What are employee timekeeping best practices?

Employee timekeeping best practices cover both how you record employee hours and how you create a system that works for everyone. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Accurate record keeping:

• Track time worked, not estimated: Record hours as employees work, not based on estimates or memory at the end of a pay period.

• Minute by minute: Encourage recording start and end times down to the minute for better accuracy.

• Include breaks: Track both work hours and official breaks (meal breaks, rest periods) to comply with labor laws.

• Be consistent: Apply the same timekeeping rules to all employees regardless of position.

2. Efficient systems:

• Automate when possible: Consider time and attendance software to streamline data entry, minimize errors, and simplify payroll processing.

• Mobile solutions: Allow employees to clock in and out remotely if their work requires it.

• Review and approval: Give employees a chance to review their timesheets and approve them before processing payroll.

• Long-term storage: Maintain timekeeping records for several years as required by law.

3. Building trust and transparency:

• Clear policies: Establish clear and written timekeeping policies that employees understand.

• Lead by example: Managers should also be accountable for following timekeeping rules.

• Focus on productivity: Use timekeeping data to identify areas for improvement and optimize workflows, not for punishment.

• Open communication: Encourage employees to discuss any timekeeping concerns or questions they may have.