The Best WFM Software for Call Centers in 2025

Last Updated -
March 5, 2025 11:14
Written by -
Alec Chambers

Call centers face tough challenges when managing staff schedules, forecasting call volumes, and keeping their teams productive. The right workforce management (WFM) software makes these tasks much simpler. As we look toward 2025, new technologies are changing how call centers handle their workforce needs.

This guide walks you through the best WFM software options for call centers in 2025. We've gathered information from real users, industry experts, and company resources to help you find the right fit for your call center. Whether you run a small team or a large operation across multiple locations, you'll find solutions that match your needs.

We focus on what matters most: features that solve actual problems, pricing that makes sense for different budgets, and honest assessments of each tool's strengths and limitations. No fancy claims or buzzwords—just practical information you can use to make a smart choice for your call center.

The Best WFM Software For Call Centers

  • Genesys - Enterprise-Grade WFM Solution
  • NICE inContact - Complete Cloud Contact Center Solution
  • Alvaria - Advanced WFM For Complex Contact Centers
  • Calabrio ONE - Unified Workforce Engagement Management
  • Talkdesk - Advanced Call Center Solutions with WFM Capabilities

Genesys - Enterprise-Grade WFM Solution

Genesys

Since 1990, Genesys has evolved from its California beginnings into a global provider of customer experience solutions. Their platform handles interactions across multiple channels including voice, email, chat, and SMS, allowing businesses to meet customers on their preferred communication method.

The company offers several product options through their suite: Genesys Cloud CX, Multicloud CX, and PureConnect. These solutions serve organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises looking for comprehensive contact center management tools.

What makes Genesys stand out is their focus on AI-powered features that help contact centers operate more efficiently. Their platform connects seamlessly with major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, giving businesses flexibility in how they structure their customer service infrastructure.

Internet Reviews

Users often praise Genesys for its innovative AI capabilities and robust functionality. The platform receives positive feedback for delivering personalized customer interactions and releasing regular updates that enhance the overall experience.

However, some reviews point to complexity issues, with users finding the system challenging to navigate at first. Technical hiccups like occasional data lags and system outages appear in feedback, though many users highlight the responsive customer support team that helps overcome these challenges.

The learning curve seems worth it for most users, who appreciate the advanced features once they become familiar with the platform.

Features

  • Genesys Multicloud CX: Flexible cloud-based call center software deployable on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, offering businesses customizable cloud solutions for customer engagement.
  • Genesys Cloud CX: Microservices-based platform providing comprehensive customer experience management with omnichannel support, advanced analytics, and workforce engagement tools.
  • Genesys Agent Copilot: AI-powered assistant that delivers real-time recommendations, automates interaction summaries, and streamlines agent workflows for enhanced productivity.
  • Digital Engagement Capabilities: Supports multiple communication channels including voice, email, SMS, and chat to create seamless customer interaction experiences across digital platforms.
  • AI Predictive Engagement: Intelligent software that anticipates customer needs, personalizes interactions, and provides proactive customer support solutions.
  • Workforce Optimization: Advanced tools for scheduling, performance management, and employee engagement designed to improve contact center efficiency and productivity.
  • Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Comprehensive reporting features that offer deep insights into customer interactions, agent performance, and business communication metrics.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Genesys offers three pricing models: per user, per hour (starting at $0.68/hour), and concurrent users pricing.
  • Cloud plans range from $75 to $115 per user per month when billed annually, with three tiers: Genesys Cloud 1 (Voice), Genesys Cloud 2 (Digital), and Genesys Cloud 2 (Digital + Voice).
  • Minimum monthly commitment is $2,000, which covers approximately 27 agents on the lowest-cost plan.
  • Optional add-ons include AI Experience starting at $40 per month and Genesys Cloud EX at $90 per month.
  • Messaging services are priced at $0.15 per conversation, SMS starts at $0.01 per message, and voice bots cost $0.06 per minute.
  • Implementation costs are separate and not included in the monthly pricing, and customized pricing requires direct contact with Genesys.

