Tracking time is important for businesses of all sizes. Manual timesheets can be inaccurate. They can also be tough to manage. How can companies ensure they’re capturing employee hours correctly? Fortunately, free timesheet software is here to help!
User-friendly timesheet apps allow your team to log their hours easily from any device. Not only can you increase your business’s productivity by matching team shifts to output, you can keep better track of compliance while you’re at it!
There’s no time like the present to learn how the free timesheet software an help your business. This article will cover everything you need to know—so let’s get started!
What is free timesheet software?
Like paper timesheets, timesheet software is a way your team can clock in and clock out—and check their schedules. Time tracking software are inexpensive and easy to use. The best ones also make it easier for managers to process payroll, especially with accounting integrations with Excel or Google Sheets.
But unlike traditional timesheets, online time tracking has added features so employers can accurately track the hours their team is working—without relying on honest reporting. Built-in activity trackers and add-ons like geo-fencing means that hours are accurately reported. This also makes it easier to track attendance!
Timesheet software systems typically use web or mobile apps to log time. This means that managers get access to detailed reports and analytics. Some solutions even integrate with other platforms to streamline workflows. While free versions may have some limitations, they’re great for small teams—and give you plenty of room to grow your software along with your business.
Why your business needs timesheet software.
Implementing a dedicated timesheet solution can benefit businesses in many ways. Here are some of the advantages you can expect:
1. Increase accuracy.
With digital timesheets, you eliminate the guesswork. Employees can easily track time in just a few clicks, and that leads to more accurate records. It also improves payroll by creating a single source of truth: a trackable app.
2. Improve project management.
Timesheet software can include project-tracking features. This allows you to see how much time is being spent on different tasks or clients. With this data, you can estimate project timelines with ease.
3. Enhance productivity.
When employees have an easy way to track their time, they have more awareness of how their time is being spent. This visibility can motivate team members to use their time more effectively. In fact, 4 in 10 employees report that online monitoring has a positive impact on their productivity.
It may also help them find new opportunities to get more done. Employees can also reflect on their timesheets to see what tasks take up the most time. This empowers them to find ways to streamline workflows.
4. Simplify reporting.
Free timesheet apps typically offer reporting features that give managers insights into time usage trends. This data can help you informed decisions about staffing and project pricing. It can also help with resource planning.
5. Bill efficiently.
For businesses that bill clients hourly, accurate timesheets are essential. Timesheet software ensures you’re billing for all the time worked. That helps you maximize revenue and maintain relationships with clients.
6. Stay compliant.
Proper time tracking is necessary for compliance with labor laws. Having a system in place to accurately record employee hours can help protect your business. You can turn to these automatically curated records during audits or disputes, confident that the info you need is at your fingertips.
7. Monitor your workforce.
Selecting the perfect timesheet employee monitoring app isn’t just about tracking time; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your team. Whether you’re waving goodbye to your staff at the end of the day or welcoming them in the morning, the right tool can transform how you manage your team.
This is particularly important now that teams are so distributed. Hybrid employees report a higher rate of workplace monitoring—48% of hybrid employees report their employer monitors them as opposed to 37% of fully remote employees. A timesheet app helps you manage your employees wherever they happen to be—from wherever you are.
What to look for in free timesheet software.
There are many free timesheet software options, all with different perks and pitfalls. It can be challenging to determine which one is best for your business!
Your business is unique, and so are its needs—but there are some things almost every business can benefit from in a free time tracker app. When looking for a time tracker, keep these features in mind. Then, decide which ones are essential for your business—and which ones you can do without.
Time tracking
Look for software that offers flexible time-tracking options. This might include a timer function and the ability to track specific tasks. Some apps also offer automatic time tracking based on computer activity or movement.
User-friendly interface and support
The easier the software is to use, the more likely your team is to adopt it. Look for an intuitive interface that doesn’t require extensive training. Mobile apps are also a plus. That allows employees to track time on the go.
While ease of use is important, you still want access to good customer support channels and training resources for any issues. This way, your people always have access to the information they need to use the tools you provide for them.
