Abstract: A method and system for creating an optimized workforce schedule for a set of local or remote human resources to insure optimum staff schedules based on forecasted demand, past schedules, employee skill sets, and employee preferences is provided. Upon receiving a request to create a schedule, the system uses a pattern recognition procedure to create the initial workforce schedule. The pattern recognition procedure considers staff attributes and skills as well as past schedules to create the initial workforce schedule. The initial workforce schedule is then refined via a neighborhood search algorithm that incorporates user input and employee preferences to generate an optimized schedule that meets the forecasted demand for selected positions while satisfying employee preferences.