BND Hamburger Icon

MENU

Close
BND Logo
Search Icon
Advertising Disclosure
Close
Advertising Disclosure

Business News Daily provides resources, advice and product reviews to drive business growth. Our mission is to equip business owners with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. As part of that, we recommend products and services for their success.

We collaborate with business-to-business vendors, connecting them with potential buyers. In some cases, we earn commissions when sales are made through our referrals. These financial relationships support our content but do not dictate our recommendations. Our editorial team independently evaluates products based on thousands of hours of research. We are committed to providing trustworthy advice for businesses. Learn more about our full process and see who our partners are here.

Updated Oct 18, 2024

The Best Time and Attendance Software of 2024

Need a better way to manage your employee scheduling? Our picks for best time and attendance systems make it easy to track hours.

Jessica Elliott
Written By: Jessica ElliottBusiness Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
Verified Check With BorderEditor Reviewed:
Verified Check With Border
Editor Reviewed
Close
This guide was reviewed by a Business News Daily editor to ensure it provides comprehensive and accurate information to aid your buying decision.
Adam Uzialko
Business Strategy Insider and Senior Editor
Business News Daily earns compensation from some listed companies. Editorial Guidelines.

In today’s modern work world, driven by remote setups and hybrid schedules, employers need innovative tools to monitor employee time and attendance. Whether team members are in the office, working from home or spending the work day in a coffee shop, businesses want to know where their workers are and even what they’re working on. Fortunately, digitally advanced time and attendance software can track employees’ locations, schedules and productivity. The very best systems, such as When I Work and TimeClock Plus, also integrate with payroll services, help with labor law compliance and leverage artificial intelligence for automated workflows — all of which make timekeeping easier than ever. After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’re breaking down the top time and attendance software solutions we recommend.

Sponsored Partners
When I Work
Best for Restaurants and Retail
When I Work company logo
Visit Site
Links to When I Work
  • Starting price: $4 per user monthly
  • Cloud-hosted
  • Doesn’t sell time clock hardware
Buddy Punch
Best for Policy Compliance Management
Buddy Punch logo
Visit Site
Links to Buddy Punch
  • Starting price: $19 per month
  • Cloud-hosted
  • Doesn’t sell time clock hardware
BambooHR Time and Attendance
Best for Ease of Use
BambooHR company logo
Visit Site
Links to BambooHR Time and Attendance
  • Base price: Custom quote
  • Cloud-hosted
  • Doesn’t sell time clock hardware
Connecteam
Best for Communication
Connecteam logo
  • Starting price: $0
  • Cloud-hosted
  • Doesn’t sell time clock hardware
Hubstaff
Best for Remote and Hybrid Teams
Hubstaff company logo
  • Starting price: $4.99 per user monthly
  • Cloud-hosted
  • Doesn’t sell time clock hardware
Table Of Contents Icon

Table of Contents

Open row

At Business News Daily, we’ve spent years researching and testing the HR software and services that entrepreneurs need to manage their teams effectively. Our team of small business HR specialists conducts independent evaluations of the best HR service providers to determine which best support internal operations. We also regularly consult with HR experts, including recruiters, hiring managers, compliance officers and HR consultants, to stay on top of the latest HR trends impacting small businesses. And every review we publish is evaluated by our editorial staff to ensure objectivity, accuracy and fairness are at the core of our decision-making. Learn more about our editorial guidelines.

How We Decided

To create our list of the best time and attendance systems, our team of small business HR experts conducted dozens of hours of research, including live demonstrations, firsthand testing and gathering of customer reviews. We asked company representatives questions about pricing and plans, installation and setup, and the core features of their platforms. Then we tested the software ourselves, taking note...

Read MoreRead More

To create our list of the best time and attendance systems, our team of small business HR experts conducted dozens of hours of research, including live demonstrations, firsthand testing and gathering of customer reviews. We asked company representatives questions about pricing and plans, installation and setup, and the core features of their platforms. Then we tested the software ourselves, taking note of the overall user experience, the effectiveness of each feature and the comprehensiveness of reports. We also considered how a small business owner and their employees would use each system on a day-to-day basis and gathered customer feedback to see how real-life users felt about the platforms.

20

considered

16

reviewed

6

selected

To create our list of the best time and attendance systems, our team of small business HR experts conducted dozens of hours of research, including live demonstrations, firsthand testing and gathering of customer reviews. We asked company representatives questions about pricing and plans, installation and setup, and the core features of their platforms. Then we tested the software ourselves, taking note of the overall user experience, the effectiveness of each feature and the comprehensiveness of reports. We also considered how a small business owner and their employees would use each system on a day-to-day basis and gathered customer feedback to see how real-life users felt about the platforms.

