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IT4nextgen > Key Concepts > What is Time-Tracking: The Complete Guide

What is Time-Tracking: The Complete Guide

Last Updated June 8, 2021 By Lori Wade Leave a Comment

Ever noticed how much discipline and motivation are needed to stay focused on any given task? There are a lot of distractions that come our way and without proper management of time, we may get ourselves in the soup. From childhood, we have all been told that the scarcest resource is time and we ought to use and invest in it prudently. How comes some people have difficulty accomplishing their given task within the given time while others do not? Time tracking is the secret to proper management of time and for ensuring productivity.

Wondering how time tracking is beneficial to you? Do not stop here! Continue reading and we will give you all the necessary information about time tracking in this guide. 

What is Time Tracking? 

Time tracking is the measuring and documentation of the actual hours spent working. This can either be billable work or non-billable work done in between such as traveling and marketing. Previously, paper pen and stopwatches were used to log hours. Currently, there are several apps, software, and tool that help managers, freelancers, and businessmen to record each second of their day accurately. This helps in limiting screen time and other non-productive activities. 

How Beneficial can Time Tracking be?

Recent studies have shown that more than 8 hours excluding resting moments and lunch breaks are wasted by several people.  With the advancement of technology of the 5G network, people can’t help themselves but browse every spare minute they get. If you were to calculate the amount that is lost by thousands of companies given the average hourly wage to be $22.23, you might be shocked. See why several companies have turned to time tracking as a way of monitoring their employees to ensure time is spent on productive tasks?  However, several other companies use a fixed rate but they still include time tracking in the work process. Why? 

  • It saves time and increases the productivity of employees as it gives you insight into the business and how profitable it is. 
  • Creation of an honest, open, and transparent culture in the company. 
  • Effective planning of resources.
  • Boosting motivation and discipline in time management among employees. 
  • Provides payroll and billing data that is accurate. 

Hang on for a minute! 

Methods of Time Tracking

There are several methods of time tracking that you need to know. The method of time tracking that you will use will depend on the specific purpose, common practice and the field of your work. In search of software to track your time? Be prepared to find several types in the market. But the main defining feature is the style of entering time. 

Swipe card systems 

This where your employees register their arrival and time of leaving by swiping their badge against the reader. This is a great way for registering late attendance or absence. 

Pro

  • Easy to use and implementation 

Cons

  • The needs of remote workers are not covered and the system doesn’t give you the ability to record time by the task. Therefore, you will not have the opportunity to know how time is being spent. 

Timer systems

This is the easiest timesheet that offers you the opportunity to record the total hours worked. In combination with other complex tools, you can allocate specific time to different tasks. 

Pro 

Detailed result of work time by activities and tasks carried out hence calculation of time spent is not necessary as timer automatically counts it for you.

Cons 

Time may be recorded incorrectly since some users tend to forget to change in between tasks. 

Clock in clock out systems

This system can be a bit complicated as it gives several possibilities of clocking in and out such as mobile or PC apps, by calling a toll-free phone number, and via special equipment in the office or production site. 

Pros

An easy way of tracking attendance both in the field and in the office

Cons 

There is no detailed record of how time is spent.

Geolocation Systems 

This is a great system for companies that has field workforce. This system is installed in the mobile phone of the employee and it utilizes GPS monitoring where the system will perform a punch -in when the worker arrives at the specified site. 

Pros 

It gives accurate data on where your worker is and when. 

Cons 

Due to 24/7 tracking of location, employees may feel surveilled and micromanaged and legal issues may arise. 

Implementation of Time Tracking

Is the implementation process difficult?  Yes, you are right! As you can imagine it is not that easy. Initially, there will be some resistance since it is very difficult to let go of old habits. To make sure the implementation process does not go wrong, follow the steps below. 

  • Communication of the goals you plan to achieve with your employees.
  • Explanation of the benefits.
  • Configuration of the process to make it easy.
  • Collect feedback and make changes to the process. 

Although time tracking is often used for timely payment and provision of payroll data that is accurate, it greatly benefits employees personally. This includes them being paid fairly for overtime, helping them stay focused and organized and creating awareness of their productivity. Time tracking simplifies the analysis of data and allows for obtaining valuable data with minimal efforts.  

Filed Under: Key Concepts

About Lori Wade

Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer who has experience in small editions, Lori is now engaged in news and conceptual articles on the topic of business and time management. Check trello time tracking solution which Lori recommends to improve productivity. If you are interested in an entrepreneur or lifestyle, you can find her on Twitter & Linkedin. She has good experience and knowledge in the field.

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