Track your time Archives - Timeular Track, understand and improve how you work. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 06:42:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://timeular.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-1-32x32.png Track your time Archives - Timeular 32 32 How to Teach Time Management At Work: Practical Guide https://timeular.com/blog/how-to-teach-time-management/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:03:59 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=354172 Managing time is rarely learned while being stuck in a workshop room with your team. It is oftentimes learned by doing. So, teaching and learning time management should be practical and actionable. Based on this hypothesis confirmed in 8 years with our 100,000 users, we made this article to serve as a practical guide. During […]

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Managing time is rarely learned while being stuck in a workshop room with your team.

It is oftentimes learned by doing. So, teaching and learning time management should be practical and actionable.

Based on this hypothesis confirmed in 8 years with our 100,000 users, we made this article to serve as a practical guide.

Turn time tracking into a task so easy that your team will even enjoy it

Track your time in under 1 minute per day with Timeular

During the article, you’ll find the following:

Skills for successful time management

According to Erich C. Dierdorff, professor of management and entrepreneurship, there are three skills separating time management success from failure:

  • Awareness: the ability to think and estimate realistically your time by understanding that time is limited;
  • Arrangement: the ability to design and organize tasks, goals, and work schedules to make effective use of time;
  • Adaptation: the ability to monitor your use of time while performing tasks, including any adjustments and interruptions that come along the way.

Dierdorff also indicates that arrangement is one of the most familiar, while awareness and adaptation aren’t as widespread and recognized.

With these in mind, let’s explore two simple instruments to tackle and develop these time management skills practically: time management strategies and time tracking and management tools.

You might be interested in finding out which are the 10 best free time management courses.

time management techniques

Efficient time management techniques

If you are scheduling important tasks in the most productive period of the day or focus on spending time to plan ahead for your upcoming week, then you are managing your time in some capacity.

These examples are brief introductions to time management techniques.

Time management methods are handy mostly in developing one’s arrangement and awareness skills, but let’s explore proven methods in depth:

  • Eisenhower Matrix: A framework that helps prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. It was created by Eisenhower himself to help prioritize all his duties in the US Army.
  • ABCDE Method: Rank tasks from the most to the least important, based on five categories, and tackle them in that order.
  • Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots in a day to specific tasks, keep up with that time slot, and focus only on that task. This method is especially beneficial for project-based work and prevents overload or energy wasted on multitasking.
  • Timeboxing: Similar to time blocking, timeboxing involves allotting a fixed, unbreakable “box” of time to a task, ensuring it gets completed within that period. This method is particularly effective in preventing tasks from taking longer than necessary and helps meet deadlines more consistently.
  • The Pomodoro technique: Use a free Pomodoro timer and schedule your deep work time in bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. We know its name comes from the Italian word for “tomato,” but its effects on focus and beating procrastination have been proven by research.

Once applied, these techniques help you control your daily schedule better, minimize interruptions, and optimize time usage. At the same time, these are training your awareness and arrangement skills by helping you organize time more efficiently and training your ability to estimate more realistically.

You might be interested in:

Practical time-tracking tools

While time management is about planning how to use time most effectively, time tracking takes the planning further.

Time tracking is about consistently recording the actual usage of time for various activities. In turn, by tracking time, you’ll be provided with:

Accurate data is needed to understand how realistically your plan was created, how to forecast the next budget, or if you need to change the deadline of an important project proactively, as it is at risk.

How a communications agency tracks collective time to maintain the right level of client servicing

“We all love using Timeular. It’s really easy to use and straightforward, especially if you haven’t done time tracking before. We actually enjoy using it and it’s so helpful.” – Eva Lightfoot, Senior Account Executive, Harpswood

You could also use traditional tracking methods like paper or digital calculators (i.e. Timesheet Calculator) or the well-known Google Sheets time tracking and Excel time tracking; however, they produce friction and are time-consuming.

Conversely, providing your team access to a time-tracking app offers significant help in organizing and managing their time efficiently in real-time.

Here’s how tracking time helps develop all three skills mentioned:

  • It helps develop awareness by seeing the tracked data and showing how realistic estimations were versus the turnover time.

Note: This is Timeular’s productivity insights dashboard – it helps to understand app usage, times in which you are most productive or unproductive, and what tasks eat up your time inefficiently.

Timeular - best AI tools
  • It develops arrangement as it offers a simple interface with multiple ways of creating projects, tags, and goals so you and the team can plan;
  • Increases adaptation while giving you and your team a bird’s eye view in real-time to understand the progress, including any adjustments needed to the plan.
  • For a comprehensive view of how a time-tracking tool helps, check the section below on Timeular.

You might be interested too in a comprehensive article about manual timesheets and why it’s time to ditch them.

Best practices for implementing a time-tracking tool

Time tracking is often identified as control or micromanagement by employees, so it’s important to introduce this practice intentionally to your team for a seamless transition.

The best practices recommended for a smooth transition are:

  • Select an easy-to-use tool: an intuitive, easily accessible time-tracking tool will minimize the learning curve for your team and increase adoption. Compatibility with your existing apps and workflows adds up to its adoption and convenience, too.
  • Explain its benefits: demonstrate to your team that tracking time is not a surveillance measure but a way to reduce overtime, become more productive, and manage work better. Also, explain its benefits to your organization, such as better project planning, resource allocation, and improvement of work estimates.
  • Provide training and support: your team already juggles countless tasks and tools; make it easy for them to start utilizing another tool. Initial training on the new tool and continuous support as everyone becomes familiar with it helps.

TIP: Ideally, request the consultants who held the tool demo with you to schedule a workshop for the team – Timeular, for example, offers a free initial workshop to help with set-up and best practices to encourage adoption.

“People complain a lot less about time tracking now because of the easy interface of Timeular.”

Kaitlin Snow Seamons, Executive Creative Director at Harmon Brothers

Regular check-ins: improving time management skills takes time, so it would be best to check the tracked data that can provide insights into what’s working and what’s not.

Note: it would be best to add to your to-do lists to remind students (aka your team) to keep tracking their time so they can get into the habit of tracking. Not everybody enjoys tracking time right away.

Timeular – high team adoption tool

Let’s explore Timeular, one of the best time management apps embraced by over 100,000 users.

Why does Timeular drive team adoption?

Timeular is a time-tracking tool characterized by ease of use and automation, and it helps remove the noise so that its users learn how to use time as their resource. Here are some of the most preferred capabilities:

  • AI capabilities – which allow your team to automatically track time while they perform tasks in the background

  • Its anti-surveillance and data privacy measures – you can win your team over with this – In Timeular, tracked data is stored only on the local computer, not in the cloud, and managers cannot spy on the team while they work, as they have access to tracked data only after 24 hours

  • Multiple ways of tracking – your team can track on the calendar view, with keyboard shortcuts, or the physical tracker – they just need to choose what works best for them

  • The physical time-tracking gadgetallows tracking up to 1,000 tasks just by flipping it to another side assigned to a task

What makes Timeular a great tool for managers?

Timeular enables managers to:

  • Streamline time reporting automatically to identify app usage and productivity patterns that need to be changed within the team; they can spot revenue-generating tasks and activities that should be prioritized, too.

  • Get a glance into billable and non-billable hours with a click

  • Capacity plan and approval based on leave tracking and overtime tracking, including paid and sick leave, which will be automatically reflected in the monthly timesheet. Note: Many tools of this kind don’t include leave and overtime trackingNote: Many tools of this kind don’t include leave and overtime tracking.

“Since we started using Timeular and tracking our time, we’ve never made another mistake in planning, creating accurate proposals, or budgeting for clients. It’s so easy to use. Everyone uses it, and it shows.” – AC Coppens, Founder of THE CATALYSTS

  • Get a real-time overview of budgets and prevent overbudgeting effortlessly by receiving notifications once certain limits have been reached;
  • Task visualization: You can visualize in real-time how to allocate team time across different tasks. Another insight can be prioritizing tasks differently based on the progress of the schedule.

All these capabilities of Timeular enable you to unlock the time management skills mentioned.

Factors contributing to good time management

An effective way of teaching time management skills is by creating a culture that supports and reinforces time management. To do so, consider the following tips:

Establish clear expectations

Through transparent communication, let your team members know what good time management looks like and what is expected of them. Ensure that these expectations are aligned with overarching organizational goals.

Moreover, clarity regarding deadlines, project goals, and daily tasks prevents confusion and inefficiencies. As a leader, you should articulate these expectations clearly, setting a standard for time management within the team.

Recommended reads:

Encourage accountability

First off, accountability should be framed in a positive light, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in one’s work.

Hold individuals accountable for how they spend time on tasks, encourage them to own time, and turn it into their benefit.

When team members take ownership of their tasks and deadlines, it not only boosts their personal productivity but also contributes to the efficiency of the entire team.

  • Individual responsibility: Emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in managing one’s own time. This can be encouraged through regular check-ins and progress reports.

  • Team accountability: Foster a team environment where members hold each other accountable. This can be achieved through collaborative tools, such as time management tools, that allow visibility into each member’s contributions.

Foster team collaboration

Encouraging a collaborative environment can help team members prioritize tasks that impact the group’s goals. When your team works well together, they can streamline processes and share the workload, leading to more efficient time use.

  • Team meetings: Regular meetings can help align goals, distribute tasks evenly, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

  • Collaborative tools: Implement collaborative tools that facilitate easy sharing of information and progress tracking among team members.

Recommended read: How to deal with lazy coworkers

How to overcome challenges in time management adoption

Despite the benefits, implementing time management practices can be met with resistance. Challenges often arise simply due to the change management that has to be considered in implementing a new strategy or tool.

Common challenges

Resistance to time management typically stems from the following:

  • Perceived Micromanagement: Employees may resist feeling “watched” or managed too closely.

  • Learning Curve: There might be initial pushback due to the additional effort required to adopt new habits.

  • Skepticism: Some team members may not immediately see the value in time management practices and tracking.

Strategies for overcoming resistance

To address these challenges, consider the following strategies:

  • Communicate openly: Address concerns openly and transparently. Show the benefits of time management and how these practices empower rather than restrict.

  • Link to personal goals: Help individuals see the connection between effective time management and their personal career goals. Show them the benefits of time management.

  • Incentivize progress: Offer incentives for individuals and teams that show improvement in their time management and tracking practices.

  • Continual improvement: Regularly review and refine the time management processes to ensure they align with the evolving needs of the team.

Learn time management practically with smart time tracking tools

Start tracking time with Timeular today

Conclusion

Teaching the practice of managing and tracking time effectively requires persistently applying and implementing a consistent routine, which is ultimately a mix of factors.

It all starts with understanding the principles of effective use of time, choosing the right tool, providing training, fostering a supportive culture, and navigating resistance with strategic leadership.

By approaching this challenge with diligence, empathy, and a clear vision, you can catalyze a transformation that not only enhances individual productivity but also elevates the performance of the entire organization.

Remember, the practice of mastering time is not a solo journey. Whether you’re an individual contributor, a team leader, or a C-level executive – your investment in teaching and modeling good time practices will reverberate through your organization, leading to a more efficient, happier, and, ultimately, more successful workplace.

FAQ

What are the 4 key stages of effective time management?

The four key stages of effective time management are: Awareness (understanding how time is used), Arrangement(organizing tasks and goals), Adaptation (adjusting plans based on real-time progress), and Tracking (monitoring time spent on various tasks).

What are the 4 essential components of time management?

The 4 parts of time management are: Prioritization (what tasks are most important), Planning (tasks and deadlines), Monitoring (time usage and progress), and Adjustment (performance and unexpected events).

What is a common time management mistake?

A common time management mistake is underestimating the time for tasks, which leads to missed deadlines and stress. This happens due to unrealistic planning or poor time estimation.

What are 3 examples of time management skills?

Time management skills include prioritization skills, goal-setting skills, and the art of saying no at work.

What does poor time management look like?

Poor time management often manifests as procrastination, missed deadlines and frequent context switching, causing stress and leading to low productivity.

What are some examples of time management tools?

Some basic examples of time management tools include time-tracking apps (like Timeular) or time-tracking templates, calendars (digital or paper-based), and task management software (like Jira or Asana).

Read more:

The post How to Teach Time Management At Work: Practical Guide appeared first on Timeular.

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Tracking Time in Asana: A Fast and Intuitive Method https://timeular.com/blog/tracking-time-in-asana/ Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:09:11 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=350320 Effective time tracking lies at the heart of successful project management. In fact, it feels almost impossible to improve productivity without a proper time tracking app. If you use Asana as your project management tool, you might as well use its native time-tracking feature to track the time spent on different tasks. However, as Asana’s […]

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Effective time tracking lies at the heart of successful project management. In fact, it feels almost impossible to improve productivity without a proper time tracking app.

If you use Asana as your project management tool, you might as well use its native time-tracking feature to track the time spent on different tasks. However, as Asana’s time tracking is relatively cumbersome and has limited features, many Asana users look for alternatives.

Tired of time tracking in Asana? Uplift your time tracking with Timeular

The most accurate and effortless time tracking solution for teams!

Does Asana have time tracking?

Yes, Asana provides a built-in time-tracking feature. It allows you to estimate tasks’ duration and report actual time spent on Asana tasks. You can add a new time entry either manually or with the timer.

In Asana, you can also generate reports about your team’s productivity. The insights are nevertheless limited, as you’ll learn further in the article.

How to enable time tracking in Asana

To enable the time tracking feature in Asana, take the following steps:

  1. Open your Asana account and go to your Asana project.
asana time tracking

2. Find and click the “Customize” button in the top right corner.

asana time tracking manual

3. Add the field “Time your work”.

    time tracking in asana

    From now on, you will be able to track the estimated time and the actual time spent on a task. To record time of your tasks, you need to click on the start timer each time you start working on them. Pretty cumbersome, huh? No worries, there is an Asana integration that solves it.

    The limitations of tracking time in Asana

    Although it seems convenient to use the timer built in Asana, in fact, this feature has many limitations which can lead to inaccuracy in billable hours tracking, imprecise invoices, and time wasted on building timesheets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest drawbacks of the native Asana time tracking:

    • You can only record time by manually clicking the start timer. This leads to errors and inaccurate timesheets.
    • Asana time tracking is available only for Advanced, Enterprise and Enterprise+ customers. If you have a Personal or a Starter subscription, you must find alternatives to log your time (more on that below).
    • Time tracking in Asana is too expensive for smaller teams: $24.99 per user/mo.
    • You must enable time tracking for each project manually.
    • There’s no distinction between billable hours and non-billable hours, leading to inaccurate invoices and lower clients’ trust.
    • Asana lacks integrated budget tracking features, making it difficult to keep project budget in check, assign billing rates, measure profitability, and control deadlines with time budgeting.
    • Time estimations are done at a task level, not a member level or a project level, impeding single users from doing personal estimates.
    • Reports are limited as they do not provide advanced filtering or sorting options. If you want to view time tracking data based on specific criteria such as team members, tags, or custom fields, you may not have the flexibility to do so.
    • There is no timesheet feature. Hence, you have to chase your teammates for detailed time logs.
    • Absence of custom reminders that might help your team to start-stop tracking or take a break.
    • No keyboard shortcuts are enabled to start and stop the timer or switch tasks easily. Your team will lose time opening Asana every time to track time.

    But there is a way to simplify and boost Asana time tracking

    time tracking asana

    Timeular is an intuitive and easy way to track a large variety of projects!

    Heather M., Senior Graphic Designer

    If you are looking for a simple, smart, and affordable time tracking integration with Asana, Timeular has got you covered. It’s comprehensive productivity software for teams, offering a wide range of features tailored to managing time and projects successfully:

    It’s easy to use

    Having to open Asana to track time when switching from one task makes the workflow so clunky. Also, it is a waste of time! With Timeular, your team can track time using multiple effortless methods: automatically, with Quicktrack (keyboard shortcuts), by flipping the physical tracker or by manually adding time entries to the calendar view at the end of the day.

    Automatic time tracking

    If you forget to start the timer or switch activities, there is no hope lost. Thanks to automatic time tracking, Timeular will record which apps, websites, and tools you use during the day.

    Your data is 100% protected and is stored in your computer, not in the cloud. It means no one can access it but you.

    Physical time tracker

    To strengthen their time tracking habit, teams can decide to pair Timeular software with its award-winning physical time tracker. The 8-sided dice is a visual reminder that sits on a desk. Customize it, and assign each side to a specific task (one side is a Joker). To start tracking time, just flip it to the side. The Tracker can track up to 1,000 activities with just 8 sides.

    Actionable reports and automated timesheets

    Asana time reports are limited to two dimensions at a time. For example, you can’t see at a glance how much time each team member worked on a given project. In Timeular, you can.

    Time reports in Timeular are generated automatically for every member of your team. As a space supervisor, you’ll have a complete overview of every team member’s report. You can combine multiple filters to generate custom views. Also, you can export your reports to PDF, XLSX, or CSV. You’ll never chase a timesheet again!

    Automated billable and non-billable hours tracking

    With Asana, your team can’t track billable and non-billable time; they can do it with Timeular. Distinguishing between billable vs. non-billable activities will improve your invoice accuracy, maximize profits, and reinforce clients’ trust.

    Set hourly rates to each team member or task and track billable hours automatically. This feature provides detailed information about work hours and the actual time worked on Asana projects.

    Clear time budget views

    In Asana, your team can’t record how many hours are left for a project or a client. In Timeular, the budget feature is dedicated precisely to help teams to track the time spent on specific projects and clients, as well as to measure projects’ profitability.

    Work time, leave, and overtime tracking

    Allows teams and individuals to track overtime and any leave type. This is possible both for full- and part-time workers, and includes over- and minus-hours. It’s an easy method for adding and monitoring all leave requests from the whole project team!

