It’s Monday morning, and you’ve just seen the overtime report for your remote workers. It’s high (and expensive), but what’s worse is that two of your major projects are currently running late. Things feel like they’re spiraling, and further costs and more project delays are just around the corner unless you get control–and soon.
Regaining control of a situation like this requires one vital tool: time tracking. Here is what to do and what to look for when finding the right remote employee time tracking software for your organization.
Why Remote Employee Time Tracking Matters
Remote work has become the norm in the last decade, but it comes with new challenges for employers.
Without eyes on your team, you need other ways to manage productivity and accountability. It can help you assign workloads or check when an employee is overloaded. Plus, getting a clear picture of employee hours is often crucial for payroll.
Time tracking is crucial in these scenarios. It’s the best way for a manager to monitor work hours and track the progress of tasks or projects.
A good time-tracking system that’s embedded in an organization also fosters transparency. Employees feel empowered to manage and communicate their time and workload. At the same time, managers get the information they need to oversee their departments.
Finding the Right Time Tracking Software: Key Features
Finding any software can feel overwhelming, as each has strengths and weaknesses. That’s true with time-tracking tools, too. However, some features are a must in any system:
A User-Friendly Interface
Modern software need not be complex. Focus on finding a platform with a visual user interface that your entire team will find easy to understand. That might include a visual dashboard, for example, rather than complex spreadsheets.
Flexible Clocking Options
You want a system that is adaptable so that it fits around your work processes and not the other way around. Look for ones that have multiple options for clocking in and out, like web-based, mobile, or even the most modern and convenient technology like facial recognition.
Real-Time Reporting
Gone are the days when managers review work on a Friday afternoon or at the end of each month. Robust time-tracking solutions require real-time information so managers can swiftly act when there are problems. Always look for a system that has a real-time dashboard.
Time Off Management
You want a system capable of handling time off without being an admin overhead. Look for systems that automate as much as possible, like requests for time off and tracking accruals.
Alerts and Notifications
When there are issues, you want a system that will immediately flag the problem. Look for automation that will alert you to issues like missed punches or late clock-ins so you can act swiftly.
Integration With Payroll
A crucial aspect of any time tracking system is its ability to integrate with your payroll system. Automated integrations cut down on much admin work for your payroll team.
Cloud Employee Time Tracking Solutions
A cloud-based system is your ideal solution since people often work remotely or in the field. This means anyone can access up-to-date information without being in the office.
Reliable Customer Support
Don’t forget to look for features beyond technical solutions. For example, good customer support and onboarding from the software provider can make a big difference. It increases uptake and reduces the time to get your new time-tracking system up and running.
Implementing a Time Tracking Solution: What Benefits Can You Expect?
Any new software for your organization must come with measurable benefits that justify the price. Here is an overview of some benefits you can expect from implementing a modern time-tracking solution.
- It improves productivity by helping teams stay focused on the tracked task
- Your teams are more accountable for how they spend their time
- More accurate payroll
- Reduced administrative overhead when running payroll
- It enables you to stay compliant with labor laws
- It helps remote employees track their time
- It helps remote managers view time-tracked
- Visual dashboards save managers time in gathering the data manually
It’s worth considering these points if you run a cost-benefit analysis before purchasing a new software. It will also give you something measurable after implementing your new time-tracking system.
Implementing Time-Tracking: Common Challenges
A good time-tracking software will make setup easy. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand some of the common challenges faced by businesses so that you can overcome them and make your newly introduced software successful.
Inaccurate Timekeeping
Automation in time tracking is vital because you want to minimize the amount of manual labor involved. Otherwise, you increase the risk of human error, like an employee forgetting to clock in.
Poor Policies
Remember that time tracking doesn’t replace HR policies in your organization. They must align. Otherwise, you could run into issues, like people clocking overtime when you haven’t approved it.
Employee Concerns
Sometimes, employees resist time tracking because they see it as intrusive. When training your teams, talk about the benefits they will see in their role, like better time management and reducing the risk of overwork.
Your Business and How This Shapes Your Time Tracking Decision
The other thing to remember when choosing time-tracking software is that no two businesses are the same. You must take into account your setup when choosing remote time-tracking software.
Your business size and team structure matter, for example. If you are a large business, you may need more features and automation (like payroll integration) than you would if you were a small company.
You’ll also need to consider other in-house systems you run and whether you require integration between those and your new time-tracking software. If in doubt, speak to our trusted customer support team, who can advise you on your implementation.
Finding the Best Remote Employee Time Tracking Software
Remote employee time tracking software can have a massive impact on your business. But there is a caveat: you must find one with the features that help you get the most benefits.
Start your search right here at TimeTrakGo. With advanced technology and features designed for the remote, modern workforce, you’ll find that it ticks many of your requirements. You can sign up for our 14-day free trial right here.