Analytics
Free versions should offer some level of reporting. Look for software that provides insights into how time is being spent. This data can be valuable for improving productivity and making strategic decisions.
For example, if you find that employees aren’t very productive during a certain season, this may be a sign that you’re overstaffed. Having this information available to you can empower you to make more cost-effective scheduling decisions in the future.
Integrations
Free versions may have limited integrations. But it’s worth considering how the timesheet software can work with your other tools. Some free options integrate with popular project management or accounting software.
When you have access to the right software integrations, everything becomes streamlined. It allows you to bring all systems together to function as one powerful unit and eliminates scattered data silos that cause mistakes and inconsistency. Say goodbye to inaccurate data when software integrations allow you to bring everything into one consistent place.
Scalability
Consider whether the software’s free version will meet your needs as your business grows. Many providers offer free plans for small teams, but implement a hefty fee per additional employee added to the plan.
Most free plans have the option to upgrade to paid versions with more features as your team and needs grow. Be sure to compare the costs of each system before committing. What meets your needs now might not meet your needs in a year!
Exporting
Make sure the software allows you to export your time data. This is particularly important if you choose an option with limited integrations. Exporting the data will allow you to put it to good use in other contexts like compliance. Plus, you never know when you might want to print out the records yourself!
Top 5 free timesheet software: Track time like a pro.
Ready to explore some online time tracker options? Here are five free timesheet software solutions that can help you track time more effectively.
1. Homebase
Homebase was designed as an all-in-one solution tailored specifically to the needs and budgets of small businesses. Their free timesheets blend power with ease of use so you can take control of everyday work shifts.
Homebase’s scheduling module allows you to configure recurring shifts, availability, and time off rules for smarter scheduling. This way, you can preemptively identify and resolve overlaps or conflicts. Powerful reporting dashboards then let you filter timesheets by employee, location, department, and more to extract granular productivity insights.
Of course, seamless payroll integration is a must-have for any time tracking app. Homebase connects to popular payroll providers to flow hours directly to your payroll workflow with zero duplicate entries needed. This eliminates the risk of errors and saves hours of administrative time.
2. Toggl
Toggl Track is a simple time-tracking tool that’s great for small teams. The free plan includes tracking reminders, idle detection, calendar integration, and basic reports. You can track time with a single click across multiple projects simultaneously. Its main limitation is that the free version only allows time tracking for a single user. Reporting capabilities are also fairly basic, but its ease of use makes it a popular choice.
3. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is a cloud-based time-tracking solution with optional screenshot recording to help you remotely monitor employee activity. The app tracks time worked down to the second, with optional payroll and invoicing capabilities.
This option integrates with popular project management tools and lets you view detailed reports on attendance and time use across projects and tasks. The interface is also easy for employees to adapt to—a definite plus!
4. RescueTime
For remote teams that need help avoiding distractions, RescueTime is a clever productivity tool that automatically tracks time spent on apps and websites. You can set alerts when someone’s idled too long on distracting sites and view detailed reports on your activity to identify productivity leaks. The free version provides high-level insights, while Premium tiers unlock more data and website blocking.
5. ClickingTime
ClickingTime is an affordable, full-featured time-tracking and workforce management platform. Employees can track their own time using many different methods, while GPS tracking, IP restrictions, and photo capture enforce accountability.
ClickingTime also offers scheduling tools, PTO tracking, overtime calculators, and seamless payroll/billing integration. While the interface isn’t as modern as some competitors, it provides robust functionality at a good value.
Ready to start tracking time like a pro?
Having a timesheet solution place is more critical than ever for small businesses. The right app keeps your team accountable and your payroll precise. It eliminates the costly time leaks and errors that come with manual timesheets. And now you know what to look for in a time tracking solution!
While there are many quality options available at little to no cost, options like Homebase stand out for blending powerful timekeeping capabilities with an intuitive, user-friendly experience tailored for small teams.
Want the best time tracking app on the market? Get started with Homebase today.
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
