10 Things People Hate about Employee Time Clocks

As an employer, there's nothing quite as frustrating as dealing with outdated and clunky employee time clocks. We've all been there - stuck in a cycle of tedious clock-in and out procedures that seem to be more hassle than help.

In this post, I'll explore the top complaints about employee time clocks, and what they can teach us about innovation and employee satisfaction.

1. Difficult operation: The usual suspects

Let's face it - some time clocks are a nightmare to operate. Clunky interfaces, confusing instructions, and complicated set-up processes all contribute to an overall user experience that's more likely to send you running for cover than making you feel like a valued employee.

• Clunky interface: Who wants to spend their precious break time staring at a tiny screen trying to figure out how to clock in or out?

• Confusing instructions: A good time clock should be easy peasy, but when the manual is more confusing than a tax return, it's time for a change.

• Complicated set-up process: Setting up a new time clock should be a breeze, not a 30-minute marathon of frustration and confusion.

2. Lack of flexibility: When you're stuck in the stone age

Time clocks that can't keep up with your changing work schedule are a recipe for disaster. Who needs rigid break options or inflexible scheduling when you could have a clock that adapts to your every need?

• Limited break options: Why should you be limited to just two breaks per day? What about when you really need a three-hour lunch?

• Inability to track multiple shifts: Can't we just have one clock that keeps track of all our shifts, no matter where they are in the world?

• No option for remote clocking: In today's digital age, why can't we simply log in from our laptops or phones like a normal person?

3. Privacy concerns: When biometrics go wrong

Fingerprint scanners and biometric data collection might seem convenient, but what about when those pesky fingers get tired or the scanner just decides to stop working? What about when you're using your personal device to clock in - do they really need to know all your sensitive info?

• Fingerprint scanners and biometric data collection: Is this really necessary? Can't we just stick with good old-fashioned clocks?

• Personal information on shared devices: When everyone uses the same device, how do you keep track of who's logging what time?

• Lack of control over clock-in data: Who gets access to your precious work hours - you or your manager?

4. Time theft: The sneaky thief

Who hasn't been guilty of sneaking in an extra few minutes when no one's looking? But when it comes to the office, time theft is a serious issue that can cost employers big bucks. How do we prevent those pesky employees from taking advantage of us?

• Buddy punching: When your buddy decides to take an extra 15 minutes for themselves... yeah, this happens.

• Manual time adjustments by managers: Why not just trust the clock to get it right?

• Inadequate clock-in location verification: How do we know you're really here when you claim to be?

5. Extra costs: The hidden fees

Time clocks might seem free or low-cost, but what about all those hidden fees? Who gets charged for these extra expenses - the employee, the employer, or someone else entirely?

• Unnecessary monthly fees: Why do we need to pay extra just to clock in and out?

• Additional costs for upgrades and maintenance: When's the last time you upgraded your clock? Never, probably.

• Need for special equipment or software: Can't we just use our smartphones like everyone else?

6. Lack of integration: The missing link

Time clocks that can't integrate with other HR or payroll software are like a puzzle piece that just doesn't fit. It's time to bring all those systems together in one neat and tidy package.

• Incompatibility with other HR or payroll software: Can we please just get our clocks to talk to the rest of the office?

• Inability to sync with scheduling tools: Who has time for manual scheduling when we could have a clock that does it all?

7. Limited reporting: The data dilemma

What happens when you need to generate some fancy reports, but your time clock can't deliver? It's like having a car without the keys - how are we supposed to drive with no data to back us up?

• Insufficient data for labor law compliance: Who knew that keeping track of every single minute could be so hard?

• Difficulty in tracking employee attendance and attendance-related issues: When did clocking in become such a mystery?

• Inability to generate custom reports: Can't we just have some flexibility with our reporting needs?

8. Employee dissatisfaction: The clock's worst enemy

Who doesn't hate waiting in line for their turn at the clock? It's like being stuck in some sort of temporal purgatory.

• Inconvenient location of the time clock: Where is it, anyway?

• Constantly having to remember to clock-in and out: Can we just have a reminder app or something?

• Wasting time waiting in line to clock-in: Why do I need to waste my precious break time on this?

9. Negative company culture: The not-so-good reputation

Time clocks can become an object of resentment when not used correctly. Who has time for micromanaging or trust issues when there's a clock to keep track of?

• Perception of micromanagement: Is the clock really monitoring my every move?

• Breach of trust between employees and employers: Can we please just have some faith in each other?

• Negative impact on employee morale: Who needs a happy clock, anyway?