Overall Opinion

Genesys delivers a robust workforce management solution for contact centers seeking advanced capabilities. While not the simplest platform to master, it rewards persistent users with powerful tools for customer interaction management and agent productivity optimization.

The pricing structure makes Genesys more suitable for mid-sized to large businesses with established call center operations and dedicated IT resources. For organizations willing to invest the time in training and setup, the platform offers excellent flexibility and scalability for growing contact centers.

If your business needs sophisticated AI capabilities and omnichannel support, Genesys provides a comprehensive solution that can transform your customer experience operations, despite the initial learning curve.

NICE inContact - Complete Cloud Contact Center Solution

NICE inContact

NICE inContact (now rebranded as NICE CXone) offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed specifically for modern contact centers. The system brings together all customer communication channels into one unified interface, allowing agents to handle everything from calls to social media messages without switching between tools.

What makes NICE inContact stand out is its ability to adapt to businesses of all sizes. The platform scales gracefully whether you're managing a small team or coordinating thousands of agents across multiple locations. Its AI capabilities help predict call volumes and match customers with the most suitable agents based on skills and availability.

Supervisors will appreciate the real-time monitoring tools that make it easy to track performance and provide coaching when needed. The platform also eliminates many integration headaches with its marketplace of over 100 pre-built connections to popular business tools.

Internet Reviews

Customer feedback for NICE inContact reveals a platform that excels in several areas while showing room for improvement in others. Users consistently praise its integration capabilities, particularly with major CRM platforms like Salesforce. Many managers highlight the detailed analytics that help them optimize their team's performance over time.

The platform gets high marks for its customer support and minimal training requirements, making it accessible to new agents. However, some users report occasional technical issues including system crashes and dropped calls. Others mention frustrations with the user interface, noting limitations in customization options for availability settings and disposition statuses.

Features

  • Omnichannel Routing: Seamlessly manage customer interactions across voice, email, chat, social media, and messaging platforms with intelligent routing that connects customers to the most suitable agents based on skills and needs.
  • Workforce Optimization: Utilize advanced forecasting and scheduling tools to predict call volumes, monitor agent performance, and provide real-time coaching to enhance overall contact center efficiency.
  • Comprehensive Analytics: Access in-depth insights into customer interactions with customizable reports that help businesses understand performance metrics and identify areas for improvement.
  • AI-Powered Automation: Leverage artificial intelligence tools like Enlighten AI and NEVA Discover to automate routine tasks, improve interaction quality, and streamline customer service workflows.
  • Advanced Supervisor Tools: Enable real-time monitoring of agent activities, manage skill levels, and provide targeted coaching through interaction recordings and performance tracking.
  • Flexible Integration: Easily connect with other systems using RESTful APIs and SDKs, with access to over 100 pre-built integrations through the CXexchange Marketplace.
  • Robust Cloud Foundation: Benefit from a scalable, secure cloud-native infrastructure with a 99.99% uptime service level agreement, ensuring reliable and flexible contact center operations.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Digital Agent Plan at $71 per user/month, ideal for businesses with online customer interactions, supporting 30+ digital channels and dedicated workspaces.
  • Voice Agent Plan at $94 per user/month, focusing on voice-based interactions with universal queue and voice IVR capabilities.
  • Omnichannel Agent Plan at $110 per user/month provides blended routing across digital and voice channels with comprehensive recording and storage features.
  • Essential Suite at $135 per user/month offers quality management with screen recording, real-time monitoring, and customizable dashboards.
  • Core Suite at $169 per user/month designed for complex scheduling needs, featuring AI-driven forecasting and agent mobile scheduling tools.
  • Complete Suite at $209 per user/month provides advanced analytics with AI-driven omnichannel insights, sentiment analysis, and contextual customer feedback.
  • CXone Mpower Ultimate Suite at $249 per user/month includes complete automation of customer service workflows with comprehensive AI-powered tools.

