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

In today's world, computer monitoring software has become increasingly common in the workplace. What’s interesting is that, depending on your location, your boss doesn’t even have to tell you that it’s an occurrence in your company. Therefore, how can you know if computer viewer software is being used to monitor you at work?

What Exactly Is Employee Monitoring?


If you’re reading this article, you probably know all about employee monitoring devices and how they work. But, some of you may don’t and therefore we’ll just briefly cover all aspects of employee monitoring.


A software such as this offers a lot to your employer. First of all, it allows them to control your work. This sounds scary, but it's not necessarily a negative thing. Surely you yourself have once met a colleague who tried to avoid work in every way possible. This is exactly why such software exists. With the help of it, your manager can clearly see who’s working and who isn’t, as well as exactly how much time they spend on non-productive tasks. Therefore, further activities can be undertaken to improve the work of the entire collective and create a  healthier work environment.


Also, screen monitoring software for PC goes hand in hand with productivity. It has been proven that when you have someone who’s looking over you when you work, you tend to be more productive. It’s simple, you don’t want to avoid work when your boss is watching you. And more productivity equals better overall performance of the whole business, which is what the goal is. 

Clues About Monitoring


Now that we got out of the way how does monitoring software work, we can focus on certain clues which indicate that you’re being monitored (if you weren’t aware of it):


  • Check your company’s handbook or your contract


This is probably where you should start. Your contract or the company’s handbook may have policies stating how exactly your actions are being monitored (this may include spying on emails sent and received with the company devices, phone calls and even social media screening). The companies often outline that the working computers and smartphones aren’t for private use, so don’t be surprised when the facts from your private emails suddenly pop up in conversation. If your social media is monitored, it’s a good idea to have another page for private conversations and use it outside of work.


  • Ask the IT department


Be straightforward. You know all about software to monitor activity on a computer and ask you IT department openly about monitoring. They usually have an information if a tool like this is being used in your company. 


  • Check the running processes at your computer


This is what most people firstly do if they have any technical knowledge. Open your control tab and find out which processes are running while your PC is on. The chances are that you’ll be able to clearly see which one is performing mostly and in many cases you aren’t even aware of it.


  • The boss recalls conversations or facts which you thought were private


If your supervisor mentions something related to your professional or private life but you don’t remember saying this to any of your colleagues, there might be a spy at some of your devices.  The boss has probably read your emails, either professional or private, or scanned your phone calls. Remember that anything you send can hurt you later, for example, the boss will reprimand you for an emotional comment about his leadership style, and sometimes situations like these can even force you to resign.

Conclusion


To sum up, your boss might or might not watch over you. So, if you want to play safe and don’t take any chances, the best bet would be that you behave as you are being watched. That way you won’t be overthinking it and your boss won’t have anything even slightly suspicious to turn on you. 

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

Want your hybrid or remote team to be more productive?

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

Ready to Take Full Control Of Your Workplace?

Try the simplest solution today…

Start Free Trial
Employee Monitoring

Is Your Boss Tracking Your Computer Activities?

Written by
Aleksa Misic
Published on
August 26, 2019

In today's world, computer monitoring software has become increasingly common in the workplace. What’s interesting is that, depending on your location, your boss doesn’t even have to tell you that it’s an occurrence in your company. Therefore, how can you know if computer viewer software is being used to monitor you at work?

What Exactly Is Employee Monitoring?


If you’re reading this article, you probably know all about employee monitoring devices and how they work. But, some of you may don’t and therefore we’ll just briefly cover all aspects of employee monitoring.


A software such as this offers a lot to your employer. First of all, it allows them to control your work. This sounds scary, but it's not necessarily a negative thing. Surely you yourself have once met a colleague who tried to avoid work in every way possible. This is exactly why such software exists. With the help of it, your manager can clearly see who’s working and who isn’t, as well as exactly how much time they spend on non-productive tasks. Therefore, further activities can be undertaken to improve the work of the entire collective and create a  healthier work environment.


Also, screen monitoring software for PC goes hand in hand with productivity. It has been proven that when you have someone who’s looking over you when you work, you tend to be more productive. It’s simple, you don’t want to avoid work when your boss is watching you. And more productivity equals better overall performance of the whole business, which is what the goal is. 

Clues About Monitoring


Now that we got out of the way how does monitoring software work, we can focus on certain clues which indicate that you’re being monitored (if you weren’t aware of it):


  • Check your company’s handbook or your contract


This is probably where you should start. Your contract or the company’s handbook may have policies stating how exactly your actions are being monitored (this may include spying on emails sent and received with the company devices, phone calls and even social media screening). The companies often outline that the working computers and smartphones aren’t for private use, so don’t be surprised when the facts from your private emails suddenly pop up in conversation. If your social media is monitored, it’s a good idea to have another page for private conversations and use it outside of work.


  • Ask the IT department


Be straightforward. You know all about software to monitor activity on a computer and ask you IT department openly about monitoring. They usually have an information if a tool like this is being used in your company. 


  • Check the running processes at your computer


This is what most people firstly do if they have any technical knowledge. Open your control tab and find out which processes are running while your PC is on. The chances are that you’ll be able to clearly see which one is performing mostly and in many cases you aren’t even aware of it.


  • The boss recalls conversations or facts which you thought were private


If your supervisor mentions something related to your professional or private life but you don’t remember saying this to any of your colleagues, there might be a spy at some of your devices.  The boss has probably read your emails, either professional or private, or scanned your phone calls. Remember that anything you send can hurt you later, for example, the boss will reprimand you for an emotional comment about his leadership style, and sometimes situations like these can even force you to resign.

Conclusion


To sum up, your boss might or might not watch over you. So, if you want to play safe and don’t take any chances, the best bet would be that you behave as you are being watched. That way you won’t be overthinking it and your boss won’t have anything even slightly suspicious to turn on you.