnings without needing a bank.

Mobile Accessibility

HotSchedules provides a dedicated mobile app that employees can use to swap shifts, request time off, and message their team. The app gives staff more control over their schedules without needing to check in with a manager every time. The app requires a paid download (typically $2.99), and managers can make schedule edits on the go. However, it doesn’t include time-tracking—Clock-ins and outs are handled via a separate WebClock module, which is accessed through a web-based interface, not the mobile app.

PeopleMatter, in contrast, focuses its mobile features on the hiring and onboarding experience. It’s mobile-optimized for both job applicants and managers. Candidates can apply for jobs, complete screening steps, and even schedule interviews—all from their phones. However, as of May 2024, PeopleMatter officially sunset its mobile app. The app is currently no longer available in app stores, and the mobile app setting has been removed from the platform.