    Custom reminders

    If your team forgets to track time one day, they might give inaccurate estimates by guessing how much time they need for a task. In Timeular, every team member can receive custom reminders to start and stop tracking.

    Tired of time tracking in Asana? Uplift your time tracking with Timeular

    The most accurate and effortless time tracking solution for teams!

    How to track time in Asana with Timeular

    You can easily connect Timeular with Asana via Zapier. A Zapier subscription is not required; it’s free for up to 100 integrations.

    Here are the steps you need to follow:

    1. Sign up for Timeular to start your free 30-day trial
    2. Sign up for Zapier
    3. Ensure you have your Asana credentials at hand
    4. Create a new Zap where the Trigger is “New Task in Project in Asana” and the Action is Create Activity in Timeular
    5. To connect Timeular with Zapier, you need an API key and a secret API; find them in Timeular > Settings > My account > API > Create a new API key
    6. Set the ZAP live, and you’re all set to track your Asana task in Timeular.

    Timeular is a great way to keep track of tracked time! I have reduced the time needed to report my project time which has allowed me to spend more time working on project tasks vs. administration.

    Ivan S. Implementation Consultant/ Project Manager

    Wrap-up

    In conclusion, effective time tracking is crucial for successful project management, but Asana’s native time tracking feature has limitations that can hinder productivity and accuracy. The consequences of these limitations include inaccurate billing, tight budgets, unreliable invoices, and overpromising to stakeholders.

    However, Timeular offers a simple and effective solution to overcome these hurdles and integrate seamlessly with Asana. Timeular provides an intuitive and user-friendly solution for team time tracking. It offers clear budget views, billable vs. non-billable time tracking, app context tracking, and calendar integration. With versatile report functionalities and actionable insights, Timeular empowers teams to manage projects more effectively.

    Compared to Asana’s time tracking, Timeular stands out in ease of use, detailed reports, improved billing accuracy, time budget tracking, and the physical Tracker. By integrating Timeular with Asana through Zapier, users can enjoy a seamless experience and track time effortlessly. Make the switch to Timeular and improve your team’s time tracking experience.

    FAQ

    How do I add estimated hours to Asana?

    Open a task in Asana, click the Customize button in the top right corner, and select time tracking from the list. You’ll see estimated time and actual time fields. Just fill in the time you’ve estimated for the task.

    How do I add time and watch progress in Asana?

    You can add time in Asana by filling in the custom fields for time tracking in each project’s task. Still, you can’t watch progress in Asana. Instead, integrate Timeular with Asana and use the Budget feature to track the progress of your projects. Asana doesn’t offer a timesheet feature. But by integrating Timuelar with Asana, you can generate automated timesheets for the whole team.

    Does Asana have a time tracker?

    Yes, like many project management tools, Asana offers a basic time tracker in the Advanced, Enterprise, and Enterprise+ plans. Time tracking integrations are advised for more advanced features.

    What is the best time tracking integration for Asana?

    Timeular is the best time tracking integration for Asana as it lets you track time and create timesheets in just a few clicks, with minimum effort.

    The post Tracking Time in Asana: A Fast and Intuitive Method appeared first on Timeular.

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    Time Tracking in Jira: A Simple and Smart Approach https://timeular.com/blog/jira-time-tracking/ Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:31:05 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=352636 Jira is a project management tool in the Atlassian marketplace for task tracking, project planning, and team collaboration. It’s definitely one of the most popular project management software among web development teams. While Jira shines in many respects, native Jira time-tracking features may not fully satisfy user requirements. Fortunately, third-party time-tracking tools can enhance the […]

    The post Time Tracking in Jira: A Simple and Smart Approach appeared first on Timeular.

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    Jira is a project management tool in the Atlassian marketplace for task tracking, project planning, and team collaboration. It’s definitely one of the most popular project management software among web development teams.

    While Jira shines in many respects, native Jira time-tracking features may not fully satisfy user requirements. Fortunately, third-party time-tracking tools can enhance the functionality. Timeular fills this gap with advanced time-tracking functionality and native Jira integration.

    Tracking time can be simple, smart, and secure. If you want to log work hours effortlessly, create reports with one click, and ensure that timesheets are accurate, Timeular is the solution for you.

    Looking for the smoothest timer tracker for Jira?

    You’ve just found it!

    Why do you need to log time with Jira?

    Time tracking within a project management tool like Jira is essential for a project’s success, as it serves multiple critical purposes.

    • It helps with accurate estimates of the time needed to accomplish the project. Essential for project planning and management, time estimation allows teams to accurately predict task or project durations, aiding in resource allocation, cost prediction, budget management, setting realistic timelines, and identifying potential risks and issues. Time-tracking tools can provide precise data for project planning and billing.
    • Time tracking data provides project managers with a clear picture of the time spent on different tasks throughout a project’s lifecycle. This insight helps project managers monitor task progress and ensure that projects follow their planned schedule.
    • Project management time tracking optimizes team productivity, prevents burnout, and enhances overall project success. It also helps to ensure that team members are assigned tasks in a way that optimizes their productivity, prevents overworking, and contributes to the project’s overall success.
    • Last but not least, time tracking has a direct impact on revenue. Utilizing time tracking refines project budgeting, tightens cost control, and guarantees the accuracy of project billing and invoicing.

    Read more:

    Does Jira enable time tracking?

    Yes, Jira offers its own time-tracking feature. But for those seeking a more nuanced or specialized approach, a third-party time tracking app like Timeular often becomes the go-to solution to elevate their time-tracking in Jira. The ‘time tracking provider dropdown’ feature in Jira allows users to select and switch between different time tracking providers, including third-party apps like Timeular.

    Simply put, while Jira’s inherent time tracking function still serves its purpose, a dedicated app like Timeular provides a much more intuitive and seamless experience.

    Read:

    How to create a time tracking report in Jira

    To configure time tracking and log work time in Jira, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure users have permission to use the ‘Work on Issues’ option.
    2. Navigate to ‘Issues’.
    3. Click on ‘Permission’ schemes.
    4. Locate the time tracking permissions section and select ‘Work on Issues’, then edit the field.
    5. Use the time tracking provider dropdown to select a time tracking provider from the available options. Be aware of the potential data storage implications when using a third-party provider.
    6. Choose the users, groups, or project roles that need to log work on issues and click ‘Grant’.

    Please note that exact navigation and time tracking settings might vary depending on the version of the Jira software, and any custom configurations your instance might have. Always refer to the official Jira software documentation or support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

    The limitations of Jira’s time-tracking

    Although Jira does enable time tracking, this feature has several limitations:

    • Limited reporting options: The Jira time tracking report provides only a narrow range of reporting options, which can hinder effective analysis and comprehension of time data.
    • Complexity for beginners: New users often find the native Jira time tracker overwhelming. The time management capabilities could be made more user-friendly, especially for those primarily focused on time tracking.
    • Manual operation: Users must manually start and stop the timer, which is time-consuming and increases the likelihood of errors.
    • Lack of advanced features: While Jira’s native time tracking offers basic functionality, it may not meet more advanced requirements, such as advanced reporting, customizable tracking rules, or in-depth analytics.

    Timeular: One of the best Jira time-tracking tools

    Simple, smart and secure – Timeular is a powerful yet user-friendly time-tracking software trusted by over 50,000 users and numerous teams globally. Among other time tracking tools, Timeular stands out for its advanced features and ease of use. It serves as the ultimate project time tracker, offering a host of advantages tailored to efficient project management.

    Timeular provides a Jira time tracking plugin that enables dynamic time tracking of tasks you manage in Jira.

    Physical Tracker for easy time tracking

    Timeular is widely known for its physical time tracking cube that sits on your desk, fostering a time tracking habit.

    With the Tracker, you can effortlessly track over 1000 activities by simply flipping the dice. There is no need to navigate to your time tracking or project management tool to start or stop tracking time manually anymore.

    • Note: The physical Tracker is optional. It was designed to simplify the time-tracking process and infuse some enjoyment into it.

    Multiple tracking methods

    Timeular provides flexibility in time tracking. You can choose the method that best suits your work style, whether it’s flipping the physical Tracker, using keyboard shortcuts, or utilizing automatic time tracking.

    These methods ensure a smooth and speedy tracking experience, significantly reducing the time spent on time tracking to under 1 minute a day

    Project budget under control

    With Timeular, you can finally keep your project budgets in check by setting the planned hours for each project and monitoring how the time budget is spent.

    Timeular will notify you when you approach certain limits, preventing overspending and ensuring accurate client billing.

    Instant time tracking reports

    Access versatile time tracking reports with various filters and views that offer actionable insights into productivity levels and your project’s progress. There is no need for additional costs or higher-tier plans to get a detailed time tracking report.

    With a detailed time tracking report, you can easily compare the original estimate with the actual hours you and your teams spend working on the project.

    Accurate time tracking reports will ensure realistic estimates for similar projects in the future.

    time entry Timeular

    Automated billable and non-billable hours

    Timeular also works as a billable hours app that allows users to calculate billable hours automatically. To access this feature, enter your project settings and label each task as billable or non-billable.

    By adding hourly rates to tasks or team members, you will let the system automatically calculate project costs when the work logs are added. Thanks to the real-time reporting features, users can easily create customer invoices by sending the data to a dedicated tool.

    This simplifies project cost tracking and accurate billing, offering insights into team efficiency.

    Tracking overtime

    Timeular works as an overtime tracker that automatically records and reports extra hours worked, reporting overtime and deficit hours based on configured work schedules and requested leave. This feature ensures accurate accounting of time worked and overtime pay.

    track overtime

    Leave management

    Timeular serves as a leave tracking system, helping you manage various types of absence leaves to plan projects and workloads effectively.

    This integration streamlines the time-tracking process and ensures accurate time allocation across projects, offering an enhanced time-tracking experience within the Jira platform.

    Unlike many other time tracking apps, Timeular is GDPR-compliant and secure

    • Time tracking data logged in Timeular is stored locally on your machine and NOT sent to the cloud, which makes your data secure and accessible only to you and your workspace admin.
    • Timeular is fully compliant with GDPR regulations, ensuring that user data is protected and privacy rights are respected.
    • As a result of Timeular’s anti-surveillance policy, users’ time entries are accessible to workspace admins only after midnight the same day to grant users full privacy.

    How to track time in Jira with Timeular

    Timeular integrates seamlessly with Jira. In Timeular, Jira projects are imported as “activities,” and Jira issues as “@mentions”.

    To track time in Jira with Timeular, follow these simple steps:

    1. Create a free Timeular account.
    2. Set up the JIRA integration in your Timeular profile. Go to Settings > Integrations.
    3. Use the time tracking provider dropdown in Jira to select Timeular as your time tracking provider.
    4. If you are using a physical Tracker, assign the activities to a side of the cube.
    5. Track your time for the project.
    6. The time tracked can be assigned to a specific issue/work log by entering the @issue within the note section of the app.

    For a more detailed description and configuration help for JIRA, read this article.

    Looking for the smoothest timer tracker for Jira?

    Conclusion

    Time tracking in Jira provides insights into task progress, aids in efficient resource allocation, contributes to financial management, and ensures accurate client billing. Time tracking is also key in identifying inefficiencies in productivity and contributes to project success. 

    However, because Jira’s native time tracking feature has its limitations, such as reporting options and dashboard complexity, users are looking for alternatives to track time spent on daily tasks. 

    To address Jira-provided time-tracking limitations, use Timeular, which provides simple time tracking and the best Jira time-tracking integration. It enhances the time tracking experience within Jira, providing a more intuitive, efficient, and accurate way to track time spent on tasks.

    FAQ about Jira time tracking

    How can I track work time in Jira?

    Native Jira time tracking report is a standard way of capturing time spent on tasks managed in Jira. However, in order to streamline time tracking and ensure accurate time tracking reports, it’s recommended to use dedicated time tracking apps like Timeular that seamlessly integrate with Jira.

    How can I reset time tracking in Jira?

    In the Jira Cloud, navigate to the specific issue and access the “Work log” inside the “Activity” section. Here, you have the option to edit or remove tracked time. The most convenient approach to manage your time tracking in this context is by utilizing Timeular.

    Is Jira time tracking mandatory?

    No, time tracking is not mandatory in Jira. You can disable time tracking in the account settings.

    The post Time Tracking in Jira: A Simple and Smart Approach appeared first on Timeular.

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    Employee Time Tracking: How to Track Employee Hours https://timeular.com/blog/how-track-employee-hours/ Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:39:27 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=339430 Employee time tracking is a two-edged sword – on the one hand, it’s needed to improve team performance, but on the other hand, it’s time-consuming and, in many cases, simply intrusive. This is why I provide you with practical tips for employee time tracking in this article: to make it fast, employee-friendly, and optimal for […]

    The post Employee Time Tracking: How to Track Employee Hours appeared first on Timeular.

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    Employee time tracking is a two-edged sword – on the one hand, it’s needed to improve team performance, but on the other hand, it’s time-consuming and, in many cases, simply intrusive.

    This is why I provide you with practical tips for employee time tracking in this article: to make it fast, employee-friendly, and optimal for your business.

    I’ll share the best methods for employee time tracking that help you to identify time wasters, reduce overtime, and comply with timekeeping policy. From manual methods to top employee time-tracking apps, I’ve got you covered.

    Psst… Wondering if you should track employee time? The answer is yes, you should. Especially if you work with hourly employees or bill clients by the hour. Accurate timesheets are key for proper invoicing and project profitability!

    Why Timeular is the right employee time tracking software?

    It helps your team track time without effort and saves their privacy. No employee monitoring, full GDPR-compliance.

    Why is it so important to accurately track employee time?

    Time monkey effect

    Why is accurately tracking time so crucial? This is where the concept of the Time Monkey Effect comes into play. It illustrates how our emotions can warp our perception of time, leading to skewed time estimations that can jeopardize project success.

    When your team engrossed in enjoyable tasks, time seems to speed up, whereas it slows down during less stimulating activities. This varying perception can result in significant inaccuracies in estimating how long tasks take, affecting project planning, project budgeting, and team productivity.

    Accurate time tracking in project management helps correct these distortions, aligning our perceived time with reality and leading to more reliable project outcomes and effective time management.

    Smooth payroll processing

    First and foremost, without accurate employee timesheets, you won’t be able to process payroll accurately. You simply need to know how many work hours your employees clocked in to pay them fairly. (What additionally streamlines a payroll process is a direct integration of your payroll software with your work time tracking app – more about that in the next chapter.)

    The perfect way to increase your revenue

    Secondly, employee time tracking helps you optimize business operations and increase revenue. Project time tracking provides insights into project and team performance, contributing to increased revenue. What does time tracking have to do with revenue, you’d ask. The keyword here is billable hours. If your team works for several different customers and projects, time tracking is essential for accurate client billing.

    Additionally, by tracking the time of all team activities, you are able to identify the tasks and projects that generate the most significant income and substantially contribute to your business revenue.

    Improved employee productivity

    Tracking work hours is an excellent way to increase employee productivity. It helps you understand where your time goes and empowers you to make every minute of your employee time count.

    Overtime and workload in check

    Last but not least, tracking how many hours employees spend at work helps keep a healthy work-life balance. Workload management and overtime tracking suddenly become a breeze, aiding you in keeping team motivation and health in good condition.

    track employee hours in one 6 ways

    How to track employee hours

    1. Employee time tracking software

    An employee time tracker software like Timeular is a time tracking app that automates the process of recording how much time is spent on various tasks, including project time tracking.

    Unlike traditional methods like manual time tracking or punch clocks, best employee timesheet software often works in the background, quietly logging hours without requiring constant input from the user.

    A time tracking app comes in different names, i.e. employee time tracking software, employee timesheet software, employee time tracker, and more.

    employee hours

    How they work:

    Best employee time tracking apps provide automated time tracking, offering an almost effort-free approach to tracking time. Your employees don’t need to stop to write down what they’re doing; the automated time tracking software handles it for them.

    This leads to more accurate and less biased data on how time is spent, which is invaluable for improving productivity, lower labor costs, managing projects more effectively, and streamlining accurate billing.

    • Please note: Time tracking apps provide different methods to track time and not all of them offer automated time tracking. If you want to speed up employee time tracking with automation, try Timeular.
    how to track employee time

    Pros of using an employee time tracking app

    • No need to chase manual timesheets ever again: Time is logged in an online platform, accessible around the clock by both employees and employers.
    • Automated reporting: Using time tracking apps, you can easily generate detailed reports with just a few clicks. You can report project time, billable hours, and productivity in a fully automated way.
    • Streamlined payroll and accurate billing: Time tracking software usually effortlessly integrates with your invoicing and payroll software, simplifying all financial processes.
    • Quick and engaging time recording: It’s a breeze to record work hours — creating timesheets is quick, easy, and kinda fun, actually (especially with the personalized physical time tracker).
    • Automated billable hour tracking: You can label each task as billable or not billable, add hourly rates, and let the employee time tracking app take care of tracking billable time for you.
    • Effective leave and overtime management: Time management apps like Timeular provide leave tracker functionalities that let you track all types of absences and time off.
    • Friendly reminders to track time: If the employee time tracking software spots that your employees don’t record their time during the day, it will send them automated reminders to help maintain consistent and precise time tracking.
    • Mobile apps for on-the-go tracking: With mobile time tracking, your employees can track time wherever they are, using mobile devices – it’s super handy for those always on the move.
    • Great for remote teams: Time tracking apps are ideal for remote work setups, offering flexibility and ease of use regardless of location. A time tracking app like Timeular works both as a Mac time tracker and a Windows time tracker, giving you full flexibility.
    • Ease of use and accurate time tracking: An employee time clock app ensures easy adoption for employees and provides accurate time tracking, which helps in making informed decisions about resource allocation and team size.
    Track your employee hours with Timeular – the 100% effortless and secure time tracking app

    Cons of using an employee time tracking app

    To enjoy all the benefits of an employee time tracking app, you need to choose wisely. As time tracking software is sometimes perceived by employees as a monitoring tool, you need an employee-friendly solution that doesn’t allow micromanagement.