10. Limited features: The missing pieces

Last but not least, what about all those features that time clocks are supposed to have but never seem to deliver? We're like the Swiss Army knife of frustration.

• Inadequate number of clock-in locations: Can't we just have more than two options?

• Lack of support for shift differentials: Who has a simple day when there's no extra pay to look forward to?

• No option for tracking PTO or sick days: How do I even begin to keep track of all my precious vacation time?

Conclusion

There you have it - the top complaints about employee time clocks that are sure to resonate with anyone who's ever had to deal with one. If this is you, isn't it time to consider a change?

Online Time Clocks and Why Use One

An online time clock is a web-based employee time clock that tracks hours for payroll.

They are a combination of an employee time clock, time and attendance software, and other features such as payroll and HR, all in one single application.

They are also becoming very popular due to demand for workforce management, automation, and cloud-based access. As an example, The global time clock software market was estimated to be worth USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 4.7 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.2%. (Source: Insight Explorer).

Not all online time clock providers are created equal, as each has their own way of doing things, so I'll discus each topic in general terms.

In this guide I'll go over:

• The benefits of using an online time clock
• Features of online time clocks
• How to set up an online time clock
• Managing employee time and attendance
• Using online time clocks for payroll
• Using online time clocks with office employees
• Using online time clocks with remote employees
• Choosing the right online time clock provider

The benefits of using an online time clock

Using an online time clock offers several benefits. One of the biggest is increased accuracy and efficiency over manual methods. Employees easily clock in and out, and administrators easily manage payroll hours simply by using web browsers.

No more worrying about paper time cards, manually entering times, calculating overtime, or hours reporting, it is all done for you with a click of a button.

Another benefit is convenience. With an online time clock employees clock from any device you wish including desktop computers, tablets, phones, and wall-mounted time clocks. Since the software is online, time data can be accessed from anywhere, not just the office.

Features of online time clocks

Outside the convenience of web access, online time clocks help to streamline workforce management. Overall features can include time tracking, employee management, HR management, and payroll.

More specific features can include time off accruals, time off requests, job tracking, scheduling, GPS tracking, shift management rules such as lunch deductions and rounding, time exceptions, payroll integrations, integration of biometric time clocks, and more.

In general it depends on the provider, but most providers at least offer time tracking with overtime calculations and reporting.

How to set up an online time clock

Setting up a new online time clock is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, you'll typically need to sign up for an account on the vendor's website or app. This usually involves providing basic information such as business name, and contact details.

Don't worry if you are not tech-savvy, most online time clocks are designed to be user-friendly for anyone not familiar with digital systems.

Once signed up, you'll typically need to set up your account by entering all your employee names, assigning departments, set overtime rules, set a pay period, payroll integrations, and sending invitations for everyone to start clocking in.

Depending on your organization, you may also want to set up other administrator or supervisor accounts to help manage your team.

Last, don't hesitate to reach out to your provider's support staff with any questions you may have. They are usually very helpful and happy to guide you through the process.

Managing employee time and attendance

Managing time and attendance is simple using a web browser. To get started, employees typically log in to the system using their credentials to clock in and out during each shift. Make sure to set up your business rules such as shifts, schedules, and time off policies. Some providers provide a way for employees to request time off in their account.

Overtime is typically handled automatically by the rules you set such as weekly overtime or daily overtime.

During the pay period, be sure to monitor your employee time cards at least once a week. Give yourself enough time before the pay period ends to resolve any discrepancies such as missed punches, employee requests, or time errors.

Once each timecard is completed for a pay period, don't forget to review and approve them, as this helps ensure payroll is accurate, and helps maintain permanent records. When ready, pass your timecard records to your payroll provider.

To get the most of your online time clock, be sure to check with your team regularly to ensure the system is working correctly, and take advantage of all the available features your provider offers. The idea is to keep the process easy and efficient.

Using online time clocks for payroll

Using an online time clock makes payroll more accurate and efficient. First make sure to enter the pay rates for each employee and assign them as either hourly, salary, or contractor. Although most payroll systems use hours to calculate hour compensation, several vendors calculate gross pay too.

Depending on your payroll provider and online time clock provider, data can often be transferred without rekeying the hours. For example, it is possible to export hours from your online time clock in a format that your payroll provider understands. Some providers offer integration with your payroll provider by sending all hours by clicking a button.

The most convenient and efficient way is to use an online time clock provider that offers payroll too. This way, hours are not transferred at all, but used internally to run payroll as an all-in-one solution. All timesheets, pay stubs, and tax documents are available with one login.

