Workpuls Teramind ActivTrak Hubstaff DeskTime Time Doctor RescueTime Kickidler Veriato Work Examiner
OVERVIEW
Price $6/user/month $6/user/month $7.20/user/month $7/user/month $7/user/month $9.99/user/month $6/user/month $9.99/user/month $150/licence/year $60/licence (lifetime)
Free trial 7 days 7 days No 14 days 14 days 14 days 30 days 7 days Yes 30 days
Ease of use Very easy Difficult Very easy Easy Easy Very easy Very easy Very easy Very difficult Easy
TRACKING METHODS
Unlimited (tracker working 24/7)
Fixed (defined working hours)
Automatic (when computer is connected to a specified network)
Manual (start/stop)
Project based (track time only on projects)
GENERAL MONITORING FEATURES
Stealth mode
App and website usage
Real-time monitoring
Offline time tracking
Attendance
Activity levels
Keylogger
Geolocation
Remote desktop control
Website/activity blocking
SCREENSHOTS AND RECORDING
Screenshots
Screenshots on demand
Screen recording
PRODUCTIVITY FEATURES
Productivity trends
Websites and apps labeling
Category labeling
Productivity alerts
ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES
User behavior analytics
Data loss prevention
Advanced file and web monitoring
REPORTING
Productivity reports
Team reports
Timelines
Email reports
Access management
PLATFORMS
Web
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
Mobile app iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android Android
Browser extension Chrome Chrome Chrome
Other Citrix, VMware Chrome OS
OTHER
Support Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Email, online Phone, email, online, in-person Online Phone, email, online Email, online, Viber, Whatsapp Phone, email, online, support ticket Phone, email, online
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Integrations comming soon
API
Deployment cloud, on-premise cloud, on-premise, AWS, Azure cloud cloud cloud cloud cloud on-premise cloud, on-premise on-premise
Kronos Humanity Timeclockplus Tsheets Wheniwork Deputy Replicon Jibble EbilityTimeTracker OnTheClock BeeBole
OVERVIEW
Price(per month)Available upon requestFrom $2 per userAvailable upon requestFrom $6.40 per user+$16Free for up to 75 usersFrom $2.50 per userBasic plan:$30 for 5 users+$5 per additional userFrom $1.50 per employeeFrom $4 per user+$8From $2.20 per user$5.99 per user per month
Free trial30 days14 daysYes14 days14 days14 days30 days30 days,no credit card required
Ease of useDifficultEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyEasy
FEATURES
Timecard management
Scheduling
Shift Trading
Timesheets
Break time management
Real-time tracking
PTO Management
Payroll
Invoicing
Client billing
GPS tracking
Clock out reminders
Alerts
Manual time
PUNCH-IN METHODS
Web app
Mobile app
Time clock device
Time clock kiosk
Facial recognition
Fingerprint scanning
Geofencing
Group punch-in
REPORTING
Visual reports
Email reports
Time rounding
MANAGEMENT
Permissions
Manager approvals
Add time for others
Integrations
PLATFORMS
Web
Android app
iOS app
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
OTHER
SupportPhone and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,chat and onlinePhone and chatEmail and onlineChat and phonePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlineOnline chat and video support in English,French,and Spanish
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Community forum
API

Although sudden, the switch to remote work was global and remains the standard in many industries. Its main upside is that it allows sourcing talents from all over the world. However, it also brings the challenge of ensuring productivity without traditional office supervision.

So, how do employers track remote workers in the new work environment? In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the issues of monitoring employees working from home. We’ll also cover the essentials for maintaining efficiency and fostering a healthy work culture in the digital workspace.

The Rising Trend of Remote Work and Its Challenges

The transition to remote work has been accelerated by technological advancements and the recent global circumstances.

The challenges that companies are now facing are many, and among them are:

  • Inadequate insight into employee performance
  • Potential dips in productivity
  • The risk of isolation for employees

Addressing these issues is critical for the sustainability of remote work models and maintaining the morale of remote teams. Consequently, many employers are focused on finding effective strategies for monitoring remote employees.

Why Monitoring Remote Employees Is Crucial

Monitoring remote employees is essential for the success of companies that allow remote work. This is not just the question of surveillance. It's about understanding work patterns, providing support, and ensuring that team members are dedicated to their tasks.

Effective monitoring strategy helps managers identify areas where employees might be struggling. This insight allows them to offer necessary help to maintain both productivity and job satisfaction.

Moreover, monitoring data serves as a foundation for performance evaluations, helping align individual contributions with organizational goals.

Key Metrics for Remote Employee Monitoring

When considering how to monitor remote employees, it's essential to focus on the right metrics. These should reflect the employees’ productivity and engagement, and include:

  1. Output & Achievement: Tracking completed tasks, projects, and milestones provides clear insights into an employee's productivity.

  2. Communication & Collaboration: Monitoring the frequency and quality of communication with team members and clients can indicate an employee's level of engagement and teamwork.

  3. Time Management: Assessing how employees allocate their work hours toward tasks helps understand their efficiency and time management skills.

  4. Professional Development: Keeping tabs on employees' progress in learning and development activities can indicate their growth and potential for future contributions to the team.

Employers relying on these metrics can gain a comprehensive view of their remote team's performance and well-being. This, in turn, enables them to make informed decisions about support, training, and development needs.

Technologies for Monitoring Remote Employees

A variety of specialized tools and technologies make monitoring remote employees significantly easier than several years ago. These tools include:

  • Time-Tracking Software: Helps monitor when employees log in and out of work systems and how they distribute their time across tasks.

  • Screen Monitoring: Offers real-time insights into employees' screen activities, providing a glimpse into their work habits and efficiency.

  • Keystroke Logging: Tracks every keypress, offering data on productivity and potential security risks.

