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

Do you know how many of your workers are currently binge-watching a TV show instead of working?

Maybe, over time, you can get to know each worker and recognize when they are giving their best and when not. But how to measure productivity for remote workers day in, day out, from the word go?

We have compiled an extensive list of tips that can help you to start improving your tracking methods immediately.

Rely on Hard Data

For many tasks, regardless of the department, the progress can be recorded, calculated, and presented using exact metrics. KPIs, OKRs, the amount of logged and active time—all of these can help in determining an employee’s actual productivity.

Let’s take a closer look at the two key methods of tracking that rely on numbers.

1. Define Objectives & Performance Metrics

Your company cannot successfully reach goals if you haven’t determined what those goals are. The same applies to your employees—they cannot contribute to objectives if they are not clear on what those are.

Determine your long and short-term goals, and identifying the best productivity metrics for each employee will be easy. The most reliable individual metrics are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs).

KPIs and OKRs offer a clear perspective on how individual efforts contribute to the company’s success. In addition, these productivity indicators also encourage employee growth and focus.

2. Implement Tracking Apps

Specialized software that facilitates task management and monitors progress is necessary for the success of remote teams.

These tools provide an all-encompassing view of task completion rates and time management. They also allow fair distribution of work and enable leaders to assess productivity without micromanaging. In other words, these tools foster a culture of trust and self-sufficiency.

One of the top-rated tracking tools is Insightful. This robust and scalable software goes beyond time tracking. It enables you to gauge active and idle, as well as productive, neutral, and unproductive time. You can also measure time per task, monitor usage of any unproductive websites, take screenshots, and take your team’s productivity to a whole new level.

Focus on Improving Work Allocation & Task Management

When figuring out how to measure productivity for remote employees, a part of the solution is a switch in management approach. Breaking down demanding tasks into smaller chunks and setting strict deadlines can go a long way.

3. Break Down Tasks into Achievable Milestones

Segmenting larger tasks into smaller, manageable milestones makes the progress of each employee fully visible. It also allows for adjustments tailored to individual preferences and work styles.

Consequently, this approach can greatly enhance a sense of achievement keeping motivation and morale high.

4. Establish & Communicate Clear Deadlines

Setting and discussing realistic deadlines with employees helps them prioritize tasks effectively. This practice ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and timelines.

With clear deadlines, it’s also easier to better plan and allocate resources, as well as prevent any misunderstandings over project goals.

Make Sure Your Employees Know Where They Stand

Employee productivity insights should not be kept between team managers and executives. Giving employees access to their own performance data can help them figure out their weak points and immensely improve their performance.

5. Schedule Regular Progress Reviews & Feedback Sessions

Consistent meetings and feedback sessions provide a platform to review progress and address concerns.

Software like Insightful helps you gather important information about an employee’s work patterns and how these contribute to the person’s productivity. Regularly sharing this insight with your workers can serve their growth.

6. Emphasize Open Communication

Developing a culture of transparent communication ensures that employees are comfortable sharing their successes and challenges. Regular interactions, such as daily stand-ups or weekly summaries, foster a supportive work environment, which is elementary for remote teams.

Show You Care for Every Individual

Although not exactly a productivity tracking method, showing appreciation for each employee and their work can upgrade motivation and performance.

7. Recognize & Reward Efforts

Try creating a system where achievements are regularly acknowledged. Positive reinforcement through recognition and rewards considerably boosts employee morale and productivity contributing to a positive company culture.

8. Ensure Employee Well-being

A healthy work-life balance is fundamental to sustaining productivity and employee satisfaction in the long run. Make sure you support physical and mental health initiatives, and rely on Insightful to spot early signs of burnout in your employees.

Conclusion

Productivity monitoring for remote workers involves more than tracking their online hours. It's about ensuring alignment with strategic goals, adequate workload division, and fostering effective communication.

Together with diverse incentives and employee well-being initiatives, the insights gained through productivity tracking can contribute to a significant growth in employee performance.

Approaching productivity in this holistic manner builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect, essential for long-term success in remote work settings.

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Claim your free 7-Day full feature trial of Insightful today. Insightful’s actionable work insights make your team more productive, efficient and accountable.