    Employees will only track time honestly if they don’t feel monitored in real-time. Therefore, Timeular has a 24-hour delay for time entries to appear on the managers’ side.

    2. Pen and paper

    tracking employees time

    Despite the digital age transforming most business practices, the traditional pen-and-paper method for employee time tracking remains in use, particularly among small businesses. This approach involves manually recording work hours, a process that harks back to simpler times.

    While it might seem outdated in a world of apps and work automation, for some companies, this method offers a straightforward, no-tech solution that aligns with their operational style. It’s a testament to the enduring value of simplicity in an increasingly complex business landscape.

    How it works

    Employees write down their arrival and departure times as well as specific tasks completed throughout the day. These details are captured on paper records, such as logbooks or timesheets, and later manually tallied to compute the total work hours.

    As it’s easy to forget about tracking time, employees often send timesheet reminders, i.e. timesheet memes.

    Pros of manual employee time tracking:

    • Cost-effective: It’s a completely free method for tracking employee time, requiring no investment in technology or software.
    • Simplicity: The process is straightforward to understand and implement.
    • No technical skills needed: Anyone with basic writing and counting abilities can effectively use this method for tracking employee time.
    • Flexibility: Easily adaptable to different formats and layouts based on specific needs. Immediate Implementation: Requires no setup time or learning curve, unlike digital tools.

    Cons of manual employee time tracking:

    This manual time tracking method for tracking employee hours, while straightforward, has several disadvantages:

    • Time-intensive: This manual time tracking method requires significant time for writing, organizing, and calculating hours.
    • Error-prone: The risk of human error in recording and calculating hours is higher compared to digital methods.
    • Lack of security: Paper records can be easily lost, damaged, or accessed by unauthorized persons.
    • No real-time tracking: This method doesn’t offer real-time tracking or instant updates, potentially leading to delays in data availability.
    • Limited data analysis: Analyzing trends or generating productivity reports is more challenging and less efficient than with time tracking apps.
    best time doctor alternative: timeular
    Don’t waste your team’s time on manual time tracking

    Automate time tracking with Timeular and do it under 1 minute per day

    3. Online time tracking templates

    Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are popular tools for basic time tracking. They are often used as a free replacement of automated time tracking tool, offering a familiar solution in many business settings.

    However, I strongly discourage you from collecting your time tracking data in a manual way. It’s mundane, time-consuming, prone to errors, and nobody likes it.

    Even a simple time tracking app is more efficient than using time management templates.

    How they work:

    Employees track time spent on various tasks within these templates. With appropriate formulas, these sheets automatically calculate total work hours over daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly periods.

    Integrating project time tracking into these templates can provide better insights into project and team performance, making project management more efficient.

    Pros:

    • User-friendly for regular users: Intuitive for those who are familiar with Excel or Google Sheets.
    • Highly customizable: Easily adaptable, allowing for specific modifications and additional formulas.
    • Versatile data handling: Suitable for various tracking and analytical needs.

    Cons:

    • Time-intensive management: Requires significant effort in setup, data entry, and review.
    • Increased complexity: Adding formulas for leaves, PTO, and other variables can make the system more intricate.
    • Dependence on estimates: Often relies on approximations of time spent, which may not be completely accurate.
    • Limited security and [rivacy: Data stored in spreadsheets can be less secure and more prone to privacy breaches.
    • Difficulty in consolidating data: Aggregating information from multiple sheets for analysis or reporting can be challenging.

    I’ve prepared several templates for downloading if you’re looking for a template to track your time:

    To calculate total hours worked on a project, use a free Time Card Calculator. To calculate overtime, use the Overtime Calculator.

    Read also:

    best harvest alternatives
    Don’t waste your team’s time on manual time tracking

    Automate time tracking with Timeular and do it under 1 minute per day

    4. Time clocks

    Time clocks, which originated in the late 1800s, are a longstanding method for tracking employee hours. Time clock solutions come in various forms, including card swipes and biometric systems like retina or fingerprint scanners.

    How they work

    Employees clock in by swiping a card or undergo a biometric check upon arriving and leaving the job site. The time clock system then calculates employee work hours based on these check-ins and check-outs.

    Pros of time clocks:

    • Ease of use: Time clock requires minimal action from employees; just a swipe or scan at arrival and departure.
    • Automated data recording: The time clock system automatically logs and calculates total time spent at work.
    • Accurate time tracking: Time clock software provides precise records of employee attendance and hours worked.

    Cons of time clocks:

    • High implementation costs: Time clocks are especially costly if a company operates multiple job sites.
    • Potential hygiene issues: Depending on the employee clocks system (card, fingerprint, retina), regular cleaning is necessary to maintain hygiene.
    • Impractical for mobile workforces: Not suitable for employees who work at multiple locations or are frequently on the move.
    • Not suitable for remote work: Limited tracking hours of employees physically present at the site, making it ineffective for remote work scenarios.

    TIP: Did you know that you can use a time-keeping app as a time clock software?

    Timeular time tracking app works on smartphone and desktop

    5. GPS tracking

    GPS and location tracking tools are widely used by companies with field services to accurately monitor the work hours of employees who are operating in various locations outside the office.

    How it works:

    Employees carry GPS-enabled devices that automatically record their location at different job sites. This data is then used to accurately calculate their work hours, streamlining timekeeping for field-based tasks.

    Pros

    • Efficient remote time tracking: These tools make it easy to track the time employees spend outside the office.
    • Accurate location data: Provides precise information about where employees are during work hours, ensuring accountability.

    Cons

    • Necessitates manual time calculation: While GPS tracking provides location data, calculating the actual work hours still requires manual effort.
    • Privacy and autonomy issues: The use of GPS tracking can raise concerns among employees about privacy and being monitored too closely.
    • Reliance on GPS-enabled devices: This method’s effectiveness depends on employees’ access to and use of GPS-enabled devices.
    • Vulnerability to technical errors: GPS tracking is susceptible to inaccuracies due to signal issues or device malfunctions.

    Read: The best employee time tracking software

    6. Monitoring tools

    Employee monitoring tools, which companies use to oversee their employees’ various work activities, can be quite contentious. These tools monitor app and website usage, scrutinize emails and messages, and may even record phone calls or track locations using GPS.

    Although intended to boost efficiency and protect company data, they are often discouraged. The downsides, like invading privacy, damaging trust, and creating a stressful atmosphere, usually outweigh the perceived benefits.

    Respect for employee privacy and trust and compliance with legal standards must be prioritized, and the use of such monitoring tools is generally not recommended.

    Cons of employee monitoring software:

    Employee monitoring should be avoided at all costs by companies and, therefore has no pros. Let’s review the cons of employee monitoring:

    1. Privacy concerns: They can infringe on employee privacy, creating an atmosphere where employees feel their personal space and autonomy are being invaded.
    2. Trust issues: Excessive monitoring can signal a lack of trust from management, potentially damaging the trust-based relationship between employer and employee.
    3. Stress and pressure: Being constantly monitored can lead to increased stress and pressure, which can, in turn, affect mental well-being and employee satisfaction.
    4. Reduced morale and productivity: Instead of improving productivity, such monitoring can have the opposite effect, as employees might feel valued more for their output than their professional skills and contributions.
    5. Potential for conflict: It can lead to workplace conflicts and a negative work environment, as employees may feel they are being treated unfairly or suspiciously.
    6. Legal and ethical issues: If not implemented carefully, monitoring tools can lead to legal repercussions and ethical dilemmas, particularly if they are used in ways that violate employee privacy rights or labor laws.

    Make sure you use transparent tracking methods to avoid workplace conflicts and respect employee privacy.

    best harvest alternatives
    Timeular is NOT a monitoring tool

    Employees will only track time spent honestly if they don’t feel monitored in realtime. Therefore Timeular has a 24h delay for time entries to appear on the manager’s side.

    How to choose the best employee time tracking software?

    When choosing the best employee time tracking app, it’s essential to focus on top features that enhance usability and accuracy. Here are the top three factors to consider:

    • User-friendly interface: The tool should have an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. This ensures that employees can use it effortlessly, leading to better compliance and more accurate time tracking.
    • Multiple time tracking methods: The app should offer various methods for tracking time, such as manual entry, timer-based tracking, or automated systems. This flexibility allows it to cater to different work styles and preferences.
    • Automatic time tracking: Look for features that enable automatic tracking of time spent on tasks. This reduces the burden of manual entries and enhances the accuracy of the time recorded.
    • Anti-surveillance policy: Employees will only track time honestly if they don’t feel monitored. For this reason, I advise you to refrain from employee monitoring tools that intrude employee privacy by taking screenshots or video.

    What is the best way to track employee hours?

    The answer to this simple question is also simple: it depends. Different solutions can work for different companies and businesses. However, in my opinion time tracking apps offer the most value.

    When looking for the best time tracker, you should make sure you choose the tool that “steals” little to no time, is automated, easy to use, and, if possible and applicable, remote-friendly, as remote work is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. 

    Choose what’s best for your company and for employees, and streamline your time tracking processes today!

    FAQ about employee time tracking

    Is there an automated time tracking app to track employee hours?

    Yes, there is! A good example of an automated employee time tracking software is Timeular. You can use it as a desktop app, web app, or mobile app. Additionally, it provides a physical time-tracking device that works as a reminder to track time regularly.

    Can I integrate an employee time tracking app with a task management tool?

    Yes, you can, and it’s easy! Take a look at the software that the Timeular time tracking app is integrating with Timeular integrations. You will find project time tracking tools that integrate seamlessly with task management software, payroll processing apps, and project management tools for both small businesses and enterprises.

    How to track work hours on Google Sheets?

    To track working hours in Google Sheets, set up a sheet with columns for dates, hours worked, and other relevant data, then enter this information manually. Utilize Google Sheets formulas to automatically calculate the total hours worked, ensuring efficient and accurate time management.

    How to track employee hours in Excel?

    To track employee hours in Excel, create a spreadsheet with columns for date, hours worked, and other relevant details, then input the data manually or automatically. Use Excel formulas to calculate total hours worked, ensuring accurate and efficient timekeeping.

    How to track time of employees working from home?

    One of the best ways to track employee time remotely is to use a time tracking tool. This automated and digital method will easily track working hours, connecting the data in real-time to the person in charge of keeping track of the employees’ working hours.

    How to track working hours on an iPhone?

    The best way to track working hours on an iPhone is by using a time-keeping app, also known as a time tracking tool or app. Why? Some time tracking apps like Timeular have a mobile app version, which can be used on an iPhone as easily as they are used on a computer.

    The post Employee Time Tracking: How to Track Employee Hours appeared first on Timeular.

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    Why Is Time Management Important And How To Master It https://timeular.com/blog/why-is-time-management-important/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:04:53 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=354099 Is it tiring to be overbooked, missing deadlines, or asking for an extension? Then, you need to understand the answers to the question “ Why is time management important?” and start mastering it. The great news is that if you simply alter your time management skills, you’ll get to have a proper time management relationship. […]

    The post Why Is Time Management Important And How To Master It appeared first on Timeular.

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    Is it tiring to be overbooked, missing deadlines, or asking for an extension?

    Then, you need to understand the answers to the question “ Why is time management important?” and start mastering it.

    The great news is that if you simply alter your time management skills, you’ll get to have a proper time management relationship.

    Follow along to clarify the importance of time management and learn actionable time management strategies. All these without sacrificing your work-life balance.

    time tracking tips
    Busy but not productive?

    Learn how Bang & Olufsen retrieved 10 hours of work and changed the IT structure to work more efficiently. By tracking time.

    What is time management?

    Time management is the intentional practice of organizing, managing, and prioritizing your tasks to achieve your goals efficiently. It involves knowing what to prioritize on your to-do list and when to be mindful of resources, such as energy and productivity levels.

    Time management is the intentional practice of organizing, managing, and prioritizing your tasks to achieve your goals efficiently.

    Recommended reads:

    The benefits of time management

    The benefits of time management are some of the following:

    • On an individual level, it helps you achieve goals. By staying focused and aware of time limits, you achieve objectives both in your personal and professional life, which impacts your physical and mental health, too.
    • Increased productivity and efficiency. When you practice time management effectively, you can simply accomplish more in a shorter period. Good time management enables you not just to work faster but to work smarter.
    • Revenue growth. When you manage time properly, your organization is in a better position to have financial gains, as resources are allocated more effectively and optimized for cost efficiency (Read about time allocation).
    • Enhanced decision-making: Once you manage time effectively, there’s more opportunity to reflect on decisions rather than make hasty choices. This leads to better, more thought-out decisions that can positively impact your business or projects.
    • Better work-life balance. There’s no novelty that burnout rates have skyrocketed, and effectively managing time impacts our overall well-being. With remote and hybrid set-ups, it’s harder to have a clear boundary between personal and professional life. So good time management skills need to come with better boundaries.
    • Stress reduction: Good time management skills and proper time management can significantly reduce stress levels. Knowing what needs to be done and when it should be completed provides a sense of control and predictability, easing the anxiety of last-minute rushes and missed deadlines.
    Learn how a consulting firm uses time tracking to avoid employee burnout

    On the flip side, poor time management leads to multiple psychological impacts, such as increased stress, feelings of being overwhelmed, and a sense of never catching up. This creates a negative work environment, where managers and their teams constantly feel pressured and unable to focus on tasks that truly matter.

    An important mention to keep in mind: it’s important to distinguish between being busy and being productive so that you can work smarter. Busy work often involves tackling tasks without a clear sense of priority or purpose, while productive time use is goal-oriented and results-focused.

    Why is time management important?

    Needless to say, once you consider the above benefits of time management, you quickly understand the importance of time management.

    Managing time efficiently is important as it helps you:

    • Have a balanced lifestyle while also prioritizing personal life
    • Have control over your career and its development
    • Grow your business or projects to new heights
    • Save time and reduce stress, with higher satisfaction
    • Make steady progress instead of stretches in achieving goals
    • Deal with time anxiety
    • Helps small business owners achieve greater focus, build positive habits, and handle busy work schedules with less stress, ultimately leading to more significant achievements for their business

    As you can observe, the importance of time management speaks about the benefits of time management, in essence.

    However, since you’re here, you might already understand the need for proper time management, but you don’t have a solution. If you’re looking for an online tool that’s speeding up your time management process and automating it entirely, Timeular is here to help with that and more.

    Time tracking is a key element of effective time management

    Start tracking time today, effortlessly, and securely, with Timeular.

    Before diving into other topics, here’s a time management glossary to get familiar with terms related to managing time:

    • A time budget is a plan for effectively allocating and managing time, similar to a budget plan for money. It aids in enhancing productive work and producing high-quality work.

    • Time estimation is forecasting how long a task or project will take. It’s crucial in any job as it helps plan and effectively manage resources.

    • The Time monkey effect is a subjective feeling that time goes faster or slower based on whether we like or dislike the work performed.

    • Time wasters can be non-essential tasks that waste too much time without producing valuable outputs or nice-to-haves in a project. Time wasters can be individuals, too – they can steer others toward unproductive actions.

    • Timesheet reminders are manual or automatic reminders, i.e., timesheet memes, emails, Slack messages, to track time.
    • Time management apps are online applications (both for desktop, web, and mobile) that support users in effective time management. Usually, they provide features like time tracking, PTO tracking, overtime tracking, and more.

    You might be interested in How to allocate resources

    Learn time management tips

    1. Start tracking your time to learn how to manage it

    To improve your time management skills, you can add time-tracking to your routine or for your team.

    If you and your employees have a hunch that you need to improve productivity but don’t know what to start with, tracking time spent on all your tasks can be the first practical step.

    If you have a hunch that you need to improve productivity but don’t know what to start with, tracking time spent on all your tasks is the best first step.

    A time-tracking app such as Timeular can make this process effortless for you, as it automatically records your work in the background while you focus on the most important tasks.

    Here’s what an AI time-tracking software does for you:

    • Tracks automatically your time on tasks: captures app, website, and document usage;
    • Gives you automated suggestions and reminders to fill your calendar;
    • It works as a time reporting system showing your productivity trends and app usage so that you can identify patterns of efficiency;
    • Tracks billable and non-billable hours – allows you to track non-billable and billable hours with a click;
    • Allows you to track up to 1,000 tasks with a physical time-tracking cube by simply switching one side of the dice;

    2. Ask the right time-related questions

    Time management is effective because it relies on intentional and accurate time-tracking.

    By diligently logging in real-time in a time-tracking software the time spent on projects, you can proactively control outcomes and prevent roadblocks.

    You’ll also be able to address questions such as:

    • Do you and your team have the bandwidth to handle other tasks?
    • Is there a recurring task that needs intervention, as it’s consistently put aside?
    • Are deadlines looming up on the team, and do you need to reshuffle priorities?
    • Are there urgent tasks consuming more time than anticipated?

    TIP: the importance of time management needs to be grasped by the entire team, so a team time tracker is a good solution, as it builds self-discipline and awareness of time management.

    3. Carry regular time audits

    If you’re worried when hearing “audit” and think this might be a tedious and lengthy process, it’s not.

    Doing a time audit is a rapid assessment of the duration of your tasks. Ideally, a time audit should be run once a week so that you can objectify your time and make better estimates.

    Objectify time? Let me explain that – it’s related to the Time Monkey Effect. This Monkey Effect misleads us into miscalculating how much time we spend on some tasks based on how much we like or dislike them.

    This skewed perspective makes us prioritize tasks inefficiently, make wrong estimations, and not allocate enough time for challenging tasks.

    Dive into time auditing for a thorough understanding of its steps. Time management templates might help you along the way.

    Recommended tools:

    4. Remember to take regular breaks

    Being productive differs from being busy, and if you’re looking to work smarter rather than staying busy, free time between tasks is vital.

