Apr 10, 2024

How To Manage Time Sheets

When it comes to monitoring productivity levels and tracking hours spent working, remote employees pose a challenge for their managers. However, with time-tracking applications and time sheets, managers can request that team members track their own progress throughout the workweek. Read through to understand how you can establish a proactive approach to structuring daily work schedules for employees who work from home.

 

Time sheets come in an array of formats. From handwritten papers and punch cards to typed spreadsheets and automated time clock systems, you have options. All that matters is that you find a time sheet style that is clear and concise for your company. This will greatly improve your company's ability to manage both in-person and remote teams by ensuring that everyone remains consistent while following the same practices no matter their role in the business.

What are the benefits of a time sheet policy?

There are three main benefits of a time sheet policy:

  • Improves the accuracy of payroll.
  • Makes it easier to bill clients in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Keeps your company prepared for an audit at any point in time.

How can time-tracking tools benefit those in the workplace?

With time-tracking tools, you can help structure the daily work schedules of employees. These tools can also make it easier for your employees to stay focused and improve their productivity levels. They can also emphasize a healthy work-life balance.

By establishing clear and accurate records, you can make sure remote employees uphold their work-related duties. Since they are not in the office around managers who can check in on their work, time-tracking tools can ensure that everyone is putting in the appropriate and contractually agreed-upon number of work hours from home.

Also, by collecting information about the amount of time each employee allocated toward specific tasks, you can gather honest and objective insight into your company's workflow. With time-tracking solutions, you can create records while making sure that your business remains in compliance with applicable laws. Ultimately, time-tracking tools ensure accountability across the board.

The many processes that time-tracking software automates

When you implement the companywide use of time-tracking software, you can automate an array of processes. Utilizing time clock software for your remote team mimics the clock-in and clock-out process of a physical office. This type of software generates a visual timecard for each employee, making it easier to track the time each employee spends working.

This system allows you to easily review your team's timecards on a single screen as well. It can facilitate the identification of missed punches and errors. Plus, timecards can be viewed on a weekly or monthly basis. You can also review this information every pay period basis. Ultimately, this type of software has features that allow you to instantly identify the employees who are approaching overtime, which can yield significant cost savings over time as well.

Mobile app versions of this type of software are also available. Since unplanned overtime can inflate labor costs and affect the cash flow of your business, physical and mobile apps alike can help you calculate paid time off in a streamlined manner through the use of spreadsheets.

With 24/7 mobile access to timecard data thanks to online employee time sheets, your company will be safeguarded against time and wage theft claims because this process will maintain a secure and accurate record of all hours worked across the board.

In terms of time theft, this refers to situations where employees are compensated for time that they did not work, which can occur when paper time sheets are punched inaccurately. This can stem from intentional hour-padding and rounded-up hours or forgetfulness; these behaviors can contribute to increased costs on part of the company.

Wage theft risks can be mitigated by storing time sheets in an online time and attendance system. Make sure it is protected by secure time clocks. Also, grant real-time access to both managers and employees alike. This will also help you ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which mandates the recording of daily and weekly work hours.

It can be hard to not only create but also maintain high levels of engagement among remote employees. However, it's not impossible. By putting a proper time-tracking system in place, you can successfully operate your company while prioritizing productivity levels and increasing your annual revenue for years to come.

 ©2024


 

MORE RECENT NEWS…


Nov 22, 2024

IRS Adjusts HSA Amounts

In a recent revenue procedure, the IRS announced changes to health savings accounts for 2025. Now is a good time to look at your situation and consider your options. Click through for a review of the changes.


Nov 21, 2024

Creating a Payroll Continuity Plan

When a disaster strikes, it's critical to have a payroll continuity plan — a document outlining the steps necessary to manage payroll through disruption. Click through to learn how to create a multitiered plan that prepares your organization for many possibilities.


Nov 20, 2024

IRS Announces Retirement Plan Changes

Cost-of-living adjustments affect dollar limits for pension and other retirement-related items for tax year 2025—and your contribution to such accounts increases. Click through to see the IRS stipulations regarding specific retirement programs.


Nov 19, 2024

Preparing for the 2024 Tax Season

Between changes to current tax law and uncertainty about how a new president will influence future tax law, planning for the 2024 tax season is challenging. Click through for tips on staying on top of current and proposed tax legislation.


Nov 18, 2024

Federal Court Strikes Down Overtime Rule

With a November 2024 decision that overturns major employment changes announced in April 2024, a federal court has ruled against the Department of Labor. Click through for a review of the current overtime status in the wake of this decision.


Oct 24, 2024

COBRA: What's Your Responsibility?

As an employer, you should be familiar with which employees are eligible for continuation of health insurance benefits under federal law and what events trigger that coverage. You should also know what kinds of communications are required and when. Read through to learn more.




More News & Press can be found in our Archive.