20

considered

16

reviewed

6

selected

Compare Our Best Picks

BND Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
When I Work
Buddy Punch
BambooHR Time and Attendance
Connecteam
Hubstaff
TimeClock Plus
UKG
Rating9.6/108.4/100.0/109.3/107.9/109.4/109.2/10
Best use case

Restaurants and retail

Policy compliance management

Ease of Use

Communication

Remote and hybrid teams

Scaling businesses

Automation

Free trial

14 days

14 days

7 days

14 days

14 days

None

None

Starting monthly price

$3 per user per month

$19 per month, plus $3.99 per user

Custom quote

$0

$4.99 per user per month

Custom quote

Custom quote

Hosting method

Cloud

Cloud

Cloud

Cloud

Cloud

Cloud or on-premise

Cloud

Employee scheduling

Shift-based

Shift-based or on-demand

Limited

Customizable

Customizable

Customizable

Customizable

Mobile app

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

iOS and Android

Customer service

Chat, help ticket

Chat, email

Phone, chat, email

Email, online form

Chat, email

Phone, email, chat, help ticket

Phone, chat

Hardware for purchase

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Geotechnology

GPS

Geofence, GPS

GPS

Geofence, GPS

Geofence, GPS

Geofence, GPS

Geofence, GPS

Review Link
Scroll Table

Our Reviews

When I Work company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.6/10
Visit Site
Links to When I Work

When I Work is the best time and attendance solution for shift-based workplaces like restaurants, cafes and retail stores because it offers several scheduling features, including an auto-scheduler that leverages artificial intelligence. We especially liked how this tool auto-assigns worker shifts based on several data points, like preferred shifts and maximum available hours. Managers can build schedules on mobile or desktop devices and send them to employees, while workers can use their smartphones to request time off and swap or pick up shifts, a feature we found particularly useful for retail businesses and restaurants with dynamic staffing needs.

When I Work scheduling

When I Work’s scheduling tools make it easy to switch shifts among your staff. (Source: When I Work)

PackageFeaturesPricing
Essentials (Time & Attendance with Standard Scheduling)Unlimited users, three administrators, team messaging, time-off management, workplace dashboard, push notifications, schedule builder, schedule templates, labor planning, shift swapping, multiple clock-in methods, break management, overtime alerts, GPS enforcement, POS and payroll integrations$3 per user per monthly
Pro (Time & Attendance with Advanced Scheduling)Everything in the Pro package, plus advanced scheduling rules, custom shift reports, labor sharing, absence tracking$5 per user per monthly
Premium (Time & Attendance with Advanced Scheduling and Scalability & Customization)Everything in the Premium package, plus single sign-on, global user privacy, webhooks, API access$7 per user per monthly

  • When I Work’s drag-and-drop shift scheduling tools work well on both mobile and desktop devices.
  • The photo recognition time clocks prevent buddy punching.
  • The software integrates with Square POS and several payroll services.
  • You cannot access customer service by phone.
  • There are no tools for tracking productivity.
  • When I Work doesn't doesn't sell timekeeping hardware.

TrustRadius Score: When I Work has a trScore of 9.1 out of 10 based on dozens of ratings. “Every aspect works well for my company. My managers love the auto-fill option for the scheduling. Comes in very handy when you are scheduling over 150 employees. The reports even on the cheaper option are very useful for me to follow-up with employee call-outs, no-shows, etc. Even though they do not connect to my payroll system the payroll report is easy to use to transfer information,” says one user.

Buddy Punch logo
Editor's Rating: 8.4/10
Visit Site
Links to Buddy Punch

Buddy Punch is our top choice for companies wanting time and attendance software that reflects internal policies while helping them comply with employment and labor laws. It gives businesses more control and visibility over employee timesheets, breaks, overtime and PTO. Buddy Punch supports more than a dozen overtime types, including custom rules. Likewise, administrators can personalize PTO accrual features to match PTO policies. Plus, automatic, trigger-based breaks and clock-outs help ensure labor law compliance.

