Introduction
Time theft is not a minor problem. Many organizations across the world are affected adversely by this issue. It may not make a company go bankrupt, but it is a significant reason behind decreased revenue. Time theft can cost businesses more than USD 50 billion every year, but it can be prevented. One of the most effective ways to prevent time theft is by using productivity monitoring software.
Today, here in this blog, we will get to know how a productive monitoring tool can help in controlling time theft at the workplace. Apart from that, we will also explore some best practices to implement these tools.
So, let’s dive in by understanding time theft first.
Time Theft- An Overview
Time theft, also called time stealing, has become a common problem in every workplace. It happens when employees misuse the company’s time and receive a salary for hours not devoted to their responsibilities and duties.
Time stealing can be intentional or unintentional. Some common forms of time theft are timesheet fraud, buddy punching, extended breaks, non-work activities, and inflating working hours.
Understanding Productivity Monitoring Tools
As the name suggests, productivity monitoring tools allow employers or managers to monitor and track different aspects of team or individual activities in the workplace. It can offer insight into important areas like application usage, internet usage, and attendance. Let’s understand how these tools can help you prevent time-stealing in detail.
How Productive Monitoring Tools Prevent Time Theft?
To combat time-stealing, organizations should implement the best productivity monitoring tools that can enhance productivity as well as visibility for both hybrid and remote teams. With its beneficial features, employers can track work hours accurately and ensure that every employee stays focused on their tasks. Some notable features of productivity monitoring tools include:
- Real-Time Screen Monitoring
Employee productivity monitoring tools can take real-time screenshots and record any active applications. You can find out what your employees are doing during their work hours. As they know their PC screens are being monitored, they will avoid using unnecessary apps or watching videos. Besides, they will stay focused on their tasks.
- Automated Time Tracking
Productivity monitoring systems can offer maximum accuracy in recording hours worked by employees by eliminating discrepancies that are common in manual time tracking methods. Besides, one can also integrate these tools into biometric devices to avoid buddy punching.
- Geolocation Tracking
Some tools support GPS tracking. This feature allows organizations to find out the location of employees and make sure that they are working from the designated areas. You can verify that employees are physically present at the workplace, which lowers the chances of unauthorized absences.
- Reports and Analytics
A productivity monitoring system can offer detailed analytics and reports. With such capabilities, it will be easier for you to gain valuable insights into employees’ productivity trends, task completion rates, and attendance patterns.
- Real-time Notifications and Alerts
As these tools support real-time tracking, they notify employers promptly about prolonged inactivity, attendance mismatch, and unauthorized absences. Besides, they can alert employers when an employee exceeds predefined overtime limits.
Tips To Introduce Productivity Monitoring Tools in Your Company
Loading employees with a productivity monitoring tool without any discussion or prior notice may result in a feeling of betrayal or unfaithfulness. So, to avoid such circumstances, it is better to discuss it with employees. Some of the major points to cover are:
- Explain to your employees why you are deploying productivity monitoring software and how it can benefit the team and company.
- Implement clear policies stating acceptable behaviours at the workplace and mention time theft.
- Instead of using these tools as a punitive measure, prefer to consider them a productivity improvement tool.
- Regularly check the effectiveness of the deployed prevention strategies and make changes if required.
Closing Thoughts
Time theft can greatly affect a company’s resources and finances. It can be a reason behind a damaged work culture, reduced productivity and conflicts. However, with the right software to monitor employee productivity, deploy effective strategies, it is possible to avoid time theft. Use the right tool like Mera Monitor, take advantage of its useful features to manage your remote and hybrid teams. This will definitely upscale your business while eliminating time-stealing.
FAQs
Can A Productivity Monitoring Tool Be Used For Hybrid and Remote Teams?
Yes, these tools are designed for both remote and hybrid teams, offering detailed insight into time spent on projects, productivity level, and employee activity.
How Can Employers Prove Time Theft?
Different methods can be used to prove it like checking time logs, reviewing attendance records, and using tools like productivity monitoring tools or biometric time clocks.
Is Time Stealing a Type of Employee Theft?
Yes. Employees getting paid for hours they didn’t work can cost organizations thousands of dollars.
Can A Productivity Monitoring Software Prevent Buddy Punching?
Yes. Employees need to log into their accounts to clock in. Besides, these tools can also track the employee’s location to ensure they are in the right place.