Overall Opinion

NICE inContact delivers a solid cloud-based contact center solution that works well for most businesses. Its greatest strength lies in bringing together multiple communication channels while providing powerful tools for workforce management and analytics. The tiered pricing structure allows companies to start with basic functionality and add more advanced features as needed.

While the occasional technical glitches and interface limitations might frustrate some users, these drawbacks are outweighed by the platform's comprehensive capabilities and excellent integration options. For call centers looking to improve efficiency while maintaining flexibility across channels, NICE inContact represents a worthwhile investment despite its premium pricing. Just be prepared to spend time on proper implementation and training to unlock its full potential.

Alvaria - Advanced WFM For Complex Contact Centers

Alvaria

Alvaria emerged in 2021 when Aspect Software and Noble Systems Corporation joined forces, creating a powerful contact center management solution. Based in Atlanta with a global presence, the company specializes in helping organizations balance excellent customer service with operational efficiency.

Their platform handles everything contact centers need - from basic call routing to complex workforce scheduling across multiple channels. What makes Alvaria stand out is how it combines customer engagement tools with workforce management features in one integrated system.

The software particularly shines in industries with complicated staffing needs, like financial services and healthcare, where balancing customer demands with resource management presents daily challenges.

Internet Reviews

Users generally praise Alvaria for its reliable performance and intuitive interfaces that offer multiple viewing formats. The platform's flexibility gets positive mentions, particularly from larger contact centers that need customizable solutions.

However, many reviewers point out that Alvaria comes with an overwhelming number of features - with more than half considered unnecessary for typical business operations. This abundance of options can create a steeper learning curve for new users.

The company's innovation lab, Alvaria Horizons, receives recognition for pushing workforce engagement management forward, though some customers have expressed concerns about reporting accuracy in certain scenarios.

Features

  • Alvaria Cloud Solution: A flexible, scalable cloud-based contact center platform that helps businesses manage customer interactions across multiple channels efficiently and seamlessly.
  • Alvaria Workforce Management: Advanced tool for predicting contact volumes, generating optimized employee schedules, and tracking real-time performance to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Alvaria CX Suite: Comprehensive customer experience solution that integrates inbound and outbound contact management with workforce optimization technologies.
  • Alvaria Employee Experience: Innovative platform designed to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity within contact center environments.
  • Alvaria Mobile Features: Convenient mobile tools that enable employees to manage schedules, submit shift requests, and interact with workforce systems on-the-go.
  • Real-Time Optimization Tool: Intelligent system that monitors and adjusts contact center operations in real-time, ensuring maximum resource utilization and performance.
  • Multichannel Customer Engagement: Integrated platform supporting interactions across voice, email, chat, social media, and digital channels for seamless customer communication.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Alvaria Cloud starts at $90.00 per year, making it an affordable solution for businesses seeking customer engagement software.
  • No free version is currently available for potential users to test the platform before purchasing.
  • Custom pricing is recommended for larger enterprises or organizations with specific contact center requirements, suggesting potential volume-based discounts.
  • Pricing may vary based on the number of users, contact center size, and specific feature requirements, so direct consultation with Alvaria sales representatives is advised.

Overall Opinion

Alvaria offers a robust solution for contact centers that need comprehensive workforce management capabilities. Its recent mobile enhancements and improved forecasting tools show the company's commitment to evolving with industry needs.

The platform works best for mid-to-large operations that can take advantage of its extensive feature set. Smaller contact centers might find the system more complex than necessary for their operations. While there's no free trial available, the company provides personalized demos to help potential customers understand the platform's capabilities.

For organizations willing to invest time in implementation and training, Alvaria delivers a powerful set of tools that can significantly improve both workforce efficiency and customer experience outcomes. The key consideration is whether your contact center needs the depth of functionality Alvaria provides.

