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

Striving to understand how to measure work from home productivity in the most efficient way? You are not alone. The majority of managers are wondering what the best metrics are for gauging the real performance and engagement of their employees.

Tech development has enabled companies to provide never-before-seen flexibility in the work environment. At the same time, digital solutions for productivity tracking are developing and becoming more sophisticated by the minute.

Continue reading to learn more about the ways to measure true performance.

1. Choose the Right Metrics

Clear and specific performance metrics that align with your company’s goals go a long way. They are the basis of effective productivity tracking efforts.

Keep in mind that simply clocking in and out is far from an actual productivity indicator. Instead, focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as revenue growth, net profit, project completion times, and customer retention rates. These are the metrics that will reflect the actual value added by each team member, as well as the whole team.

2. Monitor Productivity the Right Way

Time-tracking tools might seem appealing for monitoring productivity. Nevertheless, instead of increasing efficiency and fostering a culture of accountability and trust, they often lead to resentment.

Remember that productivity is not merely about the time spent working, but about meeting and exceeding set goals and KPIs. On top of this, relying too heavily on time tracking can lead the workers to focus on quantity over quality.

Adequate supervision of remote teams is impossible without the right software. Insightful is a good example of a well-rounded and scalable tool for tracking the productivity of remote employees. Besides tracking time, this software monitors employees’ screens and activity. This way it equips you with enough data to assess the actual performance of each remote worker.

3. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear, specific goals is a must in remote work environments. Vague objectives such as "enhance online visibility" will only confuse your team members.

Instead, set a measurable goal, like increasing website traffic by a specific percentage within a set timeframe. In other words, "boost traffic through SEO by 20% in 6 months'' is a much clearer objective.

A target formulated in this manner enables managers to track progress accurately. It also allows them to adjust strategies as necessary, ensuring remote workers are aligned with the company's objectives.

4. Track ROI & Foster Trust

Assessing the ROI of remote employees’ efforts against company goals is fundamental for understanding their level of productivity. In order to reach maximum productivity, the employees need clear goals and open, honest communication.

Trust between managers and remote workers is fundamental. Managers need to believe in their team's ability to self-manage and meet objectives. This trust can also be reinforced through regular check-ins and support rather than micromanagement.

5. Nurture a Culture of Productivity 

Building company culture is an indispensable aspect of remote work management.

On one hand, managers need to strive to maintain and encourage a supportive and friendly environment. This will, in turn, result in increased productivity.

On the other hand, they need to evaluate how remote employees contribute to this culture. Are they engaged and proactive? How well do they integrate with and contribute to this culture?

Only an environment that fosters engagement, innovation, and mutual respect can sustain productivity when working from home.

6. Ensure Effective Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of remote work sustainability. Tools that allow instant messaging and video conferencing make up for the lack of non-verbal cues present in face-to-face interactions.

Set up standard company-wide communication tools, such as Slack, Zoom, and emails. Also, clarify how and when team members should communicate.

Establishing clear communication protocols ensures that everyone is on the same page. This will prevent misunderstandings, foster collaboration, and enhance overall productivity.

Conclusion

Remote work presents a unique set of challenges. These range from ensuring team members feel connected and valued to maintaining high levels of productivity without direct supervision.

To sustain remote or hybrid work, a change in mindset from both managers and employees is necessary. It encompasses moving away from traditional office-based metrics to a more results-oriented approach.

Set clear KPIs, foster a strong culture, and emphasize effective communication to help your remote teams be thoroughly productive.

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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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Remote Work Management

How to Measure Work From Home Productivity & Lead Your Team to Success

Written by
Vanja Savic Petrovic
Published on
April 2, 2024

Striving to understand how to measure work from home productivity in the most efficient way? You are not alone. The majority of managers are wondering what the best metrics are for gauging the real performance and engagement of their employees.

Tech development has enabled companies to provide never-before-seen flexibility in the work environment. At the same time, digital solutions for productivity tracking are developing and becoming more sophisticated by the minute.

Continue reading to learn more about the ways to measure true performance.

1. Choose the Right Metrics

Clear and specific performance metrics that align with your company’s goals go a long way. They are the basis of effective productivity tracking efforts.

Keep in mind that simply clocking in and out is far from an actual productivity indicator. Instead, focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as revenue growth, net profit, project completion times, and customer retention rates. These are the metrics that will reflect the actual value added by each team member, as well as the whole team.

2. Monitor Productivity the Right Way

Time-tracking tools might seem appealing for monitoring productivity. Nevertheless, instead of increasing efficiency and fostering a culture of accountability and trust, they often lead to resentment.

Remember that productivity is not merely about the time spent working, but about meeting and exceeding set goals and KPIs. On top of this, relying too heavily on time tracking can lead the workers to focus on quantity over quality.

Adequate supervision of remote teams is impossible without the right software. Insightful is a good example of a well-rounded and scalable tool for tracking the productivity of remote employees. Besides tracking time, this software monitors employees’ screens and activity. This way it equips you with enough data to assess the actual performance of each remote worker.

3. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear, specific goals is a must in remote work environments. Vague objectives such as "enhance online visibility" will only confuse your team members.

Instead, set a measurable goal, like increasing website traffic by a specific percentage within a set timeframe. In other words, "boost traffic through SEO by 20% in 6 months'' is a much clearer objective.

A target formulated in this manner enables managers to track progress accurately. It also allows them to adjust strategies as necessary, ensuring remote workers are aligned with the company's objectives.

4. Track ROI & Foster Trust

Assessing the ROI of remote employees’ efforts against company goals is fundamental for understanding their level of productivity. In order to reach maximum productivity, the employees need clear goals and open, honest communication.

Trust between managers and remote workers is fundamental. Managers need to believe in their team's ability to self-manage and meet objectives. This trust can also be reinforced through regular check-ins and support rather than micromanagement.

5. Nurture a Culture of Productivity 

Building company culture is an indispensable aspect of remote work management.

On one hand, managers need to strive to maintain and encourage a supportive and friendly environment. This will, in turn, result in increased productivity.

On the other hand, they need to evaluate how remote employees contribute to this culture. Are they engaged and proactive? How well do they integrate with and contribute to this culture?

Only an environment that fosters engagement, innovation, and mutual respect can sustain productivity when working from home.

6. Ensure Effective Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of remote work sustainability. Tools that allow instant messaging and video conferencing make up for the lack of non-verbal cues present in face-to-face interactions.

Set up standard company-wide communication tools, such as Slack, Zoom, and emails. Also, clarify how and when team members should communicate.

Establishing clear communication protocols ensures that everyone is on the same page. This will prevent misunderstandings, foster collaboration, and enhance overall productivity.

Conclusion

Remote work presents a unique set of challenges. These range from ensuring team members feel connected and valued to maintaining high levels of productivity without direct supervision.

To sustain remote or hybrid work, a change in mindset from both managers and employees is necessary. It encompasses moving away from traditional office-based metrics to a more results-oriented approach.

Set clear KPIs, foster a strong culture, and emphasize effective communication to help your remote teams be thoroughly productive.