    To manage your time better, you need to find a good balance between knowing when to stay focused and when to have a break to eliminate stress levels. This is a strategic way to improve proper time management skills, as it:

    • Prevents burnout and keeps energy levels balanced;

    • Helps build positive habits to protect your mental health;

    • Ensures consistent productivity while you’ll be perceiving less effort compared to constant work;

    • Gives your brain the much-needed rest and less stress;

    • Helps achieve greater focus and increased energy upon returning to work;

    These periodic rests will lead you to achieve optimal efficiency. Techniques such as Timeboxing or the Pomodoro Technique (Use a free Pomodoro timer) integrate these breaks seamlessly into your workflow instead of seeing them as disruptions.

    5. Implement time management techniques

    A time management technique will help you control your time, limit distractions, and use it efficiently throughout the day so that you can be fulfilled with your outcomes.

    When your essential time management skills are falling short, you can resort to using time-tracking tools to monitor and inform you of your performance, as well as time management methods.

    The following techniques:

    • Timeboxing: Primarily used in Scrum and Agile project management, this method entices you to allocate specific time slots for specific tasks ranging from minutes to weeks, and it promotes meeting the deadline within the pre-defined timebox.
    • The 4 Ds of time management: The 4 Ds of time management technique offers a basis for categorizing and prioritising tasks into four categories: Delete, Delegate, Defer, and Do. Once you’ve clustered your tasks, you can start working smarter and with less overwhelm.
    • Time blocking: Time blocking allows you to break your to-do list into timed slots. It involves scheduling focused blocks of work for one task at a time. It prevents overload, consumes energy on multitasking, and limits distractions so you can progress on your work tasks, and not only. (Download: Free daily time blocking template)
    • Time management matrix: Also known as the Eisenhower Matrix, this method allows effective prioritization of work by breaking tasks into buckets of importance and urgency. You’ll add your urgent and important tasks in four quadrants, and based on that, decide which are the most important tasks to start with.
    • Time mapping: This method involves breaking the day into dedicated time blocks, either personal or work duties, contributing to a better work-life balance and efficient planning.
    • The Pomodoro technique originated from the Italian word for “tomato,” andthis method involves deep work in bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. It enhances focus and contributes to your energy levels, too.

    Common time management pitfalls

    Understanding the importance of time management and implementing effective time management strategies are indeed the first essential steps.

    But it’s equally important to be aware of the common pitfalls hindering your productivity. These mistakes include:

    • Taking on too many tasks without delegating;

    • Underestimating the time needed for a task;

    • Endlessly procrastinating ( if that’s your case, check our guide that explains how to overcome procrastination);
    • Multitasking on your daily tasks while overwhelming yourself.

    Let’s explore multitasking. While being able to perform all the tasks with maximum efficiency at work is praised, studies demonstrate the opposite. Research shows that multitasking affects the brain’s efficiency, as its capacity to shift between tasks is not as good as we’d imagine.

    For your mental gears not to get rustier and rustier the more you multitask – when faced with multiple requirements competing for attention – it’s recommended to simply stop, reassess priorities, and find an approach that works best.

    The other obstacle, procrastination, or delaying or avoiding tasks, is a behavior that can stem from complex underlying causes or patterns. In this case, tackling the root cause as a long-term goal is a step you should consider.

    Read also: What is context switching and its effect on productivity

    Key takeaways

    • Time management is essential for productivity, reducing stress, and building a professional reputation. It also improves personal life satisfaction and work-life balance.

    • Effective time management skills involve setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks with time management techniques, and carrying out time audits regularly.

    • By using time-tracking software and being aware of the common pitfalls almost everyone falls prey to, you’re already one step closer to enhanced productivity and work optimization.

    Start a 30-day free trial and track time with NO effort

    “Since we started using Timeular and tracking our time, we’ve never made another mistake in planning, creating accurate proposals or budgeting for clients. It’s so easy to use. Everyone uses it and it shows.” – AC Coppens, Founder of THE CATALYSTS

    Conclusion

    Effective time management is not just a skill but a strategic asset in today’s business world. It will enable you and your team to work smarter, not harder, leading to increased productivity, reduced stress, and a better work-life balance. By understanding its importance, engaging in practical strategies, and considering tools like time tracking, you can transform your approach to time and tasks.

    Read more:

    FAQ

    What are the key components of time management?

    Effective time management requires several essential elements, including establishing goals, determining priorities, planning effectively, and creating a schedule. It also involves consistently monitoring progress and maintaining control over one’s use of time to maximize efficiency. These components are crucial in helping individuals make the most out of their limited amount of time.

    How can time management skills be applied in my personal activities?

    Time management can help you understand how to break your big life objectives into smaller tasks, set realistic deadlines for yourself, or eliminate unnecessary distractions. At the same time, you’ll learn how to dedicate sufficient time to the extracurricular activities in your daily life.

    How can technology aid in time management?

    By systematically recording time spent on various tasks, individuals and teams can identify areas of inefficiency and adjust accordingly. This practice not only aids in better time management but also in understanding work patterns, preferences, and potential areas for improvement.

    For small business owners and managers, implementing time tracking can be a significant step towards mastering time management. It encourages accountability, provides clear data for decision-making, and can even highlight the need for additional resources or changes in processes.

    The post Why Is Time Management Important And How To Master It appeared first on Timeular.

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    10 Best Lawyer Time Tracking Software https://timeular.com/blog/best-time-tracking-lawyers/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:31:22 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=349905 Many legal businesses still rely on traditional time tracking methods and lose time with manual processes. However, legal billing is complex, time-consuming, and subject to strict ethics and accounting regulations. That’s why some time ago, law firms began embracing time tracking software to handle administrative tasks like time tracking and legal billing more efficiently. The […]

    The post 10 Best Lawyer Time Tracking Software appeared first on Timeular.

    ]]>
    Many legal businesses still rely on traditional time tracking methods and lose time with manual processes. However, legal billing is complex, time-consuming, and subject to strict ethics and accounting regulations.

    That’s why some time ago, law firms began embracing time tracking software to handle administrative tasks like time tracking and legal billing more efficiently. The result? More revenue!

    Legal time tracking software can eliminate 90% of the manual time tracking. Additionally, it provides more diligent time tracking data, which translates into more hours billed.

    Looking for the best time tracking app for lawyers?

    Try Timeular for free and join hundreds of lawyers, who already track their billable hours with us!

    How do you choose the best lawyer time tracking software? You need one that not only lets you capture billable hours with just a few clicks but is also reliable and frictionless.

    Explore my top 10 recommendations for the best lawyer time tracking software and switch to automatic time tracking to capture more billable hours and boost your revenue right away.

    The 10 best time tracking software for a law firm

    legal timekeeping software

    Using the best time tracking software for law firms can significantly improve productivity and ensure accurate client billing. These tools help lawyers track billable hours, manage client invoices, and streamline administrative tasks. By implementing the right software, law firms can enhance their efficiency and focus more on their clients.

    Dedicated legal billing software can help law firms manage time tracking, invoicing, and compliance requirements more efficiently than general bookkeeping and invoicing software.

    legal time tracking

    1. Timeular: The best attorney time tracking software

    Timeular stands out as the most effortless and intuitive time tracking app for lawyers. It streamlines the time tracking process by simplifying and efficiently tracking all hours worked.

    The top features tailored to a law firm’s needs include:

    • Billable time tracking: Capture both billable and non-billable time automatically.
    • Automatic time tracking: Passively track time by capturing apps, documents, and calendar events, turning them into detailed time entries automatically. Your privacy is fully safeguarded as all data remains stored exclusively on your device.
    • Physical time tracker: This handy device sits on your desk and helps you build a time-tracking habit. Just switch the cube to the right side when you change the case you are working on. Easy! PS. You can use the software without the Tracker.
    • Intuitive and automated reports: View billed hours and time spent on specific clients or tasks immediately.
    • A mobile companion app: Available for iOS and Android, it allows you to track your legal services on the go.
    • Robust time budget feature: Keep track of the time left for each client or project and stop overservicing your clients.
    • GDPR-compliance: Unlike other time tracking software, Timeular is fully compliant with GDPR regulations, ensuring that user data is protected and privacy rights are respected.

    I’ve been using Timeular pretty regularly since 2020 to help me overcome my career-long struggle to remember to record my time. It’s the best tool I’ve found, and I’m grateful to have found it.

    Rebecca R., Associate Attorney
    See how lawyers track billable hours with Timeular

    Track all billable and non-billable activities, and bill clients accurately!

    2. Clio

    Clio

    Clio is a widely recognized practice management software that offers time-tracking features tailored specifically for law firms. Dedicated legal billing software like Clio is crucial in managing time and expenses, generating invoices, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical requirements.

    With Clio, you can track billable hours, generate accurate invoices, and monitor your firm’s performance.

    Clio’s reporting capabilities give you valuable insights into your firm’s time allocation, productivity trends, and profitability.

    Even though it is a comprehensive solution for time tracking, Clio shows some drawbacks, like limited report customizations and syncing issues with third-party integrations.

    3. TimeSolv

    attorney timekeeping

    TimeSolv is a user-friendly time and billing software for attorneys offering various features. Dedicated legal billing software like TimeSolv can help manage time and expenses more efficiently by ensuring compliance with strict ethics and accounting regulations.

    With TimeSolv, you can track time, record expenses, and generate professional invoices. TimeSolv’s expense tracking features help manage and monitor costs related to specific projects, including controlling spending, tracking billable time, and maintaining transparency with clients through digital copies of receipts and invoices.

    Its reporting tools provide insights into your firm’s financial performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions. However, the generated reports must be downloaded to be analyzed, lacking the online reporting functionality that other tracking tools offer.

    4. MyCase

    MyCase is an all-in-one legal practice management software integrating time tracking capabilities with case management functionalities. Dedicated legal billing software like MyCase ensures that all billable hours are correctly recorded and invoiced, helping law firms manage time tracking, invoicing, and compliance requirements more efficiently than general bookkeeping and invoicing software.

    With MyCase, you can conveniently track billable hours, log expenses, and manage tasks from a single platform. It can also be integrated with multiple accounting software, simplifying the billing process.

    For legal workers looking into finding a complete time tracking software for lawyers, MyCase is a good option, even though it has been reported to have some usability issues and complex workflows

    This can make time tracking harder than it needs to be, which can lead to inaccurate billable hours tracking.

    5. Bill4Time

    time accounting software legal – Bill4Time

    Bill4Time is a cloud-based solution, and it’s one of the top attorney time-tracking software. Dedicated legal billing software like Bill4Time is a reliable solution for efficient time tracking and billing management.

    Most legal billing software provides essential features such as information security, data backups, cloud access, invoicing capabilities, time tracking, online payments, and workflow streamlining. Its comprehensive features include time tracking, invoicing, and client management.

    The software’s customizable reporting options offer valuable insights into time allocation, helping you identify areas of improvement and increase productivity. Bill4Time’s integration with popular accounting systems streamlines the billing process, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring accurate and timely invoices.

    With its focus on meeting the needs of legal professionals, Bill4Time is a reliable solution for efficient time tracking and billing management.

    6. Zola Suite 

    law firm time tracking – zolasuite

    Zola Suite is one of the best time and billing software for attorneys that offers a comprehensive suite of legal practice management tools, including time tracking, billing, and document management features. Dedicated legal billing software like Zola Suite helps law firms manage time tracking, invoicing, and compliance requirements more efficiently than general bookkeeping and invoicing software.

    Zola Suite’s time tracking functionality allows you to accurately record billable hours, track tasks, and monitor productivity.

    The software can be integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and QuickBooks. Zola Suite’s document management capabilities ensure easy access to case-related files and collaboration among team members.

    With its focus on providing a holistic solution for law firms, Zola Suite enhances efficiency, simplifies workflows, and promotes effective client management.

    These features make Zola Suite an interesting legal time-tracking software.

    However, because it is not focused on time tracking, the software might not be the best solution for law firms looking for the most accurate solutions in the time tracking area.

    7. Toggl Track

    attorney time keeping software – toggl

    Toggl Track is a top-notch employee time-tracking app, and it’s used across various industries, including the legal sector.

    Dedicated legal billing software like Toggl Track can help legal professionals manage time tracking, invoicing, and compliance requirements more efficiently than general bookkeeping and invoicing software.

    Toggl Track allows users to track time spent on tasks, projects, and client matters.

    The software offers reporting features, enabling you to analyze time allocation, identify productivity patterns, and optimize resource utilization.

    With Toggl Track’s time-tracking capabilities, legal professionals can improve time management, bill clients, and gain insights into their productivity levels.

    8. Rescue Time

    rescuetime

    This time tracking software tracks working hours automatically, without inserting them manually.

    Dedicated legal billing software like RescueTime can help users gain insights into their productivity patterns and identify areas for improvement. RescueTime offers reports and analytics, allowing users to gain insights into their productivity patterns and identify areas for improvement.

    Another valuable feature is the software’s ability to block distracting websites and send alerts for excessive time spent on unproductive activities. However, some users sometimes found the software’s categorization of activities inaccurate, leading to manual adjustments.

    Read also: Replacement time tracking apps for RescueTime

    9. TimeCamp

    timesheet software legal

    TimeCamp is a versatile and remote time-tracking software that works for law firms. Dedicated legal billing software like TimeCamp can simplify invoicing and enable billing. The software’s automatic time-tracking feature records billable hours in the background, eliminating the need for manual entries.

    This timesheet software offers reporting capabilities into team performance, project profitability, and resource utilization.

    Its integration with accounting software also simplifies invoicing, enabling billing.

    Since it’s such a complete tool, its learning curve can be steeper, taking teams a long time to learn how to use it.

    Read also: The best Timecamp alternatives

    10. Chrometa 

    Chrometa is at the top of legal time tracking software because it’s designed to simplify time tracking. Dedicated legal billing software like Chrometa can help manage tasks within existing workflows, ensuring compliance with strict ethics and accounting regulations.

    With its automatic time capture feature, Chrometa automatically tracks time spent on various tasks and applications, eliminating the need for manual tracking.

    The software can also be integrated with popular legal practice management tools, making it convenient to track billable hours and manage tasks within existing workflows.

    Chrometa’s time reports provide insights into time allocation, helping law firms improve efficiency and accurately bill clients.

    How to choose the best legal time tracking software

    When choosing between different lawyer time tracking tools, there are a few key points to consider:

    • Compatibility with devices: Look for a time tracking software compatible with the devices you and your team regularly use, such as desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets. This allows you to track billable hours without working at a computer.
    • Team collaboration: Consider whether the software supports team collaboration features, like shared calendars, task assignments, and real-time updates. This allows you and your team to track time collaboratively, assign tasks, and stay informed about each other’s progress. As a result, productivity and time tracking, and billing accuracy are improved.
    • Billable vs. non-billable hours: Look for software differentiating between billable and non-billable hours. This feature helps accurately track time spent on client-related work that can be invoiced, ensuring accurate billing. (DOWNLOAD: Free attorney timesheet template)
    • Sharable reports: A time tracking software for attorneys should allow you to generate and share detailed time tracking reports. The reports should be easy to share and customizable, allowing you to include relevant information such as client details, project breakdowns, billable hours, and non-billable hours.
    • The number of users: Choosing a time management app that suits your team size is essential. Also, ensure the software allows you to easily manage permission and roles, to add new users in case of new hires, for example.
    • Compliance with legal and ethical requirements: It is crucial to choose a lawyer time tracking software that ensures compliance with legal and ethical requirements, such as trust accounting, LEDES billing, and retainer payments.

    Conclusion

    Adopting the right time tracking software can transform your law firm’s efficiency, allowing you to capture billable hours effortlessly, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with legal regulations.

    The laywer time tracking tools highlighted in this article offer diverse features tailored to your needs, from intuitive and accurate time tracking to comprehensive reporting.

    By embracing these innovative solutions, you can enhance productivity, improve billing accuracy, and boost revenue. Whether you choose Timeular for its simplicity or another robust option from our top recommendations, switching to automated time tracking will bring significant benefits to your legal practice.

    Read more:

    FAQ

    What is time tracking software?

    A time tracking software is designed to help individuals and businesses track and manage the time spent on various tasks, projects, or activities. It allows users to record and monitor the amount of time they allocate to different activities, projects, or clients throughout the day.

    How does time tracking software work?

    Time tracking software captures and records the time spent on various tasks, projects, or activities. Sometimes, it allows you to differentiate billable from non-billable hours to ensure correct billing and increase efficiency, productivity, and revenue.

    Is time tracking effective?

    ​​Yes, time tracking can be very effective. When appropriately used, time tracking can help teams allocate resources where they are most needed and increase productivity, efficiency, revenue, and profit. It can also help to maintain a transparent billing process, which can help the relationships with clients last longer.

    Why is time tracking important?

    Time tracking can help teams to be more productive and efficient, increase accuracy in billable hours, increase profits and revenue, and reduce operating costs for companies.

    What is the most accurate tracking app?

    Timeular is the most accurate time tracking software for lawyers. With its user-friendly interface and ease of use, Timeular helps attorneys bill all the little things.

    The post 10 Best Lawyer Time Tracking Software appeared first on Timeular.

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    How to Calculate Hours Worked: Step by Step https://timeular.com/blog/calculate-work-hours/ Fri, 17 May 2024 12:53:17 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=353560 Keeping track of employee working hours ensures fair compensation and efficient project management. But how do you calculate hours worked per day, week, or month? You can do it automatically by using a time tracking app, semi-manually by using a Time Card Calculator, or manually by filling in timesheet templates. There is a simple formula, […]

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    Keeping track of employee working hours ensures fair compensation and efficient project management. But how do you calculate hours worked per day, week, or month? You can do it automatically by using a time tracking app, semi-manually by using a Time Card Calculator, or manually by filling in timesheet templates.