Calabrio ONE - Unified Workforce Engagement Management

Calabrio

Calabrio ONE stands out as a comprehensive workforce engagement solution designed specifically for modern contact centers. This all-in-one platform combines workforce management, quality monitoring, and analytics in a unified cloud-based system that helps streamline operations across your entire contact center.

What makes Calabrio unique is its integrated approach. The platform provides a single interface where managers can handle everything from scheduling to performance tracking, while agents get personalized dashboards to manage their work life. The system adapts to different roles within your organization, ensuring everyone from frontline staff to executives has access to the tools they need.

With AI-powered forecasting and robust analytics capabilities, Calabrio helps contact centers make data-driven decisions about staffing and customer service improvement without needing separate systems for each function.

Internet Reviews

Users frequently praise Calabrio for its robust feature set, particularly its ability to manage complex multi-skilled teams. The quality management tools and AI-driven analytics receive consistently positive feedback across review platforms. However, many users mention there's a learning curve when first implementing the system, and some find the pricing higher than competitors in the space.

The cloud-based deployment gets high marks for reliability, while the performance assessment capabilities are highlighted as particularly valuable. Customer support is generally well-regarded, though response times can vary depending on the issue complexity.

Features

  • Workforce Management (WFM): Offers powerful scheduling and forecasting tools that help contact centers balance business needs with agent preferences, providing complete visibility into agent skills and availability.
  • Quality Management (QM): Delivers comprehensive call and screen recording solutions with advanced evaluation tools, enabling supervisors to maintain consistent performance standards and generate insightful performance reports.
  • Interaction Analytics: Automatically reviews and categorizes customer interactions using AI-driven speech and text analytics, providing valuable insights for compliance, quality improvement, and strategic decision-making.
  • Real-Time Reporting and Dashboards: Provides customizable, user-friendly dashboards that offer real-time performance metrics, alerts, and data visualization for agents, supervisors, and executives.
  • Agent Engagement Tools: Includes personalized feedback mechanisms, performance tracking, and self-service scheduling options that empower agents and improve overall workplace satisfaction.
  • Compliance and Performance Management: Ensures data privacy, monitors call quality, and helps organizations maintain high standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.
  • Flexible Integration and Customization: Offers robust API capabilities, multilingual support, and the ability to customize the platform to meet unique organizational workflows and requirements.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Baseline Package starts at approximately $75 per agent per month, with pricing varying based on number of agents, features, and deployment method.
  • Advanced features and larger deployments may require personalized quotes, with additional costs for implementation, training, data storage, and third-party integrations.
  • Calabrio ONE Suite on AWS Marketplace offers a 12-month contract for $1,500, which includes Quality Management, Workforce Management, and Analytics licenses.
  • Pricing is customizable and recommended to be discussed directly with Calabrio's sales team for precise, tailored quotes based on specific organizational needs.

Overall Opinion

Calabrio ONE delivers a solid, integrated solution for contact centers looking to improve workforce management and quality monitoring in one platform. The software shines in managing complex, multi-skilled teams and providing advanced analytics that help businesses make data-driven decisions.

While the learning curve can be steep and the price point is higher than some alternatives, the comprehensive feature set often justifies the investment for medium to large contact centers. Integration challenges with existing HRMS tools and some reporting limitations are drawbacks to consider.

Calabrio works best for organizations with complex scheduling needs and those wanting to unify their quality management and workforce planning. Smaller contact centers might find the system offers more than they need, but growing operations will appreciate the scalability and rich feature set that grows with their business.

Talkdesk - Advanced Call Center Solutions with WFM Capabilities

Talkdesk

Talkdesk has built a reputation as a comprehensive cloud-based contact center platform that brings multiple communication channels together under one roof. The platform stands out for its ability to unify voice, digital, and social media interactions, creating a seamless experience for both agents and customers.

What makes Talkdesk particularly valuable for call centers is its single-dashboard approach. Agents can manage calls, emails, chats, and social media conversations without jumping between different systems. This integration extends to popular CRM tools like Salesforce and Zendesk, allowing teams to access customer information instantly during interactions.

