UKG Expands Workforce Management Capabilities with Acquisition of Shiftboard, a Leader in Energy and Manufacturing Employee Scheduling
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), a global frontrunner in providing comprehensive HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions, has officially announced the acquisition of Shiftboard, a premier employee scheduling software platform designed to address the complex demands of mission-critical industries such as oil and gas, energy, and manufacturing. This strategic move underscores UKG’s commitment to enhancing workforce optimization through intelligent automation and advanced AI-driven tools, tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by these sectors.
Addressing Complex Workforce Challenges in Critical Industries
Shiftboard has built a strong reputation for its ability to tackle some of the most intricate workforce scheduling problems. The company’s platform is trusted by leading global organizations including BASF, Bridgestone, Daisy Brand, and Shell. These organizations operate in environments characterized by fluctuating production demands, rigorous regulatory compliance requirements, and the necessity for continuous, around-the-clock operations. Shiftboard’s software has enabled these companies to align their labor strategies closely with operational needs, ensuring seamless productivity without compromising employee satisfaction or regulatory adherence.
Scheduling employees in industries like oil and gas or manufacturing involves a complex balancing act. Managers must juggle varying shift patterns, union regulations, safety compliance mandates, and employee availability—all while maintaining efficient operations that can respond dynamically to sudden changes in production demand. Shiftboard’s intelligent scheduling engine employs automation and adaptive algorithms that make it easier for organizations to meet these demands. By doing so, it not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances frontline workforce engagement, which is increasingly recognized as a vital factor in overall organizational success.
The Power of Adaptive Scheduling
Shiftboard’s platform is unique in its approach to employee scheduling. It goes beyond simple shift assignment to offer adaptive, employee-centric scheduling solutions that respond in real time to operational changes. Over 500 organizations worldwide rely on Shiftboard’s automation capabilities to streamline their workforce management. According to an internal customer survey, Shiftboard resolves up to 90% of daily scheduling challenges, dramatically reducing the time managers spend on manual adjustments and improving workforce stability.
By leveraging data-driven insights, the platform anticipates potential staffing gaps and automatically proposes solutions that optimize coverage. This reduces the risk of understaffing or overstaffing, both of which can have costly repercussions in high-stakes industries. Moreover, Shiftboard emphasizes employee experience by creating schedules that accommodate worker preferences and availability, which leads to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates—key advantages in sectors where skilled labor is often scarce.
Enhancing UKG’s Workforce Management Suite with Shiftboard Technology
The acquisition enables UKG to integrate Shiftboard’s advanced scheduling capabilities into its existing UKG Pro Workforce Management™ suite, creating a holistic, AI-first solution for customers operating in energy, manufacturing, and related industries. This integration will empower organizations to harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning not only for scheduling but across the entire workforce lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to performance management and compliance tracking.
Rachel Barger, president of go-to-market at UKG, highlighted the significance of this development, stating:
“For hundreds of organizations navigating some of the most intensely regulated industries, Shiftboard’s industry-leading employee scheduling engine has been a game changer, unlocking new levels of efficiency, flexibility, productivity, and employee engagement in sectors defined by rapidly changing production demands. Together, we’re going to help our customers usher in a new generation of workforce operations across the oil and gas, energy, and manufacturing sectors, defined by AI, workforce insights, and improved employee sentiment.”
This vision aligns with UKG’s broader strategy of enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions that maximize workforce potential while maintaining compliance and operational resilience. The enhanced platform will provide actionable recommendations based on real-time analytics, enabling leaders to proactively address workforce risks before they impact production.
Industry Impact and Customer Benefits
The convergence of UKG’s workforce management leadership and Shiftboard’s niche scheduling expertise represents a significant advantage for customers facing unprecedented workforce challenges. Labor shortages, evolving regulations, and the increasing complexity of global supply chains have made effective workforce scheduling more critical than ever. The integration promises:
- Improved Compliance: Automated adherence to union agreements, labor laws, and safety protocols reduces risk and potential penalties.
- Increased Flexibility: Dynamic scheduling adapts to changing operational needs without sacrificing employee work-life balance.
- Enhanced Productivity: Optimal staffing levels minimize downtime and ensure mission-critical tasks are consistently covered.
- Employee Engagement: Schedules that respect employee preferences foster higher morale, lower absenteeism, and reduced turnover.
- Scalability: Cloud-based, AI-driven tools scale with organizational growth and evolving business needs.
These benefits translate directly into bottom-line improvements. For energy companies managing 24/7 drilling operations or manufacturers working with shift-based production lines, every minute of downtime avoided and every compliance issue mitigated saves significant costs and protects brand reputation.
Shiftboard’s Leadership and Future Integration
Sterling Wilson, president and CEO of Shiftboard, emphasized the shared vision with UKG:
“Mission-critical organizations worldwide trust Shiftboard to simplify complex workforce challenges and support their most vital operations. Joining forces with UKG, the global leader in workforce management and a true innovator in the future of workforce operations, will significantly amplify the impact and reach of our industry-proven technology.”
Shiftboard brings a highly experienced team of about 50 employees based primarily in the United States and Canada. These employees bring specialized knowledge of the energy and manufacturing sectors, as well as deep expertise in scheduling software development. Their integration into UKG will accelerate the development of new features and ensure the combined platform continues to meet the evolving needs of these industries.
UKG’s Market Leadership and Commitment
UKG is recognized as the #1 global workforce management provider by market share, serving two-thirds of Fortune 1000 companies, including 70% of Fortune 500 manufacturers. This acquisition reinforces UKG’s position as a leader in providing end-to-end workforce solutions tailored to the specific challenges of demanding sectors. With a global customer base and a robust product portfolio, UKG is uniquely positioned to deliver transformative value through innovation and integration.
The deal was finalized on May 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both companies and the industries they serve. Customers can expect a seamless transition and continued support as the companies work to integrate the technologies and expand their combined offerings.
The acquisition of Shiftboard represents more than just a business transaction—it signals the dawn of a new era in workforce operations for energy, manufacturing, and oil and gas industries. By harnessing AI, data analytics, and adaptive scheduling, UKG and Shiftboard are enabling organizations to not only meet today’s challenges but anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.
As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on employee well-being and operational agility, UKG’s enhanced platform will help companies stay ahead of the curve. This acquisition is a testament to UKG’s vision of a future where workforce management is seamlessly integrated, deeply intelligent, and focused on both business outcomes and employee experience.