    There is a simple formula, too, to calculate working hours on paper or using a calculator.

    Let’s examine different ways to calculate employee hours worked within a specific time period and how to create timesheets yourself.

    Start calculating your work hours 100% effortlessly

    Automatically or manually. With a physical time tracker or keyboard shortcuts. Under 1 minute a day.

    How to calculate hours worked 

    To calculate hours worked within a specific period, follow these steps:

    Step 1: Determine the start time and end time

    To calculate how many hours you or your employees worked within a day, week, or month, you need to precisely define the start time and end time of each work day of the tracked period.

    This may involve referring to timesheets, job logs, or even using a work hours tracker that provides detailed information about clock-in and clock-out time.

    For example: On Monday, John Watson started working at 8 AM and finished at 4 PM.

    Step 2: Convert time to military time

    Convert start and end times to military time (24-hour clock) to maintain consistency and avoid confusion arising from AM/PM designations.

    To convert time to military time, add 12 to the end time (afternoon hours), and leave start time (morning hours) as it is.

    For example: As John started work at 8:00 AM and finished at 5:15 PM, you will convert it to 8:00 and 17:15. 

    Step 3: Convert to decimal form

    Since work schedules often involve minute-level precision, and employers use the decimal format to calculate wages, it’s essential to convert the minutes into decimal hours.

    To do this, simply divide minutes by 60.

    For example: As John finished work at 17:15, divide 15 by 60 to get 0.25. This turns 17:15 into 17.25.

    Step 4: Subtract start time from end time

    With the start and end times in a 24-hour and decimal format, you can simply subtract the start time from the end time to determine the total work hours.

    For example: As John started work at 8:00 AM (08:00) and finished at 5:15 PM (17:00), his total work hours amount to 9:15 hours (17:15 – 8:00 = 9:15). Now, let’s convert this to a decimal form: 9:15 –> 9.25.

    Step 5: Subtract unpaid breaks

    Unpaid breaks are typically deducted from total work hours to determine the net work hours, representing the actual time spent at work.

    This final step is crucial for ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for their actual work hours.

    To subtract unpaid breaks, identify the total length of the break and subtract it from the total work hours.

    For example: As John worked for 9.25 hours and took a 30-minute lunch break (30/60=0.5), his net work hours amount to 8.65 hours (9.25 – 0.5 = 8.75).

    Step 6: Calculate total hours worked for the pay period (week, month)

    You’ve already learned how to calculate daily work hours. In order to calculate the total hours worked per week or total time worked per month, add the total hours worked in the particular period using the same formulas.

    If you want to calculate employee hours worked per specific pay period, I suggest you switch to a time tracking software that will do it automatically.

    how to calculate work hours

    Read: How lawyers track billable hours

    Benefits and limitations of calculating work hours manually

    Creating handwritten timecards is a simple and inexpensive way to calculate hours but it works fine only for those in freelance positions. Unfortunately, it’s not a time-efficient method to calculate work hours for teams.

    Benefits:

    • No need for training
    • Inexpensive to implement
    • No additional software required
    • Suitable for remote or mobile employees

    Drawbacks:

    • Time-consuming to record and maintain
    • Susceptible to errors and omissions
    • Difficult to generate reports
    • Not scalable for large teams or complex projects

    Overall, handwritten timecards are a viable option for businesses with small teams or simple payroll needs. However, they are not the most efficient or accurate method of tracking employee hours. Businesses with larger teams or more complex payroll needs should consider using a work hours tracker.

    add up work hours

    More time-efficient methods to calculate work hours

    Time tracking apps

    Time-tracking software automates the process of tracking and calculating the time spent at work, on different tasks, projects, or clients. There is no more need for paper timesheets, and all employee timecards are always at hand, available within one software.

    Benefits:

    Drawbacks:

    • It needs basic training
    • There are both paid and free options available

    Some of the most popular and efficient time management tools include Timeular, a simple, smart, and secure time-tracking software that allows you to accurately track time spent on tasks without disrupting your workflow.

    how to calculate your work hours

    Spreadsheets

    Are you a spreadsheet fan and want to use Excel or Google Sheets as your hours calculator? Why not! I’ve created a couple of free timesheet templates that you can use to calculate hours worked in Excel or Google Sheets:

    Benefits:

    • Flexible and customizable
    • They can be used to track multiple projects and tasks
    • It’s possible to generate reports and invoices
    • They can be shared with multiple users
    • They can be used on desktop, mobile, and web

    Drawbacks:

    • They can be time-consuming to set up and maintain
    • Prone to errors
    • Not user-friendly, messy, and clunky
    • Not as secure as dedicated time tracking systems

    Spreadsheets are a viable option for businesses with small teams or simple payroll needs. However, they are not the most efficient or accurate method of tracking hours worked. Businesses with larger teams or more complex payroll needs should consider using a solution such as a time tracking app.

    Learn more:

    how to calculate your hours in spreadsheets

    Time clocks

    Time clocks are physical devices that employees use to clock in and clock out of work. They are a more reliable and accurate way to track hours than handwritten timesheets, and can also be used to track breaks and overtime.

    Benefits:

    • More reliable and accurate than handwritten timesheets
    • Tracking breaks and overtime hours
    • Integration with payroll systems
    • They can be used with a variety of scheduling systems

    Drawbacks:

    • They can be expensive to purchase and install
    • They require additional maintenance
    • Not as portable as time-tracking apps
    • Not suitable for remote or mobile employees

    Time clocks are a good option for businesses that need a reliable and accurate way to track hours and might work well for businesses with a large number of employees or complex payroll needs. However, businesses with remote or mobile employees should consider using a time-tracking app instead.

    calculating time worked

    Online time clocks

    Online time clocks allow employees to clock in and clock out using computers or mobile devices. This method is more accurate and efficient than manual timesheets but it requires additional software and infrastructure.

    Benefits:

    • More accurate and efficient than manual timesheets
    • Can track breaks and overtime
    • Integrate with payroll systems

    Drawbacks:

    • Requires additional software and infrastructure
    • They may not be suitable for all businesses
    • They can be expensive to implement
    how to add up work hours and pay

    Integrated payroll systems

    Integrated payroll systems combine time tracking with payroll processing. This eliminates the need to manually enter time into payroll software.

    Benefits:

    • Eliminates the need to manually enter time into payroll software
    • Improves accuracy and efficiency
    • One tool to cover multiple needs

    Drawbacks:

    • Requires a more expensive payroll system
    • They may not be suitable for all businesses
    • Requires training

    Read also: Why time management is important in a business

    Track work time with zero effort or frustration

    Automatically or manually. With a physical time tracker or keyboard shortcuts. Under 1 minute a day.

    FAQ

    How to define work hours and overtime?

    The definition of work hours can vary based on employment contracts, industry standards, and local labor laws.

    • Regular work hours refer to the standard timeframe during which an employee is obligated to be present and perform job-related duties;
    • Overtime occurs when an employee works beyond their regular work hours. To calculate a one-time overtime event, use the free overtime calculator. To track overtime regularly and automatically, try the Overtime Tracker.
    • Part-time work involves an employment arrangement where an individual works fewer hours than a full-time employee, often less than 35-40 hours per week. 

    Understanding these distinctions is crucial for both employers and employees to make sure you are compliant with labor laws, appropriate compensation for overtime, and fair treatment for part-time workers. 

    How to calculate overtime pay?

    Overtime pay usually exceeds regular hourly pay rate. For example, in the United States, overtime pay is typically calculated at 1.5 times an employee’s regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.

    Remember that the specific rules for overtime pay can vary based on employment agreements, employee classification, and jurisdiction. Certain states may have distinct overtime thresholds or rates, and some industries may have unique regulations. 

    Learn more in the article how to calculate overtime pay.

    The post How to Calculate Hours Worked: Step by Step appeared first on Timeular.

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    10 Best AI Tools For Designers: Beyond Design Functions https://timeular.com/blog/best-ai-tools-designers/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:39:42 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=355047 As a creative, you need to capitalize on AI tools, as you understand inaction is not an option. While every article discusses only AI graphic design tools for AI-generated images, this article aims to introduce you to more than AI tools for imagery. You’ll get to see tools to accelerate your entire creative process, from […]

    The post 10 Best AI Tools For Designers: Beyond Design Functions appeared first on Timeular.

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    As a creative, you need to capitalize on AI tools, as you understand inaction is not an option.

    While every article discusses only AI graphic design tools for AI-generated images, this article aims to introduce you to more than AI tools for imagery.

    You’ll get to see tools to accelerate your entire creative process, from ideation and planning to execution.

    Preview of tools list

    1. Automatic timesheet and billable hours app: Timeular
    2. Notetaking and task management: Notion AI
    3. Premier AI image generator: MidJourney
    4. Widely used text-to-image generator: Dall-E 2
    5. A go-to vector graphic tool: Adobe Firefly
    6. Comprehensive marketing tool: Adobe Sensei
    7. Stable Diffusion model app: DreamStudio
    8. Image and video enhancement: Topaz Labs
    9. Instant logo generation: Looka Logo Maker
    10. Simple drag-and-drop design tool: Canva
    Psst, do filling timesheets and reporting bother you?

    Try a time-efficient alternative and stop losing your time – Timeular will automate your timesheets and let you focus on your creative work.

    What are AI tools for designers?

    Besides massively improving your creative output and productivity, you must understand that AI models are here to stay and revolutionize how we work.

    In essence, AI design tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning in all facets of design. So, all mundane tasks that graphic designers or web designers deal with can be a thing of the past, as AI can streamline and automate them.

    We’re discussing background removal, generating placeholders, or creating website banners.

    Why do you need AI-powered tools?

    The first obvious reason is necessity. The sooner you adopt AI into your workflow, the higher your competitive edge will be.

    Agencies, corporations, and independent designers have already infused them into their processes.

    • For example, in a Reddit thread on How will AI change graphic design, designers explain how some creative agencies in the UK already implemented it. They mention that agencies started creating quick concepts for mood boards with AI tools, which then are validated with clients and further developed by graphic designers. Previously, conceptual work was done entirely by a freelancer or full-time graphic designer.

    While this may sound frightening, the reality is that AI graphic design tools are freeing up time so you can be more disruptive and creative beyond the regular limits.

    • In a 2023 study done by BCG with 200 CMOs, the number one word they expressed towards implementing AI was “Optimism.” The same study reveals that 70% of the respondents mentioned that their organizations already use Generative AI, which has affected their core marketing functions, while 19% were still testing it.

    TIP: You might be interested in exploring the process of Workplace automation.

    Besides necessity, AI tools allow better and more disruptive design, ignite your creativity with innovative ideas, and allow you to generate custom color palettes, enhance images, or improve existing designs. There’s no objective reason why one might not implement AI apps into their workflow, as they’re evolving, and the speed is unprecedented.

    Top 10 AI tools for designers

    Timeular - best AI tools

    Timeular

    Timeular is an AI time-tracker that understands that creative professionals are not into admin work. If reporting is last on your to-do list, this time tracking app will make automatically generate reports which are accurate andvisually appealing. But there is more.

    The best part about Timeular is its AI does all the work for you – from capturing all time spent on tasks, apps, websites, and calendar events to adding it to your timesheet. All you have to do is dedicate one minute a day to accepting the AI-suggested time entries.

    What’s more, it doesn’t intrude on your privacy, so managers cannot see in real-time an employee’s timesheet, but with a 12-hour delay, and your data is stored only locally on your computer.

    Here’s to fair compensation for time spent on creative projects, managing project costs better, setting appropriate rates, and gaining insights into your work patterns.

    TIP: Explore the features section to see other features of Timeular, like its cool physical gadget.

    “Timeular has entirely replaced the timesheets that most of us used. Every other time tracking solution we tried proved to be unwieldy compared to pen and paper. After a week of Timeular, everybody became an instant convert!”, Senior Designer at O’Brien Media

    Key features users love:

    • Generates clean and easy-to-digest time reports to be shared with customers and for you to understand where your time goes;
    • Alerts you once you’re close to reaching a time budget with budget notifications so that you don’t go over the budgeted amount of time you awarded to a project or task;

    • Allows time tracking with a physical time-tracking gadget that, once flipped on another side, starts tracking another activity. We have to say that the physical tracker is one of the most appreciated features of designers.

    Capture, analyze and bill more time with the Timeular Tracker
    • It’s designed to notice personal productivity patterns with AI, reflected in a dashboard visible only to you. You’ll get to see apps that sidetrack your work efficiency or times you’re at peak productivity;

      Timeular - best AI tools

    • Allows you to track time the way you want: with a simple CMD+E command, directly in the calendar interface, automatically, or with the physical tracker;

    • Thanks to automatic time tracking, you can track time automatically across apps, documents, and websites you’re working on in the background and add it to your timesheet. Note that automatic tracking works if you want it to, and all tracked data is visible only to you.
    • It captures and adds AI time entry suggestions to your timesheet for an honest overview of time spent on tasks. This way, your calendar becomes an accurate reflection of your workday, client billing, and reporting.

    automatic time entries
    • Billable hours tracking can be recorded in one click once you choose billable or non-billable tracking;
    • Allows overtime tracking and leave hours tracking, including PTO, sick, and parental leave, for accurate resource allocation without using another leave management tool.
    The most effortless AI time tracker

    Say goodbye to disjointed time and leave management AI tools. Timeular’s AI time entry suggestions, automated tracking, and smart productivity insights are linked within the same app.

    Pricing:

    30 days free plan (trial)
    Personal: €6.30/user/month
    Personal Pro: €9.60/ user/month
    Team: 
    €14.60/user/month (unlimited users)

    Notion AI

    Notion can be your go-to place for task management, notetaking, and user research data storage. It allows you to write things from scratch, tweak them, share, and iterate with collaborators. 

    It’s very well integrated into your regular workflow and into the tools you’re using. An example is the ability to preview Google Drive files and Figma designs within project databases in Notion. 

    Key features users love:

    • It gives access to countless free or paid templates and even a Design System database for product design and development;

    • You can view and organize the database in multiple ways, such as boards, galleries, or lists;

    • Helps you manage tasks with features that prioritize work based on urgency and importance, while new tasks are generated once previous ones are done.
    • You can share pages with external clients and embed content from various graphic design tools like Whimsical, Figma, Miro, and others.

    • the AskNotion command points you to specific data points to identify any information in your project’s database;

    • Auto-fills meeting summaries, follow-ups, or project updates, and even generates summaries of articles from the web with its Web Clipper.

    What users don’t like:

    • Though Notion is customizable, this is also its pain point, as this extensive customizability makes it hard to adopt. At times, you might get overwhelmed by all the options, especially if you’re not a fan of organizing docs and systematizing data.

    Pricing:

    • Free plan

    • Plus: $8/month per user

    • Business: $15/month per user

    • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

    • For startups, Notion offers 6 months for free, with all features included, based on an application.

    MidJourney

    Screenshot of Midjourney Showcase

    No wonder MidJourney tops this list for design-specific tools, as it has gained popularity as a premier AI image generator, and I’m convinced you’ve already tested it.

    This AI tool took 4th place in the Writerbuddy study with 500.4M visitors from September 2022 to August 2023.

    It allows you to create stunning visuals through a series of prompts but makes content creation tricky, too. That happens, as you’d expect, due to its Discord interface, which is not the most user-friendly interface out there.

    MidJourney is, without a doubt, one of the machine-learning tools that enables creative professionals to turn creative vision into artwork that is hardly distinguishable from reality.

    Key features users love:

    • Excels at generating realistic images;

    • Allows subscribers to have a private conversation with the AI tool, removing the chaotic collective environment (Discord);

    • In the v6 Alpha release, you can create descriptive prompts, as its machine-learning algorithm has improved massively ( including color combinations from hex codes you’re inputting);

    • With simple commands such as /imagine and /blend, you can start writing the prompt and blend images;

    • It generates 4 outputs, which you can drill down and utilize to generate concepts. These can then become the foundation of your final result.

    What users don’t like:

    • Discord can be overwhelming for new users, so navigating MidJourney can take some time and requires patience;

    • As there are thousands of people generating artwork at the same time, the feed feels super hectic, so you have to keep a close eye to find your output;

    • Requires a paid subscription to create images;

    Pricing:

    • Basic plan: $8/month

    • Standard plan: $24/month

    • Pro plan: $46/month

    • Mega plan: $96/month

    Dall-E 2 Image Generator Examples

    DALL-E 2

    Almost anyone used Dall-E 2 out of curiosity; I doubt graphic designers have not experimented with it yet or even implemented it in their design process.

    DALL·E 2 is a text-to-image generator, as well as an AI art generator, that creates realistic images similar to ChatGPT based on text prompts.

    Essentially, you’re going to input text prompts into Dall-E for it to generate unique and remarkable imagery. The more complex, nuanced, and niche your prompts are, the more qualitative the custom images get.

    Dall-E 2 can help you prove to your clients you’re taking that extra step for them and generate mood boards or deliver color combinations or layouts.

    Key features users love:

    • Works not only as a text-to-image generator, but you can upload images into Dall-E 2, and it will utilize your imagery to pull it into your output;

    • Generates high-quality images that look like proper digital art;

    • With its Outpainting feature, it allows you to generate new pixels to extend an image’s existing elements ( such as extending the background, creating a panoramic view, etc.);

    • Allows inpainting to add or remove elements based on reiterating or refining prompts;

    • Expands its utility with its integration capabilities;

    What users don’t like:

    • No free trial is available;

    • Dependence on detailed prompts, which implies a new qualification for professional designers;

    • It seems to have a surreal artwork bias, as some of its output is rather surreal than photorealistic.

    Pricing:

    • Has multiple pricing tiers, depending on image resolution ( e.g., For 1024×1024 resolution, the cost is $0.020 per image)

    • The AI tool mainly operates on a “pay-as-you-go” pricing, requiring users to pay only for resources utilized.