Remember to regularly review your settings and calculations to ensure everything is accurate, up-to-date, and stays in compliance.

Using online time clocks with office employees

Since most offices have desktop, laptop, or tablet computers, online time clocks are a perfect fit. Employees log in using either a username and password, or by entering their PIN. Typically, employees clock in and out by clicking or tapping a button.

Depending on the provider, employees might also see their timesheets, shift schedules, available PTO hours, and may have a way to request time off. If using payroll, employees will be able to see their pay stubs, and W-2s.

When using web browsers on computers, security is handled by limiting employees to an IP address

Since most systems are user friendly, employees will find them easy to use.

Using online time clocks with remote employees

Online time clocks can be accessed from anywhere, making them a convenient choice for remote employees. It does not matter if they work from home, a different workplace location, or on the road.

Remote employees log in from their phones or laptops as long as they have Internet access. Once logged in, they have access to all the same features described above.

Using phones, security is handled using GPS tracking which can record the geolocation of the employee as the clock in and out. This provides the employer proof that the employee was at the workplace location.

Some providers offer simple browser access that does not require a download, while others offer time clock apps employees need to install and maintain.

Choosing the right online time clock provider

Choosing the right solution can seem overwhelming, but don't worry, consider the following ideas.

If you have a small team under 10 employees, a basic online time clock might be perfect. On the other hand, if you have a larger team, you may want to opt for a more advanced online time clock with employee self-service, automatic pay calculations, and integrations with payroll and HR.

Key factors include security and compliance. Consider using an experienced online time clock provider who understands the laws, and keeps your time records safe and secure.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, try a free trial, or ask for a free demo, as most providers are happy to help. That way you can make sure it fits your business needs and workflows like a charm.

Conclusion

To sum it up, online time clocks offer increased accuracy, efficiency, and convenience over all other types of employee time clocks. Open a browser, go to your provider's website, and log in from anywhere.

We encourage any small business to consider the option over alternatives. It's not a question of monthly fees versus no monthly fees, it's a question whether your business could benefit from the advantages of being online or not.

Webtimeclock has been online since 2003, one of the first online time clocks, maybe sign up for a free trial to see how modern we are.

The Expert's Guide to Facial Recognition Time Clocks

Facial recognition time clocks are wall-mounted devices or tablets that allow employees to clock in and out by facing a camera.

They have been popular for years internationally, but have gradually gained popularity in the US for time and attendance. For example, the facial recognition technology market is estimated at USD 8.58 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 18.28 billion by 2030. (Source: Mordor Intelligence).

In our view, using facial recognition technology is the best way to capture payroll hours for teams, even better than phones or web browsers.

However, like anything biometric, they do come with privacy concerns, legal concerns, and other pros and cons which I'll discuss in a moment.

In this guide I'll go over:

• The benefits of facial recognition time clocks
• How facial recognition time clocks work
• Privacy concerns of facial recognition time clocks
• Legal concerns of facial recognition time clocks
• Best practices for using facial recognition time clocks
• How to choose a facial recognition time clock

Benefits of using a facial recognition time clock

Facial recognition can be a game-changer for businesses. One of the biggest benefits is increased accuracy when it comes to capturing employee work hours.

Since facial recognition technology uses biometric data, there is no need to rely on badges, passwords, or PINs that employees need to have or remember. Meaning there are fewer errors, offer less administrative hassle, and streamline the payroll process. And of course, they help eliminate buddy punching and time theft.

Another benefit is how easy it is for employees. To clock in, employees simply face the cameras on the clock, the device clocks them in without touching a thing. All together, it creates a more efficient, stress-free environment at work.

How facial recognition time clocks work

Each device uses two cameras (only one camera if using a tablet) to capture high-quality images of the employee's face as they look at the clock. These images are compared to an internal database that matches their profile. If a match is found, the employee is clocked in... All in less than a second.

Each device does not take photos of each face, instead uses computer algorithms that recognize each face based on mathematical templates. Having two cameras is preferred as they recognize a face using three-dimensions instead of two-dimensions.

Other features can include ambient light correction, anti-glare screens, and the ability to recognize faces with or without glasses or masks. It's all about providing an easy way for employees to clock in and out fast and secure.

Privacy concerns of facial recognition time clocks

The biggest concern with facial recognition time clocks is privacy. People don't always like the idea of sharing personal data such as fingerprints, or in this case, their facial template. People might be concerned that their personal data could be shared outside the company, a thought that might be unsettling.

