Automatic clock outs

Sometimes we get asked if our system automatically clocks hourly employees out at the end of a shift.

The quick answer is no.

Sure, such a feature would make it easier for employees since they wouldn't have to remember to clock out.

And yes, such a feature would make it easier for you by managing potential overtime, or keeping hours consistent.

But there is a downside.

It's not because we couldn't build such a feature. It's because features like that could get the employer in trouble.

Similar to rounding rules, start zones, and auto lunch deductions, automatic clock outs don't know if an employee is still working or not.

And because of that, it could work against them.

That's where the rub is.

Consider it better, safer, and more fair to employees not to manage them using time clock software. Instead keep it simple, start paying them when they clock in, and stop paying them when they clock out.

If they forget to clock out once and awhile, no problem.

It's easy for you to make adjustments.