Buddy Punch time tracking

With Buddy Punch, you can ensure you’re tracking employee overtime in accordance with state laws. (Source: Buddy Punch)

PackageFeaturesPricing
StandardUnlimited administrators, punch clock, time-off tracking, job and location tracking, automatic overtime calculations, on-demand reporting, alerts and reminders, GPS coordinates and geofencing, accounting and payroll integrations, Zapier access, single sign-on$19 monthly, plus $3.99 per user monthly
ProEverything in the Standard package, plus schedule builder, schedule notes, shift trades, schedule templates, mobile scheduling, punch limiting based on scheduled shifts, early/late/absent reporting$19 monthly, plus $4.99 per user monthly
PremiumEverything in the Pro package, plus advanced GPS tracking, GPS activity reporting, real-time location dashboard$19 monthly, plus $6.99 per user monthly
EnterpriseEverything in the Premium package, plus API access and dedicated enterprise supportCustom pricing

  • Administrators can adjust the timekeeping tools to reflect corporate time reporting, tracking and leave policies.
  • There are 14 different punch reminders and overtime alerts.
  • Control features let employers limit punch in and out by the time of day, location, device or IP address locking.
  • Buddy Punch requires a monthly subscription plus per-user fees.
  • The drag-and-drop schedule builder is only accessible on the Pro, Premium and Enterprise plans.
  • Customer service options are limited to chat and email.

TrustRadius Score: After nearly 50 ratings, Buddy Punch has a trScore of 7.0 out of 10. One of the user reviews states, “It’s the easiest app to use to login on to punch in and punch out for your job. You can track all your hours and time off hours. You can adjust the hours you need [in case] you make a mistake or forgot and then your supervisor [will] only have to approve it. You can take a picture to prove [you’re] at work and sign in with so many features like face recognition or password or passcode with symbols.”

BambooHR company logo
Editor's Rating: 0/10
Visit Site
Links to BambooHR Time and Attendance

BambooHR is our preferred time and attendance software for businesses prioritizing usability because its fully featured platform eliminates the need for multiple HR-related applications. Through this one straightforward and easy-to-use platform, HR leaders, company managers and employees can access all the tools they need not just for time tracking but also for new-hire onboarding, benefits administration, payroll processing and performance management. The administrative dashboard provides a helpful look at your workforce status at any given time, including which employees are on PTO. While the software is intuitive, it’s reassuring to know phone support is included in all plans should you need assistance or have a question.

BambooHR assigned hours

BambooHR makes it easy for employees to assign hours worked to specific projects and tasks. In turn, managers can see exactly how staffers’ time is spent and which initiatives are taking longer than others. (Source: BambooHR) 

PackageFeaturesPricing
CoreApplicant tracking system, job board integrations, onboarding, benefits tracking, custom reporting, time-off calendar, mobile app, access to APIMust contact vendor for pricing.
ProEverything in the Pro package, plus performance management features, employee experience and rewards tools, employee community, satisfaction gauge with eNPSMust contact vendor for pricing.
Time-Tracking (Add-On Solution)Desktop and mobile web-based time clocks, editable timesheets, automated workflows, automated overtime calculator, project tracking, billable hoursMust contact vendor for pricing.

  • Employees can assign their hours worked to specific tasks, giving companies insight into the labor demands for different projects.
  • BambooHR has its own marketplace with access to more than 100 integrations.
  • Implementation can be completed in as few as four weeks.
  • You must subscribe to one of BambooHR's foundational HR software plans in order to purchase its time and attendance tools.
  • You have to contact a sales representative for a price quote.
  • The lack of scheduling tools will limit the service's appeal for some types of businesses.

TrustRadius Score: BambooHR has a trScore of 8.3 out of 10 based on more than 400 ratings. One user shares, “We use BambooHR for all HR and Payroll facets now. We use the ATS system, the HR Management and just recently added Payroll, Time Tracking and Benefits. We love the ease of use and the way the system flows into each module. Payroll has made a huge difference in our process, and we enjoy it.”

Connecteam logo
Editor's Rating: 9.3/10

Connecteam offers businesses stellar communication tools that not only make it easier to track time and attendance but also enhance your overall company culture.  The no-cost Small Business Plan gives organizations with 10 or fewer employees full access to the vendor’s Operations hub for timekeeping, Communications hub for internal communication and HR & Skills hub for employee engagement. We love that managers, employees and co-workers can all chat with one another (much like Slack), see business updates, look up colleagues in the company directory, participate in surveys and access an organizational knowledge base.