According to a related survey, 46% of Americans are worried about the misuse of facial recognition technology by the government. (Source: Pew Research Center)

The good news is that most facial recognition time clocks come with robust security measures to protect employee data. Security can include encryption, secure servers, and strict access control to any payroll data. Using facial recognition should not be considered a "control" kind of thing.

But it all boils down where each template is stored, and how it can be deleted if necessary. For example, cloud-based tablet software might store templates in the cloud, but in comparison, a facial recognition time clock can be set to only store templates in the device itself.

Keep in mind too that templates only work when reading a face, they cannot be used as a human face to pass some kind of authorization.

Legal concerns of facial recognition time clocks

One of the legal hotspots on facial recognition time clocks is Illinois. They are one of a few states with strict biometric laws pertaining to employers, so as a legal guage it is good to know what they think.

As a rundown, using facial recognition is legal providing you follow Illinois guidelines:

• Obtaining written consent from the employee before collecting biometric data
• Notification that data is collected, how it is applied, and how it will be destroyed when no longer in use
• Employers cannot sell or lease their employees’ information
• Employers must abide by strict confidentiality rules, even if the data is no longer needed by the employer

(Source: USA Employment Lawyers)

Most states are not as strict, but it is still wise to research what your state's department of labor requirements are.

Best practices for using facial recognition time clocks

To get the most out of your facial recognition time clock, be sure to follow the manufacturer's advice of mounting the device to a wall, using it indoors, and making sure there is enough available light for the cameras to see.

Each employee will need to be registered by the clock. This means they will have to face the cameras at different angles for the clock to create reliable templates.

Using these clocks is easy and can be secure, however if an employee does not want to use it for any reason, provide an alternative way they can clock in. Typically facial recognition time clocks also provide the ability to clock in using a RFID badge, and sometimes a fingerprint sensor.

Overall make note if anything about the clock seems out of the ordinary or is not working properly. If so, report any issues to HR or management right away.

By following best practices, you can help ensure a hassle-free experience.

How to choose a facial recognition time clock

Finding the right facial recognition for a small business is not difficult, choose a time clock that works with your software and includes the features you need.

At minimum, basic clocks will allow employees to clock in using their face, however features such as RFID badges, and fingerprint sensors can be helpful if an employee does not wish to use facial recognition. Expect to pay from about $200 on up depending on features and what system it integrates with.

As mentioned earlier, it is preferred to use a facial recognition time clock with two cameras (dual cameras). Single camera systems can work, however dual cameras offer superior accuracy and anti-spoofing capabilities.

For larger teams a facial recognition time clock can also include a variety of employee self service features such as requesting time off, displaying timesheets, and alerting employees with messages.

In general, because most facial recognition time clocks don't need to be touched by employees, they tend to last a lot longer. Your clock can last for years.

Conclusion

As a recap, facial recognition time clocks offer the advantage of ease, efficiency, and security. They do come with privacy and legal concerns, however those can be addressed by explaining to employees how they work, and following your state's laws.

We encourage any small business to consider using facial recognition technology, it's not about control, but a way to quickly verify an employee is clocking in or out... Without using PINs, passwords, emails, or badges.

Every Webtimeclock account has the option of integrating a facial recognition time clock. Maybe shop for a clock to see what they look like.

What Happened to Time Clock Machines?

You know, those old machines that print on paper time cards.

They still make them, but mostly in China.

They still sell them, but not nearly as many as they used to.

My guess is there will always be some kind of demand for them, as they do serve a useful purpose... They do track employee hours.

Pull it out of a box, plug it in, and place a timecard in a slot. Magical in a sense.

They give you instant gratification with every print, all you need is an AC outlet. Maybe not as fancy as time clock software, but a cheap way to get the job done.

So what happened?

We changed. We became a connected world via computers and phones.

Non-connected things tend to be sent out to pasture.

Tools to Reduce Payroll Stress

Outside of cashflow, one of the biggest stresses of running payroll is making sure employee timesheets are submitted and everyone gets paid what they earned.

Since employees are paid for their time, it's mostly about handling their timesheets. You have to make sure all hours are entered, authorized, and calculated correctly... no matter who your payroll processor is.

If looking for better time tracking here are a few tools that will help.

Automatic time calculation
Every time an employee clocks in and out, their timesheet is fully calculated. This includes regular hours, overtime hours, and gross wages. If the employee clocks in as directed, no further adjustments should be necessary.