    Screenshot of Adobe Firefly homepage

    Adobe Firefly

    Countless conversations on forums such as Reddit have placed Adobe Firefly among the best graphic design tools yet. It is a niche app dedicated mainly to graphic designers and has become the go-to vector graphic tool, as it yields efficiency without sacrificing quality.

    Adobe Firefly is the latest innovative tool in the Adobe suite, with unmatched AI-powered features that make visual content creation more than feasible.

    It is available for paying subscribers of Adobe Creative Cloud platforms, meaning Illustrator or Photoshop. It does come with a free subscription, too, but with limited capabilities.

    Key features users love:

    • Highlight what you don’t want in an image and easily replace that selected part with AI-generated content with the generative fill feature;

    • Allows vector recoloring, which results in unique variations of artwork from textual descriptions;

    • It makes text effects creation remarkably easy by typing a text prompt into the generator.

    • Integrates with Adobe’s suite of tools, making it easy to work across multiple platforms.

    What users don’t like:

    • Customization is still limited, even if you can edit gaps with the generative fill feature.

    Pricing:

    • Free: $0.00/month for 25 generative credits;

    • Premium:  $4.99/month for 100 credits;

    • Single apps: $9.99/month for 500 credits;

    • Creative Cloud all apps: $59.99/month for 1,000 credits.

    Adobe Sensei

    Adobe Sensei

    Contrary to Firefly, Adobe Sensei appeared in 2016, so it’s already established among AI graphic design tools as versatile.

    With its machine learning algorithms, it mines data across Adobe’s stock photos library and its products to deliver insights needed across multiple teams, not only designers.

    The simple command /Generate gives you access to images that match your needs in your design process. At the same time, it even grasps concepts such as emotions in an image based on elements like colors and other details.

    Note: Even if it’s part of our AI graphic design tools list, Adobe Sensei is a comprehensive app that can be used by marketers who do not specialize in design.

    Key features users love:

    • Automatically tags images, making it easy to navigate and locate certain pictures within the library;

    • Auto identifies objects in an image when you draw a shape around it;

    • Includes auto settings, a feature that proposes optimal adjustments for controls such as contrast, highlights, shadows, or exposure;

    • Content-aware filling allows you to fill selected parts of an image with content taken from the other parts of the same image.

    What users don’t like:

    • It can only be used in conjunction with Adobe’s tools, such as Lightroom or Illustrator.

    Pricing:

    • Depending on the features you’re looking for, you’ll find pricing packages on the Adobe Experience Cloud website.

    DreamStudio

    DreamStudio

    DreamStudio is an AI graphic design tool built on the Stable diffusion machine learning model. Stable diffusion is also a text-to-image generator. However, based on how it operates, it minimizes the effort required in the design process.

    The main differentiator of DreamStudio against AI art generators lies in the image editing capacity. Designers can edit visual components, enhance images, and transform images by reducing distortion.

    Key features users love:

    • Access to style pre-sets, from neutral or none, to fantasy, cinematic, photographic, or comic;

    • It’s one of the text-to-image generators that allows for virtually any output style, from Art Deco to realism;

    • It’s under an open-source license, which allows anyone to use, modify, distribute, and sublicense the software without restrictions;

    • It’s quite fast, generating images in less than 2 seconds.

    What users don’t like:

    • Users on Product Hunt report that prompts created before signup were lost;

    • Still has limited capability to depict complex concepts.

    Pricing:

    • Free, with $10 for 1,000 credits (approximately 5,000 images)

      Topaz Labs best AI design tools

    Topaz Labs

    Topaz Labs is considered one of the best AI image-enhancing tools on the market.

    In essence, what you should know is that Topaz Labs is a software company that created a suite of AI tools for designers. Topaz Photo AI and Topaz Video AI are part of the apps, each specializing in image or video enhancement.

    With the Gigapixel AI image upscaler, you can boost image resolution, while the face recovery functionality adds stunning detail to facial features.

    Key features users love:

    • Allows image resolution up to 600%;

    • Automatically detects and generates quality optimizations to images and videos;

    • Includes a Remove Noise feature that detects and fixes high ISO noise or poor lightning, but it’s up to you to control the AI’s system strengths and level;

    • Contrary to other AI graphic design tools, Topaz’s user interface is easy to understand, as it lays out everything you need to adjust in the main menu;

    • It includes a Preserve Text feature, too, which enables users to select specific parts of text on which they don’t want to include edits or filters.

    What users don’t like:

    • Even if it’s a comprehensive tool, it is quite expensive, as Topaz Labs allows only a one-time purchase.

    • It limits features to image editing only in the Topaz Labs Image app, while image generation and manipulation are not available.

    Pricing:

    • The photo AI bundle: $199 (lifetime)

    • The Video AI bundle: $299 (lifetime)

    • The Gigapixel AI: $99.99 (lifetime)

    Looka logo maker

    Looka Logo Maker

    Looka is a logo maker that instantly generates multiple logo options for a new brand you’re working for or, why not, a rebranding.

    If the AI tool still didn’t generate a logo you’re happy with, you have full control over these creative assets by tweaking them. Change the generated images with different color combinations, change the layout, or create icons that match your preferences.

    Key features users love:

    • Once your logo is generated, it gives you a brand bible that includes brand fonts, colors, and a marketing kit with email signature, business cards, and more;

    • Includes a configuration wizard with pre-made logos, preferred colors, and slogans to capture your design preferences before developing your logo;

    • Allows high-resolution downloads in any format;

    What users don’t like:

    • Some user reviews mention limitations in size and positioning adjustments;

    • Its free option lets you create a logo but not download it for free, too.

    Pricing:

    • Basic logo package: $20 per purchase (one 1000×1000 pixels file)

    • The premium package plan is $96 per year;

    Canva AI design tools

    Canva

    While not considered a tool for designers per se, as it’s widely used by anyone, Canva is a good and cheaper alternative to Adobe’s suite.

    With its intuitive interface and simple drag-and-drop, you can easily generate print or digital media assets that have that “je ne sais quoi.” As Canva recently implemented artificial intelligence, you can now create social media posts that are unique and less templated.

    Key features users love:

    • Get unique design templates for your design suggested by Canva’s AI-powered Magic Design feature;

    • Easily remove distractions or add new elements to your photos with a few clicks by using its artificial intelligence feature, the magic edit tool;

    • Access countless templates library, suitable for any client need, from logo creation, LinkedIn carousels, Facebook ads, and others;

    What users don’t like:

    • It’s mostly available online for the majority of its features and downloads. Note: The Canva desktop software can’t be used for design adjustments, change of colors, or text editing offline;

    • It might not offer advanced customization for professional designers.

    Pricing:

    Text to Image:

    • Free plan: up to 50 queries

    • Pro plan: starts at $119.99 per year per person

    FAQ

    How do AI tools impact the traditional design workflow?

    AI design tools can massively improve a designer’s work, regardless of the designer’s specialization. While AI can automate repetitive design tasks, it can’t replace designers; rather, it can change what was traditionally called design workflow.

    Just as in the above example with the agencies, there are certain parts of a design process that AI can take over. However, designers will be free to add critical thinking, innovation, and human touch to the workflow of the design tools.

    Are there any risks associated with relying on AI for design?

    As everyone’s already fascinated by the development of artificial intelligence over the last few years, you can, as many others might, over-rely on AI tools for designers.

    This might be risky for two reasons:

    • AI is still in its infancy, and there’s more development for this technology to evolve. So, you’d obtain predictable design outcomes, which everyone else on the market does. You must use your critical thinking and eagle-trained eye to balance AI and personalized touch to make sure you stay competitive.
    • There are also risks regarding privacy and the ethics around AI in design that you should consider.

    How can designers adapt to using AI design tools?

    You can adapt and become proficient in continuously learning how to better leverage AI tools for designers frequently and with diligence.

    Stay open-minded and continuously learn the capabilities of a new AI graphic design tool, the quality of AI-generated images, and how you can tweak a prompt to get a better output. Stable Diffusion might be one of the new technologies that you can augment, too.

    Conclusion

    Amongst hundreds of tools, the best AI graphic design tool will eventually be the one that suits your needs best. We hope your decision process is easier now as we’ve introduced you to the nitty-gritty of apps that can be added to your creative process.

    Coming from a creative background, the only advice I’d give is to use a tool that helps you with more than just graphic design. Whether you are a standalone designer or managing a design team in an agency, your organizational needs are more complex to be successful.

    So, consider both sides, the creative with tools like Topaz Labs or MidJourney, but immerse yourself in better time management with tools like Timeular, and consider Notion for improved task management.

    The most effortless AI time tracker

    Say goodbye to disjointed time and leave management AI tools. Timeular’s AI time entry suggestions, automated tracking, and smart productivity insights are linked within the same app.

    You might also be interested in:

    The post 10 Best AI Tools For Designers: Beyond Design Functions appeared first on Timeular.

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    20 Free Time Management Templates to Uplift Your Productivity https://timeular.com/blog/time-management-templates/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:59:04 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=355222 Alright, let’s ditch the formalities and get real about time management. We’ve all been there, juggling multiple projects, feeling overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists, and wondering if there’s a better way to tackle it all. Is there? Try time management templates that will guide you through your day, help you prioritize tasks, and keep […]

    The post 20 Free Time Management Templates to Uplift Your Productivity appeared first on Timeular.

    ]]>
    Alright, let’s ditch the formalities and get real about time management. We’ve all been there, juggling multiple projects, feeling overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists, and wondering if there’s a better way to tackle it all.

    Is there?

    Try time management templates that will guide you through your day, help you prioritize tasks, and keep you on track to conquer even the most daunting projects.

    With the right time management strategy and time management tools at your disposal, you’ll unlock a whole new level of productivity.

    So, let’s cut through the clutter and dive into time management templates. It’s time to take charge of your tasks and transform the way you work.

    TIP: Instead of filling in timesheets, you can calculate your work hours with a time tracking app or a free Time Card Calculator.

    Psst, still tracking your time manually?

    Try a more time-efficient alternative and stop loosing your time – Timeular will automate your timesheets and let you focus on your work.

    What is a time management template?

    Time management templates are your go-to tools for keeping your schedule on track. Whether it’s a weekly schedule template, a monthly schedule template, or a simple to-do list, these templates help you organize your time efficiently.

    They allow you to:

    Free timesheet templates

    Timesheet templates are invaluable tools for effective time management. These simple templates help improve time management skills by providing:

    • a structured format to track time spent on tasks;
    • helping you avoid wasted time;
    • identify opportunities for optimization.

    Whether you want to calculate work hours or keep tabs on overtime hours and overtime pay, these templates streamline the process, ensuring accurate recording of your efforts.

    With various options available, such as monthly, weekly, 24-hour daily, employee, freelancer, and project timesheet templates, you’re bound to find one that suits your specific needs.

    “Tracking in Timeular has increased the amount of hours worked that are reported.”

    Roman Haag, Partner at iAgentur

    1. Free monthly timesheet template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    free monthly timesheet template

    The monthly timesheet template is a practical template designed to help you monitor your time spent on various tasks throughout the month.

    To make the most of it, diligently record each task you undertake and the corresponding amount of time spent on it daily.

    This systematic approach ensures accurate tracking of how much time you allocate to different tasks, enabling you to gain valuable insights into your time management habits and optimize your workflow accordingly.

    2. Weekly time tracking template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly time management template

    The weekly timesheet template is free to download and helps you with accurate time tracking. It provides a straightforward method for tracking your time dedicated to different tasks and projects over a week.

    Simply record the time you start and stop working on a specific task or project to maintain an accurate record of your weekly tasks.

    Use the template to pinpoint where your time is being invested most and make informed decisions to enhance your productivity week by week.

    Make time tracking as simple as it gets

    “People complain a lot less about time tracking now because of the easy interface of Timeular. It’s made time tracking a lot less of an obstacle and much more accessible.” – Kaitlin Snow Seamons, Executive Creative Director at Harmon Brothers

    3. Free 24-hour daily time tracker template example (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    free 24h daily timesheet template

    The free 24-hour daily timesheet template is perfect for meticulous time tracking and task management throughout each day.

    With its comprehensive layout, you can record your tasks and time hour by hour, using it as a daily planner template.

    Unlike weekly or monthly templates, this timesheet template provides a detailed breakdown of your activities, offering insights into how you utilize every moment of the day.

    Utilize it to log your daily working hours, pinpoint time wasters, and optimize your schedule for maximum efficiency.

    4. Free daily employee timesheet template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    daily employee timesheet template

    The free employee time tracking spreadsheet is an essential resource for efficient time tracking within a team setting.

    Designed to streamline employee time management, this template allows team leaders to collect time entries from the entire team within one daily timesheet.

    If you are looking for a more automated way to track time with your team, try Timeular – the effortless, smart, and secure team time tracking app.

    5. Freelancer time tracker sheet template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management templates

    The freelancer time tracker sheet template is a simple template tailored to meet the unique needs of independent professionals.

    With its user-friendly interface, freelancers can easily log their activities and track the time dedicated to each task. By maintaining an accurate activity log, freelancers can efficiently manage their workload, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery of projects.

    Whether you’re a writer, designer, or consultant, this template empowers you to stay organized and maximize productivity in your freelance endeavors.

    Wait! Want to track time faster than with this manual timesheet? Check how to run freelance time tracking automatically with Timeular.

    Get accurate timesheets without manual time tracking

    “It’s always been a challenge getting the team to provide decent, accurate documentation. Timeular has removed this challenge” – Richard Wingfield, Head Geek at Envision Design

    6. Free project time tracker template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management sheets

    The project time tracker Excel template, also available in Google Sheets and PDF, is tailored to project managers and team members who monitor task progress and specific project deliverables.

    Designed for project-based work, it enables users to log detailed tasks for each project and track time spent on them. With a clear overview of tasks and time allocation, it facilitates efficient resource allocation, ensuring the timely completion of tasks based on project objectives.

    Free billable hours templates

    Billable hours templates are designed to assist you in accurately tracking how much time you and your team spend on billable tasks and projects.

    Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or project manager, these templates enable you to document your billable hours effectively, ensuring precise invoicing and maximizing revenue. In fact, billable time tracking helps you increase billable hours and it is an effective way to increase revenue from existing customers.

    Below, you’ll find a range of billable hours templates tailored to different needs, including daily, weekly, and monthly formats, catering to various work styles and preferences.

    You can copy and customize each template, add notes, or categorize your tasks.

    Read:

    7. Daily billable hours template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management sheet

    With the daily billable hours template you will manually record how much time you spend on billable tasks during the day.

    Write down the start and finish times, summarise hours spent on each activity, sign it, and forward it to your supervisor at the end of the day, aligning with your company’s timekeeping policy.

    This time management template comes in three formats: Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF.

    “We’ve saved an impressive lot of time with Timeular. Monthly time reviews that were previously taking up half a day every month now take 15 minutes. It’s an immense time saver!”

    Simon Echle, Managing Director of avocado

    8. Weekly billable hours template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly billable hours template

    The weekly billable hours template is your reliable companion for tracking work hours and billable tasks throughout the week.

    From Monday to Friday, enter the start time, finish time, duration, and task name, and add notes, if needed. At the end of the week, simply review and sign off on your entries before submitting them to your supervisor.

    With options available in Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF formats, this time management template ensures seamless integration into your time management plan, empowering you to stay organized and accountable for your billable hours.

    9. Monthly billable hours template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    free monthly billable hours template

    The monthly billable hours template example is a template for tracking every billable work hour throughout the month.

    It provides columns for dates, start and end times, breaks, regular hours, PTO, sick days, and overtime but you can adjust it according to your needs. Simply copy the file or download it to your device.

    Keeping this template up to date not only ensures accurate client billing, but also helps you with proper time estimation for next projects, and helps you stay on top of your workload.

    Plus, this free time management template is available in Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF formats, so pick your favorite and get organized!

    10. Daily attorney billable hours template (24-hour) (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management daily time tracker template

    The daily attorney billable hours template (24-hour) is a time management template tailored specifically for legal professionals to meticulously track billable hours daily.

    This template features essential fields such as Attorney Name, Client Name, Case Number, and Hourly Rate, ensuring accurate and efficient documentation of legal work.

    With its 24-hour format, it accommodates the round-the-clock nature of legal practice, enabling attorneys to record their billable time seamlessly.

    This template provides a structured and organized approach to managing legal billing, whether you’re logging consultation hours, drafting documents, or attending court hearings.

    11. Weekly attorney billable hours template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly attorney billable hours template

    Tailored specifically for weekly use, this weekly attorney billable hours template allows attorneys to effectively track their work hours from Monday to Sunday.

    With designated fields for recording tasks, work hours, and additional notes, it facilitates detailed documentation of billable activities throughout the week.

    Whether it’s preparing briefs, conducting research, or meeting with clients, this template provides a structured approach to managing billable time, enhancing productivity, and ensuring accurate invoicing.

    12. Monthly attorney billable hours template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    monthly attorney billable hours template

    The monthly attorney billable hours template streamlines time management and client billing with separate tables for each week.

    It offers a comprehensive overview of tasks, hours worked, and client details, ensuring accuracy in invoicing.

    This structured approach enhances productivity for attorneys, making it easier to manage workload and bill clients efficiently at month-end.

    Free time blocking templates

    Time blocking is a strategy where you divide your day into designated time blocks, each dedicated to specific tasks or activities, helping you manage your time effectively and prioritize important tasks.

    Time blocking templates offer structured frameworks for this technique, with sections representing different time blocking intervals.

    By scheduling tasks in advance and allocating them to appropriate time blocks, you create a time budget and a clear visual schedule that helps you prioritize tasks, minimize distractions, and make the most of your day.

    13. Daily time blocking template with a to-do list (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    daily time blocking template

    This daily template for time blocking will help you introduce the time block strategy into your daily routine.