Connecteam custom manages

Connecteam allows you to customize messages, from the font and imagery to the color scheme, as you send updates to your team through its software. (Source: Connecteam)

PackageFeaturesPricing
Small BusinessUnlimited, full access to the Operations, Communications and HR & Skills hubsFree (up to 10 users)
Basic OperationsOne time clock, unlimited custom jobs, exportable timesheet, GPS geolocation stamps, payroll integration, employee scheduling, employee task management$29 monthly for the first 30 users
Advanced OperationsEverything in the Basic Operations package, plus up to three time clocks, kiosk-only clocks-in, geofencing, schedule templates, Zapier integrations, team chat$49 monthly for the first 30 users
Expert OperationsEverything in the Advanced Operations package, plus up to six time clocks, GPS location tracking, limits on clock in/clock out, automated reports$99 monthly for the first 30 users

  • Small Business subscribers can access advanced communications and engagement features in addition to timekeeping tools.
  • The lowest-tier standalone time and attendance plan, Basic Operations, allows unlimited custom job tracking.
  • Employees can claim open shifts and managers can monitor shift status.
  • Only the Small Business plan includes full access to all hubs; the Basic, Advanced and Expert Operations plans include limited access to the Communications and HR & Skills hubs.
  • If you opt for one of the paid plans, you'll pay more per employee if you have fewer than 30 users.
  • The Basic Operations plan does not include Zapier integrations.

TrustRadius Score: Connecteam has a trScore of 8.4 out of 10, however, this rating is based on fewer than 10 reviews. One testimonial states, “I have actually recommended this platform 3 times to fellow contractors and one farmer within the last month. It is easy to set up and intuitive for employees. Our team begged us to keep in after our initial trial and requested we never return to paper time cards. Once you approve time cards it is so easy to run your payroll report and do payroll.”

Hubstaff company logo
Editor's Rating: 7.9/10

Hubstaff’s cloud-based time and attendance software is a simple, straightforward solution for businesses with remote and hybrid teams. Employees need only log on via their desktop computer or the company’s mobile app in order to clock in and out. Thanks to GPS and geofencing tools, employers always know where their workers are and can even monitor their productivity. Detailed timesheets spell out how employees are spending their time regardless of whether they’re in the office or working from home, and automated payroll makes it easy to compensate your team for hours worked.

Hubstaff activity reporting

Hubstaff’s time & activity report details how much time employees spend on a given project. (Source: Hubstaff)

PackageFeaturesPricing
StarterTime tracking, timesheets, activity levels, limited screenshots, limited app & URL tracking, limited reports, limited payments, clients and invoices, two-day email support$4.99 per user monthly
GrowEverything in the Starter plan, plus tasks, reports, one integration, idle timeout, project budgets, work breaks, expenses, one-day email support$7.50 per user monthly
TeamEverything in the Grow plan, plus insights, unlimited screenshots and app & URL tracking, teams, payments and payroll, unlimited integrations, time off and holidays, scheduling and attendance, timesheet approvals, chat support, one-day email support$10 per user monthly
EnterpriseEverything in the Team plan, plus locations, corporate app, debit ACH payments, high limits on public API, HIPAA compliance, SOC-2 Type II compliance, single sign-on, concierge setup, assigned account rep, two-hour email support$25 per user monthly

  • Automatically clock workers in and out based on location via geofencing.
  • Activity rates and reports enable employers to monitor productivity from afar.
  • Timesheets can be used to generate custom invoices for billing clients.
  • There is a two-seat minimum, meaning you must sign up for at least two users.
  • Biometric time clocks aren't an option for in-office employees.
  • Hubstaff doesn't provide phone support.

TrustRadius Score: Hubstaff has a trScore of 7.4 out of 10. “We tried Hubstaff and were amazed as to how well it solved our issues regarding legitimate working hours, with screenshots and very specific productivity tracking,” one user said in their review.

tcp company logo
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10

TimeClock Plus is the top time and attendance platform for companies that want a scalable solution. It’s geared toward midsize and large organizations, but smaller businesses can start with basic time-tracking features and expand their feature set as they scale operations. The basic modules include time and attendance, employee and job code management, and overtime calculations. Advanced tools like the auto-scheduler optimize and automate processes based on custom variables. As a complete workforce management suite, TimeClock Plus can scale to handle everything from compliance and audits to advanced leave and absence policies.

TimeClock plus on a desktop, tablet, and mobile device

TimeClock Plus provides desktop and mobile software along with time clocks that, depending on the device, can use ID numbers, badges or biometrics for clock-ins. (Source: TimeClock Plus)

PackageFeaturesPricing
EssentialsCustom dashboard, time and attendance tracking, job codes, employee management, basic reportsMust contact vendor for pricing.
ProfessionalEverything in the Essentials package, plus PTO and leave management, employee scheduling tools, payroll exportsMust contact vendor for pricing.
EnterpriseEverything in the Professional package, plus advanced leave and overtime rules, job costing, multiple languages, mobile apps, 24/7 supportMust contact vendor for pricing.