For workforce management specifically, Talkdesk offers AI-powered tools that help supervisors forecast staffing needs, optimize schedules, and monitor team performance in real-time. This makes it especially useful for call centers that need to balance efficiency with customer satisfaction.

Internet Reviews

Talkdesk receives generally positive feedback across review platforms, with particular praise for its user-friendly interface. Many customers highlight how quickly their teams adapted to the system, especially those transitioning to remote work environments. The platform's integration capabilities with existing CRM systems like Salesforce consistently earn high marks.

However, not all feedback is glowing. Some users report occasional technical issues with call recording functionality and compatibility with certain systems. There are also mentions of limitations in the reporting tools, particularly when trying to analyze data from newer features. These factors might impact organizations that require highly detailed analytics.

Features

  • Omnichannel Support: Handles voice, email, chat, SMS, and social media in one platform, letting agents switch channels during conversations.
  • Smart Customer Routing: Directs customers to the right agent using customizable flows based on needs and available data.
  • AI-Powered Self-Service: Offers virtual agents that analyze customer intent and provide automated solutions when possible.
  • Wide Integration Options: Connects with CRM systems like Salesforce and Zendesk to create custom workflows.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Provides dashboards and reports to track performance and improve strategies.
  • AI Workforce Management: Uses artificial intelligence to predict call volumes, manage schedules, and monitor performance.
  • Strong Security: Implements Talkdesk Guardian to protect customer data and ensure compliance.
  • Single Workspace: Offers a complete platform accessible from any device with all tools in one view.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Talkdesk Express: $45 per user/month with a 15-day free trial (available through resellers).
  • CX Cloud Digital Essentials: $85 per user/month for digital-only engagement without voice.
  • CX Cloud Essentials: $85 per user/month for voice-focused call center capabilities.
  • CX Cloud Elevate: $115 per user/month with omnichannel and AI workflows for growing teams.
  • CX Cloud Elite: $145 per user/month for enterprise needs with full WFM and custom reporting.
  • All pricing based on three-year contracts with additional usage rates for calls and messaging.

Overall Opinion

Talkdesk stands out as a solid WFM solution for call centers looking to unify their customer service channels. Its strength lies in combining voice and digital communications with powerful workforce management tools in one platform. The AI-driven forecasting and scheduling features are particularly valuable for medium to large call centers with complex staffing needs.

While not the cheapest option on the market, Talkdesk offers good value when you consider the breadth of features included. The tiered pricing structure makes it accessible to both smaller teams and large enterprises. Organizations considering Talkdesk should weigh the occasional technical issues against the platform's comprehensive capabilities and generally positive user experience.

For call centers prioritizing agent efficiency and looking to improve their workforce management in 2025, Talkdesk represents a technology-forward choice that balances practical functionality with advanced features.

How to Choose WFM Software For Call Centers

Finding the right workforce management software for your call center isn't just about picking the most expensive option with the longest feature list. It requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Here's how to make a smart choice:

Understand Your Call Center's Unique Requirements

Before diving into demos and sales pitches, take time to analyze what your operation truly needs. A small call center with 20 agents has very different requirements than an enterprise with 500+ seats across multiple locations. List your must-have features versus nice-to-haves.

Focus on Forecasting Accuracy

The foundation of good WFM is accurate forecasting. Look for software that can analyze historical data from multiple sources and create reliable predictions. Better forecasting means better scheduling and happier customers. Ask vendors about their forecasting algorithms and how they handle seasonal variations.

Evaluate Real-Time Adherence Tools

How will the system help you monitor when agents are out of adherence? The best WFM tools provide real-time visibility into schedule adherence with easy-to-understand dashboards and automated alerts when issues arise.