    How does it work? First, enlist the most important tasks you need to work on during the day. Then, assign a full time block and budget to each of them and decide which time blocks you want to work on first. This will help you plan your work and focus on one thing at a time, with a deadline in mind.

    This time management template comes in three formats: Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF. Copy or download it to adjust the daily time budget template to your daily routine.

    14. Weekly time blocking template with a to-do list (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly time blocking template

    The weekly time blocking template helps to organize your time budget effectively. By breaking down your schedule into time blocks, you can allocate time to specific tasks and activities throughout the week.

    This approach ensures that important tasks are prioritized and completed within designated time blocks.

    By focusing on the entire week at once, you gain a comprehensive view of your daily schedule, allowing for better time management and prioritization of tasks.

    Consistently using time blocks for tasks can enhance productivity and ensure that you make the most of each week.

    15. Monthly time blocking template with a to-do list (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    monthly time blocking template

    With monthly time blocking templates with a to do-list, you gain control and clarity over your busy schedule, especially when tackling larger projects.

    By breaking down tasks into manageable time blocks spread across the month, you can focus on what truly matters.

    This task-based approach empowers you to allocate your time wisely, ensuring steady progress toward your goals while maintaining balance and reducing work overload.

    Download one of the monthly time blocking templates: Excel, Google Sheets, or PDF to maximize efficiency, complete tasks on time, and make the most of your time.

    Free schedule templates

    Designed to streamline your daily schedule, free schedule templates offer a straightforward approach to organizing your time and work schedule throughout the day, week, or month, like in a paper calendar.

    Each time management schedule template listed below features a dedicated space for:

    • Assigning the main focus of the day, week, or month

    • Your to-do list

    • Meetings and tasks to be handled during a specific period.

    All time management templates come in three different formats: Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel and PDF.

    16. Monthly schedule template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    monthly schedule template

    This simple monthly schedule template is ideal for scheduling your tasks every month. Whether used as a calendar or a top free digital planner, it helps manage your busy schedule, plan, and meet deadlines.

    The template features a calendar-like design and is adaptable for every month of the year – simply make a copy and enter the desired month to schedule time accordingly.

    This planner template is available in three formats: Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF, download it and customize it to your specific needs.

    17. Weekly schedule template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly schedule template

    The weekly schedule template is perfect if you prefer organizing your meetings and tasks within a weekly timeframe.

    Utilize the to-do list to jot down all tasks requiring attention throughout the week and allocate upcoming work to specific weekdays.

    The schedule template provides a clear overview of your week, allowing you to prioritize the most important focus for each day.

    As for each planner template in this collection, it’s available in three formats: Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF.

    18. Daily schedule template (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management schedule template – daily

    The daily schedule template assists you in planning each day in a productive way. With our intuitive daily planner template, you can simplify your routine and effortlessly take control of your time.

    Designed to streamline your day, our template includes sections for daily tasks, appointments, and priorities.

    Daily schedule templates are available in three formats (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, PDF) and work like a daily planner where you can input daily tasks and meetings.

    19. Daily employee schedule templates (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    time management templates – daily employee

    Get a quick overview of your team’s work with a simple daily employee schedule, featuring columns like Start time, Finish time, and Break for all team members on a single sheet.

    With a clear overview of your team members’ work time, you will be able to schedule time, track tasks and their progress, and allocate time budgets more efficiently for both big and smaller tasks.

    This schedule template is available in three versions: Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF.

    20. Weekly employee schedule templates (Excel, Google Sheets, PDF)

    weekly employee schedule

    Similar to the daily employee schedule template, this weekly employee schedule template assists in organizing your team’s work weekly.

    Assign start and end times for each employee throughout the week and calculate total hours at week’s end.

    With weekly and daily schedule templates, employee time management becomes simpler, offering visibility into their working hours and making sure you are all on the same page.

    Time management template and productivity

    Time management templates help you improve your productivity and stay focused. They allow you to examine your time more closely and determine whether it’s being spent efficiently.

    • Timesheet templates and billable hours templates help you keep your billable time in check.

    • Time blocking templates help you introduce one of the best time management techniques.

    • Tracking your time with schedule templates gives you a full perspective on all the planned activities.

    But using all those time management templates means you need to add time entries manually. This, however, is usually pretty time-consuming, and – well, let’s be honest – it’s boring, too.

    To escape the mundane work of creating your activity log manually, try Timeular – an automated time tracking app that streamlines time management for you and other team members.

    Alternative to time management templates

    I bet you were hoping to improve your planning and productivity by searching for time management templates. Am I right? If so, trust me, there is a better way to optimize your work – Try one of the best time management apps, Timeular.

    Timeular is an:

    Three main benefits of using a time tracking app like Timeular?

    1. You don’t need to manually track your time, billable hours, or overtime. You don’t even need to send timesheet reminders anymore. Timeular does it for you.

    2. There is no longer a need to fill in paper or digital timesheets. The boring part of the process is performed for you.

    3. It speeds up the time reporting process so that you spend no more than 1 minute a day tracking your time.

    Want to learn more? Watch the video and start a free, 30-day trial.

    Start tracking your time in the most efficient and effortless way

    “Since we started using Timeular and tracking our time, we’ve never made another mistake in planning, creating accurate proposals or budgeting for clients. It’s so easy to use.” – AC Coppens, Founder of THE CATALYSTS

    FAQ

    How using time management templates can help me improve time management skills?

    Time management templates streamline manual time tracking, which is an essential part of time management. Tracking your time helps you understand where your time goes, what tasks consume too much of your time, and which projects need more attention.

    What is a time block?

    A time block is when you set aside a specific time to do one thing, and it’s part of time blocking, a method of scheduling your day by allocating fixed time blocks for different projects or activities, making it easier to manage your time in a productive way.

    What is the best time management template?

    There is no one-fit-all time management template. Choose your own set of templates from the Timeular’s collection featuring a daily schedule template, weekly schedule template, monthly schedule template, time blocking templates with a to do-list, and many more.

    You might be interested in:

    The post 20 Free Time Management Templates to Uplift Your Productivity appeared first on Timeular.

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    The Best Employee Time Tracking Software for 2024 https://timeular.com/blog/best-time-tracking-software-employees/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:25:10 +0000 https://timeular.com/?p=349823 Boost your team’s productivity, revenue, and project management effortlessly. It all starts with one simple step. Introduce the best employee time tracking software. It helps everyone see where their time goes. Wondering how to find the best employee time tracking app? Check out the list below. Best employee time tracking apps for 2024 What is […]

    The post The Best Employee Time Tracking Software for 2024 appeared first on Timeular.

    ]]>
    Boost your team’s productivity, revenue, and project management effortlessly. It all starts with one simple step.

    Introduce the best employee time tracking software. It helps everyone see where their time goes.

    Wondering how to find the best employee time tracking app? Check out the list below.

    Looking for an automated and secure employee time tracking software for your team?

    With Timeular you can track everything, even the little things, in <1 minute per day. The way you want.

    Best employee time tracking apps for 2024

    1. Timeular
    2. Clockify
    3. RescueTime
    4. Toggl
    5. Hubstaff
    6. TimeCamp
    7. Timely
    8. ClickUp
    9. Intuit QuickBooks Time
    10. Harvest

    What is an employee time tracking app?

    An employee time tracking app is software designed to monitor and record employees’ time spent on various tasks and projects.

    It typically includes features such as project time tracking, workforce management, tracking the number of hours worked by employees, generating employee timesheets, sending timesheet reminders, and providing insights into employee work hours.

    Time management

    What to expect from the best employee time tracking apps?

    • Automated time tracking: To ensure accurate time tracking that doesn’t require much effort.
    • Project time tracking: To track project progress, project status and save time on chasing employee timesheets by project managers.
    • Attendance tracking: To track all types of employee time off.
    • Work hours tracking: To track work hours, overtime, and minus-hours.
    • Integration with your payroll software: To send your time tracking data and streamline your payroll processes.
    • Anti-surveillance policy: You should not be looking for employee monitoring software that spys on your team. Choose a time tracking app that respects privacy and doesn’t allow for screenshots or screen recording.

    Methodology of choosing the best employee time tracking software

    We found the best employee time tracking software by researching customer reviews and using our own experience.

    Here are the key time tracking features we considered:

    • Automated time tracking
    • Employee productivity insights
    • Work hours tracking
    • Simplicity and user-friendliness
    • Integrations, i.e. with payroll software

    The 10 best employee time tracking software

    timeular time tracking software

    1. Timeular

    Timeular is an AI-powered employee time clock app and PTO tracker. Its unique combination of automatic time tracking and physical time tracking cube, along with advanced AI capabilities, sets it apart.

    As an AI time tracker, Timeular eliminates manual timesheets and streamlines employee time tracking, leave tracking, work hours tracking, overtime tracking, productivity tracking, and project management.

    With a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Capterra and over 100,000 users worldwide, it’s a reliable choice that can save users up to 90% of their time spent on tracking.

    A standout feature of Timeular is…

    It’s the time-tracking cube! It is a hardware time tracker, that automatically starts tracking time when flipped, capable of tracking up to 1,000 activities.

    Please note: You don’t need the physical tracker to use Timeular software.

    time tracker
    Effortless employee time tracking with a physical Tracker

    Tracking employee hours can be simple! Try an employee hours tracker with a hardware time tracker and track work hours effortlessly with your entire team.

    Key features:

    • It’s effortless and intuitive time tracking app: Easy-to-use calendar-like interface and user-friendly design make time tracking enjoyable
    • Multiple simple time tracking methods: Use simple keyboard shortcuts, flip the time-tracking cube, or allow automatic time tracking to capture time.
    • It supports enterprise time tracking – you can easily implement it within a large-scale company.
    • Flexible setup with folders, activities, and tags to track employee time across clients and projects
    • Automated time entry suggestions based on calendar events, visited websites and apps used
    • Easy-to-digest, intuitive time reporting with just a few clicks
    • Integrations with over 3,000 tools of your choice, incl. payroll software and other apps
    • It helps to keep project budgets in control with budget notifications and non-billable and billable hours tracking;
    • It comes with time tracking features such as work hours tracking, overtime tracking, and PTO tracking
    • It’s GDPR compliant and secure: Your data is stored locally on your device, while it’s 100% GDPR compliant;
    • 100% anti-surveillance policy: No intrusive screenshots or screen recordings
    Automatically track employee time with no effort

    Why spend 5-10 minutes per day entering a handful of made up time entries, if you can track everything, even the little things, in <1 minute per day?

    Timeular Pros and Cons

    ProsCons
    Easy to use: Timeular’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it incredibly easy for users to track time accurately and efficiently. 30-day free trial but no free plans
    Versatile: The app and its features are highly adaptable to individual, team, and business needs and processes.No Chrome extension or Apple Watch app integration yet;
    Data accuracy: Timeular’s user-friendly approach ensures that the tracked data is more accurate than other solutions, minimizing discrepancies.
    Team Folders: Makes it easier to work and collaborate for the common goal of a team.
    Track billable hours: Allows teams and individuals to accurately track billable and non-billable hours
    Physical time tracker: The Tracker’s physical nature makes it easy to establish a time-tracking habit through muscle memory, ensuring users never forget to track their time again.

    Reviews:

    • “We have become 20% more profitable because everyone is in the habit of time tracking.” – Richard Wingfield, Head Geek at Envision Design
    • “Tracking in Timeular has increased the amount of hours worked that are reported. Before some things were forgotten and missed off. Now the whole day is in Timeular and we have all of the information we need.” – Roman Haag, Partner at iAgentur
    • “I’ve doubled my revenue thanks to Timeular and managed to halve how much I work. Timeular helped me understand where I needed to make changes to become more efficient and this has allowed me to cut down my time spent working.” – Valdemar Alfred, Owner of Valdefar

    Rankings:

    • G2: 4.6/5
    • Capterra: 4.6/5

    Best for:

    • Consolidating all time management tasks within one app
    • Effortless and automatic time tracking
    • Tracking leave time
    • Ensuring secure time tracking without monitoring employees
    • Windows time tracking and Mac time tracking

    Pricing:

    • 30-day free plan
    • Paid plans start at $7.50

    Related article: The best time tracking apps for designers

    clockify time tracking apps for accountants

    2. Clockify

    Clockify is an employee time-tracking app that allows employees to track time across various projects, create timesheets, and generate insightful reports. Its user-friendly interface and integrations with popular project management tools make it a cost-effective choice for businesses looking to improve time management.

    Despite being in our best time-tracking apps list, Clockify’s users have reported encountering frequent bugs in its Android app. While the user interface remains intuitive, its mobile application experiences sluggish processing times and frequent crashes.

    Additionally, the app’s functionality is significantly hindered without an internet connection, so you might not be able to track employee hours in such cases.

    Given Clockify’s affordable pricing plans and range of tracking features, we can say it’s among the best free time tracking software for employees ( has a free trial of the paid PRO version).

    In the end, it’s a time and attendance solution for most small businesses that don’t require a 100% foolproof tool.

    Read also: Clockify vs Toggl Track: which one should you pick

    Clockify – key features

    ProsCons
    It’s free: Clockify is free, with unlimited users and time tracking.Stability: Time tracking is unstable, as some users experience occasional glitches while using the mobile app.
    Integrations: Clockify integrates with over 80 web apps, and the setup process is simple.Limited features: Invoicing is not available in the free plan; The software also lacks integrations with payroll providers; No screenshot feature.
    Idle time detectionPrice: Many users consider the paid packages expensive in comparison with the features offered.
    Reporting and analytics: The available features are limited for team members or business owners who need detailed reports.
    Tracking: You can’t pause sessions; you have to stop them and create a new one.

    Pros reported on G2 by Clockify users:

    • “Clockify makes precise time and activity logging very easy. We can quickly and easily separate our hours by projects and individual tasks. With tangible and illustrative data, we may also create personalized reports and assess team productivity.”
    • “Clockify has a very user-friendly interface, which is what I find most appealing.”
    • “It’s simple and free, offers the basic features that should be enough for most of the businesses”

    Cons reported on G2 by Clockify users:

    • “I think there are now some restrictions on how flexible the reports that are created can be. More possibilities to filter and personalize the reports to my own requirements would be nice.”
    • “The free version of Clockify includes several restrictions on features, and advanced capabilities might only be accessible in the subscription edition. In order to access and utilise Clockify, which is largely a cloud-based service, you must have a reliable internet connection. Your ability to correctly track time may be hampered if you live somewhere with spotty or unstable internet services.”
    • “I’m not a huge fan of the UI. Feels a bit outdated to me.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.5/5
    • Capterra: 4.7/5

    Clockify pricing:

    • Free plan
    • Paid plans start at $3.99 per user/month
    Free eBook: How to plan your team’s time?

    A step-by-step guide into the best techniques to manage your team’s time and implement a time tracking method

    RescueTime tracking app

    3. RescueTime

    Known to be a great alternative to HoursTrackerRescueTime is a time-tracking tool that focuses on helping individuals and teams understand and improve their digital productivity.

    RescueTime offers Focus sessions, enabling teams to monitor and optimize time usage, ensuring maximum efficiency effectively.

    This feature allows businesses to selectively designate which websites contribute to productivity while identifying and managing those that hinder progress. Moreover, users can limit disruptive notifications from other applications.

    The app also generates detailed reports that offer a comprehensive overview of how you spend your time, categorizing activities into productive and unproductive segments.

    Note: For any business or team that wants to implement this tool, we advise full transparency with your employees. Otherwise, they may think you are “spying”/micromanaging them.

    Despite of this feature, RescueTime remains one of the best attorney time-tracking software.

    RescueTime pricing:

    • Lite: Free trial version
    • Premium: $12 per user/month (contains calendar and music integration, history reports, and warmups for Focus Sessions)

    RescueTime – key features

    ProsCons
    Automatic time tracking: RescueTime operates in the background and you can keep track automatically of time spent on different websites, apps, and activities.Limited manual input: offline time tracking is not captured automatically, which can inconvenience employee tracking.
    Goal setting and alerts: RescueTime allows you to set productivity goals and receive alerts when doing excessive time tracking non-productive activities.Limited integration options: Its integration ecosystem is relatively limited compared to other time-tracking apps.
    Mobile and desktop apps: Available across mobile devices and desktop applications.Privacy concerns: As RescueTime tracks your activities in the background, some team members may have concerns about privacy and data security. 

    Pros reported on G2 by RescueTime users:

    • “It’s so easy, you don’t have to do anything. Just work and it will track your activity. It is 0 annoying, as they only notify you of really relevant events.”
    • “I liked that I learned a lot about where my time goes. I can often get distracted when I’m researching something, and end up on a totally unrelated task. FocusTime definitely made me more aware of when I started wandering.”
    • “Rescuetime is a simple to use tool. Does not have a lot of features compared to other applications in the space but more isn’t always better.”

    Cons reported on G2 by RescueTime users:

    • “There haven’t been much substantial product updates in the past few years, maybe by design. But I’d love to see more reports and faster loading times for longer time horizons.”
    • “It collects all the data and sends storage to its server. I often worry about the data privacy issues with this software, Have to evaluate the tradeoff.”
    • “Sometimes it will log you off the site and there is no work recorded”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.1/5
    • Capterra: 4.6/5

    RescueTime pricing:

    • Lite: Free plan
    • Premium: $12 per user/month (contains calendar and music integration, history reports, and warmups for Focus Sessions)

    Read also: Alternatives to RescueTime

    4. Toggl Track

    Toggl Track is one of the best time tracking software that enables users to track time on projects and tasks or clients. It offers many features, including time tracking, project management, and reporting capabilities. 

    This time-tracking app is easy to use, and its intuitive interface allows teams to create projects, add tags, and start and stop the timer with just a few clicks.