  • TimeClock Plus offers several add-ons, so companies only pay for needed features.
  • The software integrates with hundreds of enterprise, payroll and workforce management tools.
  • This is one of the few platforms that supports shift differentials and demand-driven scheduling while allowing employees to drop, swap and offer shifts from mobile or desktop devices.
  • TimeClock Plus doesn't provide a free trial or disclose pricing online.
  • Only the Enterprise plan includes the TCP mobile app without an add-on fee.
  • There's a learning curve for both administrators and users, as this isn't the most intuitive solution.

TrustRadius Score: With less than 20 ratings, TimeClock Plus has a trScore of 7.9 out of 10. Says one of the users, “Our organization uses TimeClock Plus and I find it to be user-friendly as an employee and as a user of the portal. It allows me the accessibility to track my hours for our finance team. It is effortless to log your hours from when you clock in to work to when you log out on a day-to-day basis. I log what the hours are used for, whether it be for paid time off, volunteerism, holiday, etc. I truly believe this portal allows our finance team to stay compliant, especially during our bi-weekly pay periods.”

UKG logo
Editor's Rating: 9.2/10

UKG is the best time and attendance solution for businesses looking to ease their timekeeping burden with automated workflows and advanced technology. With the UKG Ready platform, employers can automate time tracking, set up automatic notifications, establish rules and policies for automatic enforcement and automate time-off approvals. In addition, UKG makes it simple to collect and analyze workforce data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions that further drive efficiencies. We were also pleasantly surprised to see a somewhat unique feature: peer-to-peer time-off donations, allowing employees to grant co-workers some of their PTO allotment.

UKG In Touch DX

The UKG InTouch DX time clock can be integrated with UKG TouchFree ID software for clock-ins using facial recognition. (Source: UKG)

PackageFeaturesPricing
Must contact vendor for package options.Time clock hardware plus web/mobile and phone clock-in options, timesheet management, absence tracking, pay calculation engine, geofencing, schedule creation, real-time reports, drag-and-drop custom workflowsMust contact vendor for pricing.

  • Automated timecard approvals free managers to spend that effort on other company needs.
  • The automated absence tracking provides insights into absenteeism trends.
  • Businesses can use UKG's native pay tools for streamlined payroll processing.
  • UKG doesn't provide pricing information or plan breakdowns on its website.
  • There is a lengthy implementation process that takes nearly 100 days.
  • There is no free trial and businesses can only access demo videos if they provide their email address.

TrustRadius Score: Across hundreds of ratings, UKG has earned a trScore of 8.1 out of 10. “Processing timesheets and processing payroll is really easy to navigate using the checklists it makes you go through. I cannot miss anything using the checklist process. It’s very streamlined and user-friendly,” reads one testimonial.

Cost of Time and Attendance Software

Expect to pay more for more technologically advanced time clocks, like this one from TimeClock Plus that uses thermal scanning to take employees’ temperatures. (Source: TimeClock Plus)

There are two standard pricing models for time and attendance software: cloud subscriptions and on-premise licenses. You typically pay a monthly fee for cloud-hosted subscription services based on your number of employees (or users). On-premise systems must be downloaded and stored on an office computer and generally have a one-time licensing fee.

Cloud-hosted time and attendance software costs usually range from $2 to $10 per month for each employee. Some providers like Buddy Punch also have a monthly base fee. Add-on charges may include fees for installation or setup. Support fees are commonly included in your monthly subscription price.

If you choose a timekeeping system like Time Doctor that you download to a computer and host on your IT network, pricing traditionally ranges from $100 to $400 per license. You’ll also have to purchase computers and, in some cases, a physical time clock. In general, you’ll also have to pay an annual fee if you need technical support after your installation period ends.

Key TakeawayKey takeaway
Cloud-hosted time and attendance systems typically cost $2 to $10 per employee per month, while on-premise systems cost $100 to $400 per license. Both options may incur additional expenses depending on your needs.

Choosing Time and Attendance Software

Ensure the time and attendance platform you choose benefits your small business by reviewing your options and understanding your costs. You should be able to calculate your ROI and determine how quickly you can recover your expenses. It is also critical to get your employees behind software or workflow changes by involving them in the selection process.

