what software is used to track employee hours

Tracking employee hours is a fundamental aspect of managing any business, ensuring compliance with labor laws and maintaining operational efficiency. In small businesses, the responsibility for time tracking and verifying timesheets typically falls on both employers and designated supervisors. Employers are legally required to track hours worked to comply with federal and state labor laws. This blog post will delve into who is responsible for tracking and verifying employee hours, the best practices for ensuring accurate logs, and the top employee time tracking software for small businesses. We’ll explore how small businesses can effectively manage and track daily work hours, offering insights into the best methods and tools to streamline this essential process.

Who is responsible for tracking employee hours?

You might ask, do employers have to track hours?

Tracking employee hours is a critical task that typically falls under the responsibility of both employers and their designated managers or supervisors. Ensuring accurate time records is essential for complying with employee time card laws by state and maintaining fair labor practices. According to Department of Labor time clock rules, employers are generally required to track the hours worked by their employees to ensure compliance with minimum wage and overtime laws.

But, do employers have to track hours worked? Employers do have to track hours worked for non-exempt employees, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This federal law stipulates that employers must keep accurate records of the hours worked and wages paid to employees. This requirement helps protect workers' rights and ensures they are compensated appropriately for their time. While the specific regulations can vary, adhering to employee time card laws by state is crucial to avoid legal repercussions and potential fines.

Utilizing time tracking software for employees can simplify the process of maintaining accurate records. These digital tools offer automated solutions for logging work hours, breaks, and overtime, thereby reducing the administrative burden on managers and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Such software also provides detailed reports that can be used to analyze work patterns and enhance productivity.

Both employers and their appointed personnel are responsible for tracking employee hours to comply with legal requirements. By leveraging time tracking software for employees, businesses can ensure they adhere to Department of Labor time clock rules and state-specific time card laws, thus promoting fair labor practices and operational efficiency.

What is the best time tracking software for small businesses?

To answer this question, it’s necessary to also find these answers:

  • How Do Small Businesses Keep Track of Employee Hours?
  • Who is Responsible for Verifying Timesheets?
  • How Do Small Businesses Track Hours?
  • Whose Responsibility is it to Ensure That Hours Worked Are Logged Accurately?

Choosing the best time tracking software for small businesses can significantly increase efficiency and accuracy in managing work hours. Popular options include user-friendly software that integrates with payroll and project management tools, offering features like automated time logging, reporting, and mobile access. These solutions help track employee hours effectively, ensuring compliance with timekeeping rules for employees.

Small businesses keep track of employee hours using a combination of digital tools and established processes. Time tracking software provides automated logging, while manual methods like spreadsheets or physical time cards can supplement these systems for added accuracy. The key is to select a solution that fits the business’s specific needs and scales as the company grows.

The responsibility for verifying timesheets generally falls on both employees and their supervisors. Employees must ensure they log their hours accurately and promptly. Supervisors or managers are tasked with reviewing and approving these timesheets to ensure there are no discrepancies. This dual-layer of verification helps maintain accountability and accuracy in timekeeping.

To track hours effectively, small businesses should implement a clear process that includes training employees on how to use the chosen time tracking system. Regular audits and reviews of logged hours can help catch any errors early. Clear communication about timekeeping rules for employees is essential to ensure everyone understands their role in the process.

Ultimately, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that hours worked are logged accurately. By leveraging reliable time tracking software and establishing verification processes, small businesses can efficiently manage employee hours, ensuring compliance with labor laws and improving overall productivity.

How do I track my employee's work activity?

We hear this question a lot, what is the best way to keep track of employee hours? Tracking your employees' daily work and ensuring accurate time logs is essential for productivity and compliance with labor laws. Here’s how you can effectively track daily work and manage employee hours:

Tracking Employee’s Daily Work

To track your employee’s daily work, start by implementing a time tracking system. Utilize digital tools that offer features like task assignments, real-time updates, and detailed reporting. These tools help you track progress and ensure that tasks are completed on time. Encourage employees to log their tasks and hours consistently, providing a clear picture of daily activities.

Best Way to Keep Track of Employee Hours

The best way to keep track of employee hours is to use dedicated time tracking software. This software automates the process, reducing errors and saving time. There are many options available, each with unique features to suit different business needs. Here is a list of time tracking software to consider by key feature:

  • Option A: Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting tools.

  • Option B: Offers integration capabilities with other business tools.

  • Option C: Ideal for remote teams, providing GPS tracking and mobile access.

  • Option D: Features automated reminders and easy-to-use timesheets.

These tools help comply with time clock rules for salaried employees by ensuring that all work hours, including overtime, are accurately logged and reported.

Time Clock Rules for Salaried Employees

It's important to understand and adhere to time clock rules for salaried employees. Even if they are not paid hourly, accurate tracking of work hours is essential for compliance with labor laws and for performance evaluations. Ensure that your chosen software supports these regulations by allowing salaried employees to log their work hours effectively.


Effectively tracking your employees' daily work and hours is crucial for maintaining productivity, compliance, and accurate payroll processing. By implementing time tracking software, you can streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure adherence to time clock rules for salaried employees. Leveraging these tools allows for real-time updates, detailed reporting, and seamless integration with other business systems. Whether you're managing a remote team or working on-site, choosing the right time tracking solution from a comprehensive list of software options will enhance your ability to track progress and manage work hours efficiently. This not only boosts overall productivity but also ensures your business operates within legal guidelines, fostering a more organized and accountable work environment. Try Harvest's free trial today and see how it can transform your time tracking and management processes.