  • Communication Monitoring: Analyzes team messaging platforms to understand communication patterns, collaboration, and information sharing.

These technologies, when used responsibly, can provide valuable insights into remote work dynamics, and help employers support and oversee their teams effectively.

Best Practices for Implementing Remote Employee Monitoring Software

Adopting employee monitoring software requires a thoughtful approach. Employers need to ensure that the tool is effective, ethical, and respectful of privacy. Key steps include:

  1. Selecting the Right Tool: Choose software that meets your organizational needs and complies with privacy laws.

  2. Involving Employees in the Process: Openly discuss the implementation of monitoring software to address concerns and foster trust.

  3. Developing Clear Policies: Establish transparent guidelines on the scope and purpose of monitoring to balance operational needs with privacy rights.

  4. Providing Training: Ensure both employees and managers know how to use the software effectively and understand its features and purpose.

  5. Using Data Constructively: Use insights from monitoring to identify improvement areas, offer feedback, and optimize team efficiency.

Conclusion: Balancing Autonomy & Surveillance in Remote Work

With the right approach, employers can ensure that their remote teams are productive, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.

To navigate the complexities of remote work, your company needs to rely on a specialized and robust tool such as Insightful. This software offers a comprehensive suite for monitoring employee productivity with features like automated time tracking and screen monitoring. Its versatility suits remote, hybrid, and in-office work settings.

Start implementing these strategies today, and foster a culture of trust and accountability that supports both individual and collective success.

We’ve reserved a 7-day free trial for you….

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Employee Monitoring

How Do Employers Track Remote Workers? A Guide to Monitoring Employees Working from Home

Written by
Vanja Savic Petrovic
Published on
March 27, 2024

Although sudden, the switch to remote work was global and remains the standard in many industries. Its main upside is that it allows sourcing talents from all over the world. However, it also brings the challenge of ensuring productivity without traditional office supervision.

So, how do employers track remote workers in the new work environment? In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the issues of monitoring employees working from home. We’ll also cover the essentials for maintaining efficiency and fostering a healthy work culture in the digital workspace.

The Rising Trend of Remote Work and Its Challenges

The transition to remote work has been accelerated by technological advancements and the recent global circumstances.

The challenges that companies are now facing are many, and among them are:

  • Inadequate insight into employee performance
  • Potential dips in productivity
  • The risk of isolation for employees

Addressing these issues is critical for the sustainability of remote work models and maintaining the morale of remote teams. Consequently, many employers are focused on finding effective strategies for monitoring remote employees.

Why Monitoring Remote Employees Is Crucial

Monitoring remote employees is essential for the success of companies that allow remote work. This is not just the question of surveillance. It's about understanding work patterns, providing support, and ensuring that team members are dedicated to their tasks.

Effective monitoring strategy helps managers identify areas where employees might be struggling. This insight allows them to offer necessary help to maintain both productivity and job satisfaction.

Moreover, monitoring data serves as a foundation for performance evaluations, helping align individual contributions with organizational goals.

Key Metrics for Remote Employee Monitoring

When considering how to monitor remote employees, it's essential to focus on the right metrics. These should reflect the employees’ productivity and engagement, and include:

  1. Output & Achievement: Tracking completed tasks, projects, and milestones provides clear insights into an employee's productivity.

  2. Communication & Collaboration: Monitoring the frequency and quality of communication with team members and clients can indicate an employee's level of engagement and teamwork.

  3. Time Management: Assessing how employees allocate their work hours toward tasks helps understand their efficiency and time management skills.

  4. Professional Development: Keeping tabs on employees' progress in learning and development activities can indicate their growth and potential for future contributions to the team.

Employers relying on these metrics can gain a comprehensive view of their remote team's performance and well-being. This, in turn, enables them to make informed decisions about support, training, and development needs.

Technologies for Monitoring Remote Employees

A variety of specialized tools and technologies make monitoring remote employees significantly easier than several years ago. These tools include:

  • Time-Tracking Software: Helps monitor when employees log in and out of work systems and how they distribute their time across tasks.

  • Screen Monitoring: Offers real-time insights into employees' screen activities, providing a glimpse into their work habits and efficiency.

  • Keystroke Logging: Tracks every keypress, offering data on productivity and potential security risks.

  • Communication Monitoring: Analyzes team messaging platforms to understand communication patterns, collaboration, and information sharing.

These technologies, when used responsibly, can provide valuable insights into remote work dynamics, and help employers support and oversee their teams effectively.

Best Practices for Implementing Remote Employee Monitoring Software

Adopting employee monitoring software requires a thoughtful approach. Employers need to ensure that the tool is effective, ethical, and respectful of privacy. Key steps include:

  1. Selecting the Right Tool: Choose software that meets your organizational needs and complies with privacy laws.

  2. Involving Employees in the Process: Openly discuss the implementation of monitoring software to address concerns and foster trust.

  3. Developing Clear Policies: Establish transparent guidelines on the scope and purpose of monitoring to balance operational needs with privacy rights.

  4. Providing Training: Ensure both employees and managers know how to use the software effectively and understand its features and purpose.

  5. Using Data Constructively: Use insights from monitoring to identify improvement areas, offer feedback, and optimize team efficiency.

Conclusion: Balancing Autonomy & Surveillance in Remote Work

With the right approach, employers can ensure that their remote teams are productive, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.

To navigate the complexities of remote work, your company needs to rely on a specialized and robust tool such as Insightful. This software offers a comprehensive suite for monitoring employee productivity with features like automated time tracking and screen monitoring. Its versatility suits remote, hybrid, and in-office work settings.

Start implementing these strategies today, and foster a culture of trust and accountability that supports both individual and collective success.

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