Consider Integration Capabilities

Your WFM software shouldn't exist in isolation. It needs to work seamlessly with your existing tech stack. Check if it integrates with your:

  • ACD and phone systems
  • CRM platforms
  • Quality management tools
  • HR and payroll systems

Prioritize User Experience

A powerful system that nobody can figure out won't deliver results. Look for intuitive interfaces for both supervisors and agents. Many vendors offer self-service portals for agents to manage their schedules, which can significantly reduce administrative overhead.

Don't Forget About Support and Training

Even the most user-friendly software requires support. Ask about onboarding processes, training resources, and ongoing support options. Will you have a dedicated account manager? What are their support hours? Is training included or an extra cost?

Establish Your Budget

WFM solutions range from basic scheduling tools to comprehensive workforce optimization suites. Be clear about your budget constraints, but remember that the right solution should deliver ROI through improved efficiency and reduced labor costs.

WFM Software For Call Centers FAQ

What exactly is WFM software for call centers?

WFM (Workforce Management) software helps call centers forecast call volumes, schedule the right number of agents at the right times, track adherence to those schedules, and manage time-off requests. It's essentially the system that makes sure you have the right people available when customers need them.

How much does call center WFM software typically cost?

Pricing varies widely based on features and deployment model. Cloud-based solutions typically charge per agent per month (ranging from $15-$150 depending on features). On-premises solutions often require larger upfront investments starting at several thousand dollars plus ongoing maintenance fees.

Is cloud-based or on-premises WFM better for call centers?

Cloud solutions offer faster implementation, automatic updates, and lower initial costs. They're usually best for small to mid-sized centers or those wanting to minimize IT involvement. On-premises solutions provide more customization options and may make sense for very large operations with specific security requirements.

How long does implementation usually take?

Implementation timelines vary from a few weeks for basic cloud solutions to several months for complex enterprise deployments. The timeline depends on factors like integration requirements, data migration needs, and customization requests.

Can WFM software help with remote agent management?

Yes! Modern WFM solutions include features specifically designed for remote workforces, like virtual punch clocks, online schedule access, automated status updates, and performance tracking tools that work regardless of agent location.

Final Advice on Buying WFM Software For Call Centers

When it comes down to making your final decision, remember that the perfect WFM solution balances functionality, usability, and cost. Here are some parting thoughts to guide your purchase:

Start with a trial whenever possible. Most vendors offer demo periods where you can test drive their software with a portion of your team. Use this time to verify that the system meets your specific needs and that your team finds it intuitive.

Talk to references in your industry. Ask vendors for customer references similar to your call center size and type. Prepare specific questions about implementation challenges, ROI, and what they wish they'd known before purchasing.

Plan for growth. The solution you choose should scale with your business. Will it accommodate seasonal spikes? Can you easily add users? Are there tiered pricing options? Avoiding a painful migration down the road is worth considering a slightly more robust solution today.

Don't underestimate change management. Even the best WFM solution will fall flat without proper change management. Budget time and resources for training, gather feedback during implementation, and identify internal champions who can help drive adoption.

Remember that WFM is a journey, not a destination. The software you select should evolve with your call center's needs. Look for vendors with strong product roadmaps and regular updates that incorporate customer feedback and industry trends.

Finally, trust your instincts about vendor relationships. You're not just buying software—you're entering a partnership. The vendor's responsiveness during the sales process often indicates how they'll treat you after you've signed the contract. Choose partners who listen to your needs and demonstrate genuine interest in your success.

Written by Alec Chambers

Hi! I'm the creator behind ToolsForHumans. My journey, ignited by an obsession with ChatGPT after witnessing the practical applications of the tool, quickly expanded to include the launch of this site and a deep dive into more than 450 tools.

Over the past 2 years, I've been diligently crafting use cases and producing tutorial videos with the goal of demystifying AI and making it accessible to everyone. Alongside this, I've assembled specialized business toolkits, carefully selecting the best tools specifically tailored to various professions and industries.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, and if you're feeling particularly generous, giving our company page a follow. I'm always up for a chat!