Timesheet approvals
Every person who has access to an employee's timesheet has the option to approve the timesheet. That could include the employee, admin, and supervisor. These approvals are date stamped and become a permanent record on the timesheet.

Easy timesheet editing
At some point a timesheet will need adjusting. Employees may forget to clock in/out (or for any number of other reasons). An admin or supervisor can easily enter any missing punches once the correct times are determined.

Timesheet comments by admins
Any time a timesheet is edited, the admin or supervisor can enter a comment on the timesheet explaining why. This become a permanent record visible on the bottom of the timesheet. No extra buttons need to be clicked to see the comment.

Timesheet comments by employees
Timesheet comments also allow each employee to explain what happened. For example, if they were late, they can explain why. Comments like these become permanent records managers can use to evaluate employee performance.

Overtime calculation
Federal law requires hourly employees receive overtime over 40 hours per workweek. Our system calculates weekly overtime based on the start day of your workweek. Typically it is Monday, but it can be any day of the week that follows your payroll schedule. Optionally, we calculate daily overtime too.

PTO requests and approvals
Employees have the option to request time off inside their account. When this happens, an email alert is sent to their direct manager. If the manager approves the time off, the hours are automatically entered on the employees timesheet.

PTO bank and accruals
Many companies offer their employees benefit hours such as PTO, vacation, and sick time. Some offer employees a bank of hours available to use during the year. Our system allows you to enter a flat amount, or accrue hours by time or by hours worked. To make it easier, available hours are displayed on each employee's timesheet, so they don't have to ask you what their balance is.

Multiple pay schedules
Most companies use a single pay period for payroll, but a few have two or more. For example, a company might pay hourly staff every week, but pay their salary staff twice a month. If your company has multiple pay periods, we have you covered.

Is There an Online Time Clock Without a Subscription?

Recently someone asked about this. They had a business with about 40 employees and needed a better way of tracking employee time.

All their employees worked at one location using a biometric time clock, while the payroll manager worked at a different location.

So, to make things easier, the manager wanted online access to the time clock reports. Otherwise, they would have to transfer hours manually from one location to the other using a USB drive.

They asked... "Is there a system we can buy without a subscription?"

Sorry no, it doesn't exist.

Not long ago, buying software without a subscription was your only option. Whatever you purchased, you owned. Sure, it cost more upfront, but you had no monthly fees or additional costs unless you needed support.

So what happened? Why can't you buy ONLINE time clock software without a subscription? In this article we'll cover the reasons.

• Traditional client-server without a subscription
• Free online time tracking software
• The last hybrid online time clock system
• Why online time clocks require a subscription
• Conclusion

Traditional client-server without a subscription

For time clock software to work, it needs to communicate with multiple devices such as other computers, or wall-mounted time clocks. This allows employees to clock from their own PC or from a time clock.

Without getting too technical, traditional client-server software is installed on one central PC that acts as a server, while client devices connect to that server within your local network.

If you only have one location, and don't need browser access (computers, phones, tablets), then this method works fine, a few systems are still offered.

But if you need access to different locations, or from a phone, this kind of system will NOT work. At least without substantial IT costs.

Free online time tracking software

There are companies that offer free versions, but none of them come close to providing you what you need for payroll, that is, until you upgrade to their paid versions... Thus defeating the whole purpose of avoiding monthly fees.

Keep in mind these companies don't offer free subscriptions to save you money, their goal is to get you to sign up, and get you to upgrade.

Further, there is no free version capable of handling employee hours for payroll with a biometric device. Including those who offer tablet software.

The last hybrid online time clock system

The discontinued TotalPass by Icon Time (owned by Paychex) was the last hybrid. These time clocks had internal software you accessed through a web browser, providing a balance of online software without a subscription.

However, Paychex pulled the plug. Here is what they said...

"As technology and industry standards have evolved, IconTime is changing our approach to time and attendance for businesses. Recent surveys and industry trends have made it clear that business clients want more than just time clocks when it comes to managing their employees."

"That’s why we’ve discontinued our line of TotalPass clocks...."

The bottom line is Paychex (like most other software companies) have moved to a subscription model.

Why online time clocks require a subscription

Online software is not installed on your computer, it lives on a server owned and maintained by a vendor. That is the core difference.

Instead of buying software to install on your computer, you rent space on the vendor's server. A space that includes automatic upgrades, backups, support and more. The biggest advantage is online access from a browser.

Conclusion

We understand the reasons why people don't want another subscription, it can seem like too much these days. It would be nice to just pay once for something you only use at a single location.