    Furthermore, team members can track billable hours and generate reports on employee time and attendance.

    With its one-click timers, Toggl ensures ease and efficiency in the time-tracking process, and you can run multiple timers simultaneously.

    Toggl Track also offers compatibility between your computer and mobile devices, allowing you to initiate a timer in your browser and pause it on your phone. Even if it’s not one of the basic time-tracking features, having it in some cases might be good.

    The reporting and analytics features are somewhat limited, resulting in restricted insights into your time-tracking data.

    Toggl remains a reliable time-tracking tool for lawyers, freelancers, and project managers who need a simple time tracking app to manage their tasks.

    However, while it is a good option for those looking for a primary time-tracking tool, it may not be the ideal choice for those who need a high level of accuracy, reporting, and analytics features.

    Toggl Pros and Cons

    ProsCons
    Easy setup: Simple setup, allowing users to start tracking time without significant disruptions.Price: Many users consider the paid packages expensive, considering the features available.
    Easy to use: Ease of use is a top feature. No extensive training for employees is required.Accuracy: Ease of forgetting to switch between activities when tracking time, resulting in less accurate reports.
    Free version: Toggl’s free version — while limited — offers a range of services, allowing employees to track time and export reports. It’s a great way to test the app.Limited features: Toggl sticks to time tracking; it does not include functions like invoicing or scheduling, for example.
    Reporting and analytics: The available features are limited for those who want detailed reports.

    Pros reported on G2 by Toggl Track users:

    • “The user-friendly interface helps me to simply organize all of my work in one spot, and the reporting option allows me to see how far I’ve come on each project in a particular time frame.”
    • “Toggl enables me to learn from previous projects and estimate better for future projects; I can learn from metrics and improve time estimates”
    • “I like the time tracking reminders in Toggl Track; they help me estimate billable hours accurately and efficiently, while also minimising unbilled hours.”

    Cons reported on G2 by Toggl Track users:

    • “One thing I dislike about Toggl Track is that it does not allow me to set a timer for my activities in 5 or 15 minute intervals, thus I cannot obtain correct seconds.”
    • “Setting up workspaces isn’t the nicest part since if you modify information, such as the name, it doesn’t appear to be changed.”
    • “Sometimes gets tricky to update the timer.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.6/5
    • Capterra: 4.7/5

    Toggl Track pricing:

    • Free plan: 14-day trial
    • Team: $8 per user/month paid annually
    • Business: $13.35 per user/month paid annually
    hubstaff time keeping app for iphone

    5. Hubstaff

    Hubstaff is one of the best employee time-tracking software that offers a comprehensive suite of features designed for employee monitoring and managing time effectively.

    It provides accurate time tracking and GPS tracking based on location monitoring, project management features, as well as invoicing functionalities. 

    This time-tracking app is a reliable and efficient tool for managing teams and tracking time. The automatic time tracking feature eliminates the need for manual entry and ensures accurate recording of work hours, making payroll and invoicing processes smoother.

    The GPS tracking feature makes Hubstaff a competitive time-tracking app for employee hours tracking on the go.

    Despite being among the best time-tracking apps for employees, Hubstaff can be quite intrusive for some people and promote toxic micromanagement. 

    This is a result of Hubstaff’s employees’ keyboard tracking and mouse activity by measuring the frequency of a user’s mouse and keyboard strokes with activity levels.

    Hubstaff – key features

    ProsCons
    Easy to use: Hubstaff is easy to use, and it has a user-friendly extension and app.Extension: The Chrome Extension could use some work as it crashes frequently.
    Price: Hubstaff offers a 14-day free trial. It has a free plan for individuals. Privacy: Some users feel uncomfortable with the level of monitoring provided.
    Flexibility: Smaller teams or organizations with a more flexible work structure might find the software to be too robust for them.
    Integrations: Hubstaff integrates with over 30 apps, which is not much compared to other options on the market.

    Pros reported on G2 by Hubstaff users:

    • “Honestly, Hubstaff is a lifesaver if you manage remote teams or freelance yourself.”
    • “I like how convenient it is to add tasks, keeps track of my employee’s log times, allows me to see what tasks are being worked on and at what percentage of productivity, and enables screen recording to ensure they are working on what they are supposed to be.”
    • “Hubstaff offers an intuitive interface that simplifies time tracking, with robust reporting features that provide valuable insights into productivity. The seamless integration with other project management tools enhances workflow and efficiency”

    Cons reported on G2 by Hubstaff users:

    • “It can feel like Big Brother is watching, especially if your work doesn’t require constant computer use. Plus, if you manage a team based on trust, it might send the wrong message that you don’t trust your employees.”
    • “Initially, it can be a little much to understand, but after a day of usage, it is very seemless and flawless.”
    • “Husbtaff integrates with severeal work management systems incuding Monday.com. However the intergration is not great. Most tasks/boards don’t sync. The idea is that employees should be able to track the projects they are working on, which would give the management great data. However, it doesn’t really work.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.3/5
    • Capterra: 4.6/5

    Hubstaff pricing:

    • Free trial (14-day)
    • Starter: $4.99 per user/month
    • Grow: $7.5 per user/month
    • Team: $10 per user/month
    • Enterprise: $25 per user/month
    Tired of Hubstaff?

    Find the best time tracking tools that serve as alternative to Hubstaff.

    6. TimeCamp

    TimeCamp is an employee time-tracking app designed to enhance overall team productivity, allowing team members to log their time entries with ease.

    This platform enables you to identify areas of high and low productivity within your team while allowing for employee monitoring and tracking billable and non-billable hours.

    All plans provide ample time-tracking functions like time entries, GPS tracking, automatic time tracking, idle time tracking, and keeping track of daily and weekly timesheets.

    Paid plans offer additional features, including productivity and time-budget reports, billing and invoicing capabilities, unlimited third-party integrations, and user role assignments.

    TimeCamp’s mobile app allows you to accurately track time for your projects, whether you’re on your commute to the office or back home.

    This software has a rating of 3.7 stars on the Google Play Store, with some users pointing out bugs that make the experience less pleasant.

    TimeCamp – key features

    ProsCons
    Forever-free plan: TimeCamp’s free plan allows for unlimited users, projects, and tasks. Data accuracy: Some users experience problems with data accuracy.
    Limited features: The free version sticks to time tracking, not including features like invoicing or scheduling, for example.
    Android App: User reviews on Google point out bugs in the app.

    7. Timely

    Timely is one of the best time tracking software for employees. It promises to provide precise daily records of all the time you spend in documents, meetings, emails, websites, and video calls with ease of use.

    Timely’s most unique feature is the Memory Tracker. This feature allows users to switch between tasks, apps, and meetings while quietly operating in the background, eliminating the need for manual entry.

    The Memory Tracker automatically records employees’ activities across different apps and devices. Afterward, it creates comprehensive timelines and provides detailed insights into time allocation.

    Note: Memory Tracker is an independent app that you’ll need to install on your computer, besides Timely, which causes friction in the user experience.

    Regarding data security, Timely doesn’t support employee screenshots, keystroke monitoring, or other aggressive employee monitoring tactics.

    Timely – key features

    ProsCons
    Easy to use: Timely’s interface is quite intuitive and easy to use.Price: Timely doesn’t have a free version.
    Memory tracker feature:  It operates seamlessly in the background, keeping track of all the tasks and activities you engage with throughout your day.Accuracy: The AI tool needs improvement when it comes to tracking time accurately.
    Privacy: Timely has a strict anti-surveillance policy that doesn’t allow screenshots and security breaches.Limited features: Timely does not allow invoicing option.

    Pros reported on G2 by Timely users:

    • “The daily calendar display shows me what documents, meetings, web pages, etc. I’ve accessed and for how long. This allows me to then record billable time against multiple clients in a single day.”
    • “Timely has revolutionized the way I approach time management. Its intuitive interface allows me to effortlessly track my hours, ensuring that every minute of work is accounted for.”
    • “It allows me to review how I spend my time, so when I look at which projects I spend the most hours on on, it allows me to better allocate it in the future.”

    Cons reported on G2 by Timely users:

    • “Sometimes it doesn’t synchronize 100 % across platforms.”
    • “Of course, Timely is not perfect, it utilizes AI and it needs to be trained and sometimes retrained according to your purposes. Sometimes you also have to resync your calendars to show the correct and up-to-date data, and I find it easier to work in the browser instead of the app provided.”
    • “While its automation feature is a standout, it requires a bit of learning for those not tech-savvy. I would prefer more customization options in terms of reporting and data visualization to tailor the app more closely to their specific needs.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.7/5
    • Capterra: 4.8/5

    Timely pricing:

    • Free trial (14-day)
    • Starter: $9/user per month
    • Premium: $16/user per month
    • Unlimited:$22/user per month ( includes unlimited users)

    Read also: The best Timely alternatives

    8. ClickUp

    Though included in a best time tracking apps list, ClickUp is, in essence, a project management tool that also includes a time-tracking functionality.

    This project management software covers features like timers, timesheets, and reporting; ClickUp allows users to track time spent on specific tasks, projects, and other activities.

    Additionally, ClickUp offers integrations with popular time-tracking apps, allowing teams to sync data between ClickUp and external time-tracking apps if desired.

    Its flexibility lets users choose the time-tracking solution that best fits their needs while leveraging ClickUp’s comprehensive project management features.

    ClickUp is one of the best project management tools that allows time tracking. For this reason, it may be overwhelming for teams looking only for an easy-to-use time-tracking solution.

    ClickUp – key features

    ProsCons
    User-friendly interface: ClickUp has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate.Learning curve: Navigating through ClickUp’s functionalities and understanding how to set up time tracking effectively can take some time and effort.
    Comprehensive solution: ClickUp offers a wide range of project management features alongside its time-tracking functionality.Feature overload: While ClickUp’s feature-rich nature can be an advantage, it may also be overwhelming for users who only require basic time tracking.
    Integrations: ClickUp integrates with various popular tools and platforms.Limited offline access: ClickUp primarily operates online, which means you need an internet connection to access and use its time-tracking features.
    Limited time tracking features and reporting

    Pros reported on G2 by ClickUp users:

    • “Whether it’s coordinating daily tasks, tracking project progress, or conducting operational meetings, ClickUp proves invaluable in maintaining efficiency and ensuring everyone is on the same page.”
    • “From task assignments and due dates to subtasks, dependencies, and time tracking, ClickUp caters to diverse needs, ensuring all aspects of a project are efficiently managed within one platform.”
    • “Its a comprehensive platform that has helped for my project workflow. It has helped me for time tracking and due dates. ClickUp has everything for me to keep my projects on track and my team aligned.”

    Cons reported on G2 by ClickUp users:

    • “While ClickUp’s interface is generally intuitive, I find the initial learning curve steep, especially if they are transitioning from another project management tool. The abundance of features and customization options can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time and effort to grasp fully.”
    • “The mobile app is okay but could be better.”
    • “I have to manage a lot of data so sometimes it takes time to load and stops working without any notification. It would be great if this can work flawlessly or if we can get some notification for the same.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.7/5
    • Capterra: 4.7/5

    Clickup pricing:

    • Free Forever
    • Unlimited: $7/user per month
    • Business: $12/user per month
    • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

    Read also: ClickUp Time Tracking Integration

    quickbooks

    9. Intuit QuickBooks Time

    QuickBooks Time is known to be a reliable replacement for the Time Doctor app. It is a time-tracking and employee scheduling software designed to help businesses efficiently manage and track employee hours.

    With QuickBooks Time, users can create employee work schedules, track and manage employee hours for payroll purposes, and invoice clients based on billable hours. It also features GPS tracking to oversee and coordinate mobile teams and geofencing tracking as a reminder for employees to clock in or out upon entering or leaving a job site.

    Real-time reports provide live-time monitoring of employees currently on the job, while the inclusion of overtime alerts helps you avoid exceeding your budgeted hours. Furthermore, you can easily track and approve an employee’s time entries through the convenience of a mobile or desktop app.

    QuickBooks Time offers various plans, each comprising a monthly base fee along with a monthly per-user fee. 

    QuickBooks – key features

    ProsCons
    User-friendly interface: The software offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand.Pricing: It has a monthly base fee along with a monthly per-user fee. Depending on the size of your team, the cost may be a consideration.
    Integrations: It integrates smoothly with other QuickBooks products like QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll.Mobile app limitations: Some users may find that the mobile app lacks certain features or experiences occasional performance issues 
    Employee scheduling: The software includes employee scheduling capabilities, allowing businesses to manage work shifts and optimize workforce allocation.Limited offline access: It primarily operates online, meaning an internet connection is required to use the software.

    Pros reported on G2 by QuickBooks Time users:

    • “Quickbooks time is helpful for tracking the number of hours of work done by people. The upsides of using Quickbooks Time is that the information easily imports into Quickbooks accounting software.”
    • “I like that is great for organizing your time and is very user-friendly. Also, it has mobile access and that it integrates with QuickBooks so you can manage all in one.”
    • “QB Time is a relatively robust time-tracking system that we integrate with QuickBooks. I like the flexibility to create specific jobs/projects and can assign groups of employees to that project.”

    Cons reported on G2 by QuickBooks Time users:

    • “Quickbooks has fixed options about stuff you can add so I would like if the application had more flexibility or if you could add your own options and the customer support is not that great.”
    • “The minimum interval is 15 minutes, requiring individuals to clock out 6 minutes later than their finish times to ‘equate’ to the correct working hours.”
    • “What I dislike about Quickbooks Time is the frequent cellphone app updates mean that I need to help the crew periodically update the app on their cellphone.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.4/5
    • Capterra: 4.5/5

    Intuit QuickBooks pricing:

    • Simple start: $15 per user/month
    • Essentials: $30 per user/month
    • Plus: $45 per user/month
    • Advanced: $100 per user/month
    time tracking software harvest

    10. Harvest

    To conclude our list of the best time tracking tools for employees, let’s take a look at Harvest.

    Harvest is one of the best employee time tracking apps that offer a range of features to streamline time management. Besides making time tracking easier, Harvest also helps users automate invoicing and reporting. 

    Harvest has quite a long list of integrations, such as analytics & reporting apps, productivity, and finance tools.

    This software is accessible through various platforms, including an online version, desktop software, and a dedicated mobile app.

    Realistically, Harvest doesn’t present anything groundbreaking but works for those needing a simple app.

    Harvest has recently received criticism for the latest updates that, according to users, have made the app slow and difficult to use.

    If this app doesn’t suit your needs, you might be interested in our post on time tracker alternatives to Harvest.

    Harvest – key features

    ProsCons
    Free plan: Harvest offers a free trial for 30 days, although it’s limited to one user and two projects.Stability: Users report that recent updates to the mobile app created glitches and made the app slower.
    Responsiveness: Track time wherever you work — desktop, browser, and mobileDifficult to use: Users are generally unhappy with the new interface and say it became overly complicated, slow, and clunky.
    Connectivity: Some users have reported occasional issues with working offline.

    Pros reported on G2 by Harvest users:

    • “It works very well and is very intuitive. It facilitates time tracking for users who need to work on sending invoices to clients and track multiple projects, from multiple devices, complementing several applications.”
    • “It’s super simple to use and takes the hassle out of tracking time. It helps us get a high-level view of how our team is spending time against projects and clients.”
    • “I like how you can access from anywhere, mobile app, desktop app, website, many easy options for quickly tracking time spent on projects.”

    Cons reported on G2 by Harvest users:

    • “The UI might occasionally get a little cluttered when managing numerous users and assigning particular tasks while working on large projects with various collaborators.”
    • “Some reporting functionalities are somewhat limited in customization compared to more robust project management tools and software out there.”
    • “I find the process of finding projects to be one of the most frustrating aspects of Harvest. With over fifty projects active at any given time, it can take the same amount of time to type keywords into the search bar to find what I’m looking for without having to manually scroll through all the open projects. This often results in a lengthy and tedious experience that slows down my workflow significantly.”

    Ranking:

    • G2: 4.3/5
    • Capterra: 4.6/5

    Harvest pricing:

    • Free plan
    • Paid plans starting at $12 per user/month

    Conclusion

    Implementing an effective employee time tracker can significantly improve team performance, streamline workflows, and optimize resource allocation within your organization. 

    By considering the features, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and scalability of different time-tracking tools, you can select the best solution that aligns with your specific business needs.

    FAQ

    What is a time tracking app?

    Time-tracking apps are software applications designed to help individuals and organizations monitor and record the amount of time dedicated to various tasks, projects, or activities. 

    What is the best way to track time for employees?

    The best way to track how many hours employees spend on specific task is to use dedicated employee time tracking apps. An employee time tracking app offers features such as automated time capture, timers, and detailed reporting, enabling accurate tracking of working hours.

    How does time tracking software work?

    Time-tracking software operates by capturing, recording, and analyzing data related to employees’ work activities. This can be achieved through manual input, automated tracking based on app usage or computer activity, or integration with other tools. 

    How do employee time tracking apps benefit remote teams?

    Employee time tracking apps, essential for remote teams, offer precise time tracking for employees, aiding in remote team management. Particularly beneficial for small businesses, these apps facilitate specific task tracking, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and improved productivity within the team.

    How secure are employee time tracking apps?

    Employee time tracking apps prioritize security by adhering to regulations like GDPR. With data stored locally, these apps ensure confidentiality and compliance. Whether it’s through an employee time clock app or employee time tracking software itself, sensitive information like tracked time remains protected.

    Can employee time tracking apps track billable hours for clients?

    Yes, employee time tracking apps can effectively track billable hours for clients. The best time tracking software tools offer features specifically designed for billable hours tracking, allowing users to input billable rates and track the time spent on client-related tasks. This enables accurate invoicing based on the hours worked, ensuring transparency and efficiency in client billing processes, while effectively tracking employee time.

    The post The Best Employee Time Tracking Software for 2024 appeared first on Timeular.

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