Here are the steps to take when choosing a time and attendance system:

1. Considering Your Current and Upcoming Needs

Identify the problems that you want time and attendance software to solve. Speak with department managers and influential employees, including people without a title that other workers look to for advice or assistance. Gather information about various data points, such as time theft occurrences and time spent collecting or fixing timecards. If you collect team feedback or suggestions, look for employee requests related to time and attendance, like a desire for transparent PTO accruals or on-demand pay.

2. Building a List of Top-Rated Platforms

Create a spreadsheet to house your time and attendance software research. Include provider contact details, links to information and itemized pricing. Add columns for must-have features or tools and group others into a catch-all box. Remember to share this information with other decision-makers and encourage them to leave comments within the document.

Here’s how to look into various services:

  • Read software and mobile app reviews from customers.
  • Check out software roundups from industry experts.
  • Get pricing estimates for monthly and annual costs.
  • Review the terms of service for hidden fees or expenses.
  • Consider labor and training costs associated with the product implementation.

3. Taking Services for a Test Drive

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on pricing and features, set aside time to use the products. Many time and attendance tools offer a free trial or free version. Others have video demos. Check YouTube to see if other business owners or software reviewers have software walk-throughs.

Go back to your problem list and use the software to solve them. Log into the system on multiple devices and test different roles (administrator, manager and employee) to see how the user experience and functionality change.

Time and Attendance Features

Buddy Punch time card data

Employees using Buddy Punch can clock in via their mobile device and then the time card data is set to a managerial dashboard for timesheet approval. (Source: Buddy Punch)

Time and attendance systems replace outdated wall-mounted time clocks, paper time sheets and confusing spreadsheets. They provide an easy, accurate way for employees to clock in and out. In addition, most time and attendance software solutions offer configurable timesheet reports that you can export to your payroll system and have helpful features such as workflow automation, time-of management, team communications and reminders.

Here is a rundown of the top features we like to see in high-quality time and attendance software.

  • Time reporting: Modern timekeeping systems can interface with existing time clocks, or you can let employees clock in and out through a web browser or mobile app. Some platforms allow workers to clock in and out by phone or even via Apple Watch, social media, text message or Slack. Most let you set up rules for when employees can clock in and out and automatically calculate overtime. Some simplify time tracking for teams that always work the same hours.
  • Biometrics: To prevent buddy punching, in which someone clocks in on behalf of their colleague, your time and attendance software can require workers to use their fingerprint or scan their face when they clock in or out. This method confirms individuals clocking in are who they say they are. [Learn about biometric time clock laws.]
  • GPS tracking: In addition to letting employees clock in and out from their mobile devices, many time and attendance apps include geotechnology. For example, geofencing lets you set specific coordinates from which your employees can punch in and out, ensuring each person is at the correct job site when they sign in. Another option is geolocation, which can either periodically record an employee’s GPS coordinates or capture them at the time they punch in or out. You can review those coordinates to ensure the worker was where they were supposed to be. [Read related article: What is Geofencing?]
  • Employee scheduling: Many time and attendance systems have built-in scheduling tools. You can create employee schedules for workdays, hours, appointments and shifts. Many also include drag-and-drop functions and attendance templates that you can reuse weekly.
  • PTO policy management: Most time and attendance services log employee accruals for sick leave, vacation time and other types of paid and unpaid time off, like FMLA, jury duty and bereavement. Many also let team members request time off directly within the software; managers can approve or deny those requests via their dashboard.
  • Calendars: Some time and attendance software comes with calendar functions that allow users to visualize their daily tasks and locations. You may be able to sync your system with third-party calendars, like Outlook or Google Calendar, to keep all your meetings, projects and jobs aligned on one platform.
  • Messaging: Many solutions come with messaging features through which employees and managers can communicate directly within the platform. These tools give your team an easy way to stay in touch on important topics regarding time and attendance.
  • Job and project tracking: Some systems record time spent on a specific project or task. This is a valuable function for businesses that bill clients based on project hours.
  • Alerts: Time and attendance software can notify you when your staff members have clocked in or out for the day or if they forget to do so. They can also remind employees to clock out and let you know when an employee nears their maximum daily or weekly hours.
  • Labor reports: Most systems can generate reports detailing workers’ hours, wages and schedules, and some offer advanced analytics like labor costing.
  • Integrations: Ideally, your time and attendance solution integrates with a top payroll service via CSV or a software interface. These integrations save time when you run payroll by ensuring that overtime calculations and time-off deductions match your timekeeping data. Some vendors like Paychex even offer payroll processing as a service within their platforms so you can double up on your HR functions in one system.
  • Invoicing: While this is less common, a few time and attendance systems allow you to issue invoices. After the software tracks how much time your employees spend on a project, they can combine that with your hourly rates to automatically send accurate invoices to your clients.
  • Dashboards: Some systems include a digital dashboard that gives supervisors an overview of which employees are punched in and out and other critical information, while most feature a self-service dashboard for workers to manage their time and attendance data from a web browser or mobile device.
  • Configurations: The best time and attendance systems enable you to set up your own scheduling rules, swap shifts, round up time and enforce meal breaks.
TipTip
Identify your must-have features before comparing time and attendance systems. Some companies sell bundled packages, whereas others offer different functions on an a la carte basis. Choose the system with the tools you want at a price point you can afford.