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Productivity and Efficiency Improvements

A Brief Handbook on How to Measure Productivity for Remote Workers

Written by
Vanja Savic Petrovic
Published on
April 4, 2024

Do you know how many of your workers are currently binge-watching a TV show instead of working?

Maybe, over time, you can get to know each worker and recognize when they are giving their best and when not. But how to measure productivity for remote workers day in, day out, from the word go?

We have compiled an extensive list of tips that can help you to start improving your tracking methods immediately.

Rely on Hard Data

For many tasks, regardless of the department, the progress can be recorded, calculated, and presented using exact metrics. KPIs, OKRs, the amount of logged and active time—all of these can help in determining an employee’s actual productivity.

Let’s take a closer look at the two key methods of tracking that rely on numbers.

1. Define Objectives & Performance Metrics

Your company cannot successfully reach goals if you haven’t determined what those goals are. The same applies to your employees—they cannot contribute to objectives if they are not clear on what those are.

Determine your long and short-term goals, and identifying the best productivity metrics for each employee will be easy. The most reliable individual metrics are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs).

KPIs and OKRs offer a clear perspective on how individual efforts contribute to the company’s success. In addition, these productivity indicators also encourage employee growth and focus.

2. Implement Tracking Apps

Specialized software that facilitates task management and monitors progress is necessary for the success of remote teams.

These tools provide an all-encompassing view of task completion rates and time management. They also allow fair distribution of work and enable leaders to assess productivity without micromanaging. In other words, these tools foster a culture of trust and self-sufficiency.

One of the top-rated tracking tools is Insightful. This robust and scalable software goes beyond time tracking. It enables you to gauge active and idle, as well as productive, neutral, and unproductive time. You can also measure time per task, monitor usage of any unproductive websites, take screenshots, and take your team’s productivity to a whole new level.

Focus on Improving Work Allocation & Task Management

When figuring out how to measure productivity for remote employees, a part of the solution is a switch in management approach. Breaking down demanding tasks into smaller chunks and setting strict deadlines can go a long way.

3. Break Down Tasks into Achievable Milestones

Segmenting larger tasks into smaller, manageable milestones makes the progress of each employee fully visible. It also allows for adjustments tailored to individual preferences and work styles.

Consequently, this approach can greatly enhance a sense of achievement keeping motivation and morale high.

4. Establish & Communicate Clear Deadlines

Setting and discussing realistic deadlines with employees helps them prioritize tasks effectively. This practice ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and timelines.

With clear deadlines, it’s also easier to better plan and allocate resources, as well as prevent any misunderstandings over project goals.

Make Sure Your Employees Know Where They Stand

Employee productivity insights should not be kept between team managers and executives. Giving employees access to their own performance data can help them figure out their weak points and immensely improve their performance.

5. Schedule Regular Progress Reviews & Feedback Sessions

Consistent meetings and feedback sessions provide a platform to review progress and address concerns.

Software like Insightful helps you gather important information about an employee’s work patterns and how these contribute to the person’s productivity. Regularly sharing this insight with your workers can serve their growth.

6. Emphasize Open Communication

Developing a culture of transparent communication ensures that employees are comfortable sharing their successes and challenges. Regular interactions, such as daily stand-ups or weekly summaries, foster a supportive work environment, which is elementary for remote teams.

Show You Care for Every Individual

Although not exactly a productivity tracking method, showing appreciation for each employee and their work can upgrade motivation and performance.

7. Recognize & Reward Efforts

Try creating a system where achievements are regularly acknowledged. Positive reinforcement through recognition and rewards considerably boosts employee morale and productivity contributing to a positive company culture.

8. Ensure Employee Well-being

A healthy work-life balance is fundamental to sustaining productivity and employee satisfaction in the long run. Make sure you support physical and mental health initiatives, and rely on Insightful to spot early signs of burnout in your employees.

Conclusion

Productivity monitoring for remote workers involves more than tracking their online hours. It's about ensuring alignment with strategic goals, adequate workload division, and fostering effective communication.

Together with diverse incentives and employee well-being initiatives, the insights gained through productivity tracking can contribute to a significant growth in employee performance.

Approaching productivity in this holistic manner builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect, essential for long-term success in remote work settings.