But if you need web access to the software, have multiple locations, want free support, automatic backups, and ongoing upgrades, then an online time clock subscription is and will remain the only way.

What Google Thinks about Time Clocks

We are in the process of catching up... At least with Google.

Yesterday I searched for the key phrase "fingerprint time clock pros and cons".

Yes, I realize it's completely me, but I hoped Google would rank an expert who actually understands, sells, or uses fingerprint time clocks.

But no, that's not how Google works.

The number one listing in the search result is from a company that tracks time... But does not integrate fingerprint time clocks whatsoever.

I even asked Google "does XYZ company use biometric time clocks?".

The answer...

"No, XYZ company does not use biometric time clocks like fingerprint scanners or facial recognition. Instead, XYZ company focuses on online and mobile time tracking solutions that allow employees to clock in and out using software on their computers or mobile devices. These solutions often include features like GPS tracking and geofencing for location-based time tracking."

So why on earth is Google presenting them as an expert?

Only Google knows for sure, but in general it's about building authority by sheer volume of content... Not about real expertise.

As an example, and nothing against the author, but how does saying you have a "degree in advertising and minor in graphic design" help you become an expert in fingerprint time clocks?

It probably doesn't.

However, he did what Google wants you to do. That is, he and his team write content in volumes that help make Google think they are an expert.

Voila... The secret to success.

In other words, don't do things, write about things. And do this every single day.

What Google thinks about time clocks is what Google thinks about everything. It's not about human decision making, it's all based on the breadth of content related to a niche, and it's view of quality based on traffic patterns. Doesn't matter who wrote it.

Took a while for my thick head to understand this, I hope it helps.

Why Make Payroll More Difficult?

Payroll can be complicated if you consider the many calculations involved.

But we no longer live in the days of calculating by hand and writing on parchment. Although you can if you wish.

Taxes are nothing new, they have been around for centuries, and are the primary reason for the invention of calculators, spreadsheets, and computer software.

To give you an idea, The CPA Journal article Technology in Accounting History helps explain how we got here after 2000 years.

So if you say payroll is difficult, or rely on comfortable, outdated technology, it's a matter of choice. Web-based payroll technology does the work in a fraction of time, more so than any time in history.

But only if you are willing to change.

Which unfortunately many are not (especially in smaller accounting and payroll firms). If you fall in that camp, resistance to change is nothing new, and goes back to the beginning of time, you are not alone.

It just leaves the door of success open to those that do.

Web technologies have now made payroll so easy anybody can do it. Just click a button or two, let the web servers do the work.

These days, payroll no longer requires a certified payroll specialist, licensed CPA, or experienced bookkeeper.

Payroll only requires someone to know the basics.

Which is not difficult.

Who Benefits from a Time Clock?

It's been said more than once how much people dislike using a time clock.

But keep in mind it is simply a measuring stick, nothing personal.

It measures how long someone is engaged at work. Or should be.

But who benefits by this really?

Although a time clock can't know for sure, it helps set the guidelines for an honest day's work... That benefits the employee.

And although a time clock can't know for sure, it measures the cost of doing business... That benefits the employer.

A time clock is not perfect, but there is a benefit for everyone.

4 Ways to Track Employee Location

Where are employees when they clock in?

How do you know for sure?

Are they at your retail store, warehouse, office, factory, school, farm, or at home?

Here are four distinct ways to track employee location as they clock in for work.

1. Using a web browser
Every time an employee clocks in and out, we record the IP address. That IP address will tell you the name of your Internet service provider, along with the approximate location such as city and zipcode. To make it better however, you can match that IP address with your office IP address. If they match, you know exactly where they are.

2. Using a smartphone
You have the option to record the GPS coordinates of each employee as they clock in. It doesn't track their movement, only the moment they tap the punch button. Geolocation will provide a way to see the location on a map.

3. Using a time clock
As long as the time clock is mounted to a wall, you will know instantly where the employee was when they clocked in. The name of the time clock will appear in the audit window for each punch. Still probably the best way for employees to clock in and out.

4. Using a landline phone
Not as popular these days because most people use mobile phones, but works very well. If your employees clock in and out using a landline phone, you will instantly know the location. The system knows the phone number they called from, if that number is a landline, there is no doubt where they are.

Conclusion

These methods will confirm the location of employees as they clock in. However, they will not confirm if they were buddy punched or not.

If that is a concern, we recommend using a biometric time clock that uses fingerprint or facial recognition.

And finally, unless for strict security reasons, never track employee movements using a tracking device. If you do, consult with an attorney first.