Benefits of Time and Attendance Systems

One of the ways software like When I Work helps supervisors save time is by enabling them to manage employee time off while on the go themselves, thanks to feature-packed mobile apps. (Source: When I Work)

A timekeeping system will save your business money if set up and used correctly. When you use modern time and attendance software, employees can no longer round up their hours or punch in for their friends; instead, the software documents their work hours with tools that prevent time fraud.

Here are some other benefits of using time and attendance software.

1. Ensures Accuracy and Compliance

A digital time and attendance system eliminates manual recordkeeping, which reduces errors. In addition, you can more easily demonstrate your business’s compliance with overtime tracking rules and other labor and employment laws thanks to features that help you follow local, state and federal regulations.

2. Saves Your HR Staff Time

Top-rated time and attendance software like BambooHR saves your managers and HR staff time they would have otherwise spent tallying employees’ work hours and transferring the information to a payroll software program. With other features that streamline operations, these solutions free your human resources team and supervisors to focus on other business tasks.

Did You Know?Did you know
Adding up each employee’s timecard can take up to six or seven minutes per card. Time and attendance software will do the calculators for you.

3. Gives Your Employees Scheduling and Attendance Insights

Time and attendance platforms benefit employees who can see their work schedules in advance; they’ll know exactly when they’re supposed to work and can rest assured they’re being paid for time logged. Most time and attendance tools are easy to use, allowing employees to clock in using their computer or mobile device. These systems also show staffers their total hours worked, weekly schedules, time-off accruals and PTO requests so they’re always in the know.

How to Choose Time and Attendance Software

When evaluating time and attendance software, look for user-friendly self-service features like intuitive employee dashboards. This one from BambooHR allows workers to submit their hours and time-off requests on the same screen. (Source: BambooHR)

When purchasing time and attendance software, ensure the platform you choose benefits your small business by reviewing your plan options and understanding your costs. You should be able to calculate your ROI and determine how quickly you can recover your expenses. It is also critical to get your employees behind software or workflow changes by involving them in the selection process.

Here are the steps to take when choosing a time and attendance system.

1. Consider Your Current and Upcoming Needs

Identify the problems you want time and attendance software to solve. Speak with department managers and influential employees, including people without a title that other workers look to for advice or assistance. Gather information about various data points, such as time theft occurrences and time spent collecting or fixing timecards. If you collect team feedback or suggestions, look for employee requests related to time and attendance services, like a desire for transparent PTO accruals or on-demand pay.

Ultimately, you want to identify the problems you want your new time and attendance software to solve.

2. Build a List of Top-Rated Platforms

Create a spreadsheet to house your research for each time and attendance system you’re considering. Include contact details for vendor, links to information about the software and itemized pricing. Add columns for must-have features or tools and group others into a catch-all box. Share this information with other decision-makers and encourage them to leave comments within the document.

Here’s how to look into various services as you compare products.

  • Read software and mobile app reviews from customers.
  • Check out software roundups from industry experts.
  • Get pricing estimates for monthly and annual costs.
  • Review the terms of service for hidden fees or expenses.
  • Consider labor and training costs associated with the product implementation.

Use the information you collect to identify your top solutions.

3. Take Services for a Test Drive

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on pricing and features, set aside time to test the products. Many time and attendance providers offer a free trial or free version you can try. Others have video demos that showcase the platform. Check YouTube to see if other business owners or software reviewers have software walk-throughs.

Go back to your problem list from step one and use the software you’re testing to try to solve them. Log into the system on multiple devices and test different roles (administrator, manager and employee) to see how the user experience and functionality change.

