By the time you are reading this, we hope you have already realized the importance of time management software for your business.
Just to refresh your memory, let’s mention some impressive statistics on the matter:
- Time tracking increases productivity: Companies have reported a 30% productivity boost in the first month of implementing it!
- “Over 85% of Best-in-Class companies integrate their time and attendance tracking software with their payroll system” (Source: Aberdeen Group).
It becomes clear that if you aspire to reach that level of efficiency, you need to introduce an employee time tracking app to your company.
The only challenge that arises here is this: How do you get your employees to track their time effectively without making them feel like they are being monitored by the “big brother”?
What employee time tracking is NOT for
Before deciding on the best employee time tracking software for your needs, here are some quick points on what your time tracking application is NOT for:
- Collecting data about your employees’ “cheat” time and using it against them. Research shows that the vast majority of employees can only stay focused for 3 to 6 hours during an 8-hour shift. You can accept it and move on. Perhaps try out some employee engagement strategies to make improvements.
- Using it to measure employee productivity and then blame your staff for not allocating their time appropriately. That is your job – delegate wisely.
- Comparing the time sheets of different staff members with each other. Every person has their own pace by which they finish tasks. It does not mean that whoever is faster is best at their job.
A project and time tracking app will help you find the optimum combination of time and effort that your team can manage according to their individual skills.
Subsequently, you are going to be aware of how much their time actually costs you and bill your clients fairly!
Having said that, here are 5 ways to encourage employee time tracking in your company, along with some time tracking best practices.
How to get your team on board with time tracking
1. Explain the need for employee time tracking
It is vital that you preserve the climate of trust between you and your staff. You don’t want your employees to perceive employee time tracking as a disciplinary type of measure.
Explain to them the benefits this implementation will bring. For example, more accurate cost management that, in turn, leads to precise profitability forecasting.
A profitable business is good for them as well. It will give them a sense of security, a better working environment, and the chance for higher wages in the future!
Finally, explain to your employees how much simpler delegating tasks will become by setting up a time tracking software. Each employee will receive a workload appropriate to their skills and capabilities – everybody wins!
2. Provide incentives
Employees are not business owners. Therefore, they will not share the same passion with you when it comes to adopting a time tracking software. To make the time tracking process appealing, create some kind of rewarding system for those who adhere to it consistently and accurately.
Furthermore, you can reward those who finish their tasks faster as well, without compromising quality. Let them leave early or take the next day off if they complete a project before the deadline. They will feel more appreciated and motivated to perform better!
Promise you are satisfied with 6 to 8 hours logged; it will make your overworked employees smile!
3. Educate your employees on how to track their time
Your employees will accept the idea of tracking their time easier if you teach them how to do it. You can’t expect everyone to be confident using a new program, even if it’s a simple online time tracking application, like Elorus.
Moreover, not all people learn at the same speed. Allow for an adjustment and training period to go by before using it officially. This way, your employees will better understand its purpose and go through a smooth transition.
It is important to set time aside for testing your time tracking procedures so as to spot weak points.
Finally, you need to have realistic expectations during the first stages of the implementation. Monitoring the progress of projects live through a time tracking program, may create some initial tension among employees. It is your job to reassure them that it’s done in the best interest of everyone!
4. Choose the right software
Using a cloud-based employee time tracking application makes it infinitely easier (and fun, even) for your employees to log their time wherever they might be. Thus, they are less worried about your time tracking policy and more focused on their upcoming meeting with a client.
Instead of rushing back to the office, imagine tracking your employees’ time with a tap on your mobile and another tap when you are finished – it’s that simple!
Your employees will realize the flexibility it offers them to clock in and out while staying accountable to managers. Even if they are working from home.
There are a lot of employee time tracking apps out there, even free ones. However, choosing one that suits your business workflow is crucial to onboarding your staff successfully!
5. Ask for employee feedback
After implementing any new process in your business, it is important to ask your employees for feedback. This will give you an insight into how it helped them achieve better results, or not!
Even if you have chosen the best time tracking software, your employees will probably have suggestions on how to better utilize it for optimum outcomes!
You can hold a meeting and brainstorm on all the possible ways you can streamline your procedures. This way, you will find solutions to problems that employee time tracking has brought to their attention.
Be open-minded with their suggestions; show your employees you are interested in coming up with a set of rules and guidelines that make their lives easier!
Your employees will love tracking their time once they try it out!
Employee time tracking is here to help you gain more control over your business while creating a better and more inspiring working environment for your employees – it’s a win-win situation!
