Zenefits (now TriNet) vs When I Work
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Zenefits (now TriNet)
Zenefits was a cloud-based HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. In 2022, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet, one of the largest PEO providers in the US. The Zenefits platform has been integrated into TriNet's product suite. Businesses previously using Zenefits are now served under the TriNet brand.
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
Pros
- ✓Strong benefits administration with a wide carrier network
- ✓Easy employee self-service for benefits enrollment and changes
- ✓Affordable base pricing for small teams
- ✓Good compliance tools for ACA and other regulations
Cons
- ✗Payroll processing costs extra as an add-on
- ✗Customer support quality has been inconsistent historically
- ✗Less suitable for companies that need advanced HR or payroll features
Pros
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs When I Work: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | When I Work |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | $2.50/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
How Zenefits (now TriNet) and When I Work Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor When I Work is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zenefits (now TriNet) and When I Work?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or When I Work?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers