Nowadays, there are many questions related to controlling or monitoring the work of employees. Some people consider it to be illegal or violating employee privacy. However, if people get paid for the time they spend at work, it is only natural for employers to wish to know how that time is used and take measures to reach maximal work efficiency.
However, in order not to cross the thin line between monitoring and strict control that creates pressure on employees and interferes with the quality of their work, choosing the right tools is essential. So, what means of tracking work time are available?
1. Time clocks
Essentially, these tools record the time of an employee’s arrival and leaving the office, and provide reports on the total time spent at work. No information on the work process itself is gathered. There are biometric time clocks as well as those working with badges or swipe cards, but the work principle is the same.
2. Video surveillance
This is mostly used for security purposes, however, installation of video surveillance systems in offices to monitor the staff is not so rare. Some companies even practice monitoring the computer screens of their employees via this method. Still, finding or categorizing the needed information in the endless flow of records is both hard and extremely time consuming.
3. Timesheets
Essentially, this is the method of tracking work time that requires employees to provide the data on the tasks they dealt with during the day and indicate the time spent for them. Starting out from paper timesheets, now there are a lot of software programs performing the same function. However, workers often forget to provide the data in time, and end up inventing the missing info, so it’s not recommended to completely rely on the trustworthy of the received reports.
3. Time tracking software
Time trackers are installed on the employees’ computers and automatically gather information on the whole work process. This software is most effective in providing an insight on what websites and apps are used and for how long, the number and duration of breaks taken, total hours worked and are good at attendance control. The ability to take screenshots and webcam captions at the previously configured intervals is another big advantage of this software, which virtually eliminates every possibility of cheating.
Why time tracking with screenshots beats other tools?
It frequently raises the question whether taking screenshots isn’t too much as it means an extra pressure on employees. However, there are a number of instances when time tracking with screenshots cannot be replaced by other tools for staff control because of their screenshot feature.
1. Monitoring freelancers and distance employees
Employing freelance workers has a lot of perks, and is becoming more and more popular among companies of all sizes. Most frequently, the only obstacle to hiring a freelancer is the difficulty with controlling his/her work. With time tracking apps, this problem is solved, and screenshots are important factors that work to the benefit of both employer and freelancer. For instance, without screenshots, an employer cannot be sure that the freelancer is working on his/her company project, even if the resources used are work-related, according to the stats. The freelancer in this case cannot provide any proofs, and the compensation issue is raised, especially if the work is paid hourly. Imagine, how much easier the screenshot feature can make the lives of this freelancer and his/her employer. The screen captures will show what was being done, on what project and at what time, so any doubts will be dispelled.
2. Protecting confidential information
For many companies dealing with sensitive data, protecting the information becomes a matter of foremost importance. Screenshot captures are an excellent and easy-to-implement way to prevent any leakage. This feature will help detect any actions compromising data security on the side of your employees, as well as make up decent proofs of such actions.
3. Teamwork сoordination
In case a project is developed by a team of professionals from different locations, time tracking with screenshots helps the team coordinator see at what stage the work of each team member really is. This opens the way to more effective workload distribution and shows who might need a hand and who could handle a couple more tasks.
4. Solving disputable situations
There are cases, when work-related resources can be used for personal purposes, and unproductive – for work. For instance, if a sales agent is spending time on Facebook to do a research on a potential client, this is definitely productive. On the other hand, an SMM expert using FB or Twitter to chat with friends instead of attending to his/her duties in those networks is definitely nonproductive. Screenshots or webcam captures help to learn what exactly is the case, and take the corresponding measures.
Yaware.TimeTracker is the time tracker software offering screenshot feature that is both easy and quick to use. All captures are categorized depending on the resource used at the moment of capturing, which reduces the time needed to look through them.
If you’d like to try how effective this tool will be for your company, simply complete a quick sign up and you’ll have the full package at your disposal at no cost for 14 days.