With usability in mind, you can now make your final buying decision. Choose the software that performs best for your company’s needs without breaking your budget.

Alternative Time and Attendance Software to Consider

If our six top picks for time and attendance software above aren’t quite what you’re looking for, compare and contrast these additional options. As our investigations demonstrated, there’s plenty to like in each of them no matter your timekeeping needs.

Clockify

Although Clockify doesn’t include tools for shift planning and won’t integrate with third-party payroll services, we still found it to be a suitable solution for businesses with hybrid teams. With both free and paid plans, your in-office team members can clock in via an on-premise kiosk, while remote workers can use virtual options via their phone, tablet or desktop computer. In-app messaging keeps both groups of staffers in touch. Learn more in our full Clockify review.

Rippling

Rippling’s time and attendance module makes timekeeping extremely efficient. Users can customize dashboards, time-tracking rules and workflows to speed up time and attendance processes for managers and employees alike. With an intuitive cloud-based platform and self-service mobile app, it takes mere minutes to request and approve time off, set up meal break notifications and sync worked hours for payroll processing. Note, however, that this module is only available as an add-on to Rippling Unity, its employee management platform. Find out more in our detailed review of Rippling.

Time Doctor

We love the way Time Doctor goes above and beyond typical time and attendance services to also assist with employee productivity. The platform’s tools for tracking and optimizing user activity can help businesses refine their workflows, identify distractions and even improve work-life balance. The productivity dashboard, employee monitoring functions and behavior reports are great resources for employers interested in more than just when team members clock in and out. See an overview of these features in our Time Doctor review.

QuickBooks Time

For managers and staff on the go, QuickBooks Time is a mobile time and attendance solution that lets users clock in and out via a variety of methods while accessing numerous time management tools from a mobile app. This flexibility is a huge asset for businesses with distributed teams, field workers and hybrid arrangements. Companies with mobile workforces will also like the GPS and mileage trackers. Plus, if you’re already familiar with other QuickBooks products, the learning curve is likely to be minimal. See the plan options and pricing in our QuickBooks Time review.

OnTheClock

The best part of OnTheClock is its affordability. If you have two or fewer employees, this time and attendance software solution is free. As your staff grows, you’ll pay just a couple dollars per employee each month. Not to mention, advanced features like fingerprint clock-ins will only set you back 50 cents per person monthly. Such tools are great for preventing time theft. We also like that the system facilitates team communication with in-app messaging and a function for company announcements, similar to Connecteam.

Paychex

The Paychex Flex platform is ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution encompassing timekeeping tools, HR services, payroll processing, benefits administration and more. While the vendor isn’t upfront about its pricing, we found this to be a robust system with biometric time clocks, schedule templates and valuable analytics. Keep in mind, however, that Paychex doesn’t offer a free trial. Our comprehensive Paychex Flex review shares our experience with the software.

PurelyHR

Putting aside our disappointment that PurelyHR doesn’t offer a mobile app, we love how customizable its system is. You begin with the required employee portal and build upon the platform with only the components you want, such as timesheets and time-off management. This level of customization even extends to incorporating your business logo and branding for a visual display that fits right in with your company and can even take employees to your website.

Justworks

Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that can handle all of your human resources needs, including timekeeping. The vendor’s time-tracking software helps you stay compliant with labor laws and manage your personnel budget. We also love that employees can clock in and out using Slack — an integration we didn’t see in most competitors. If you’d like, hours worked can automatically sync with the platform’s payroll module for a streamlined, user-friendly process. [See all our recommendations for the best PEO service providers.]

Methodology

At Business News Daily, our team of small business HR experts has been researching and testing time and attendance software for years, comparing some of the leading solutions across more than 30 key metrics. We considered 20 time and attendance services to start and closely reviewed and tested 16 of them before selecting our six best picks above.

Below are the factors we examined when deciding our top recommendations. Each is weighted according to how much the criteria typically influences business owners’ buying decisions.

  • Pricing (30%): To determine which vendor provides the most value per dollar, we analyzed not just the base costs of the hardware and software used in each time and attendance system but also the pricing plans available, whether rates were based on the number of employees or number of locations, and if timekeeping and scheduling tools could be purchased separately or only as part of an HR software package.
  • Features (25%): In particular, we evaluated the variety of clock-in options and tested each system’s time-tracking abilities, scheduling tools, overtime management, PTO management and reporting functionality. We also looked at the integrations available for connecting each program to other popular business software, such as payroll services.
  • Usability (20%): We paid close attention to the ease with which the hardware and software could be set up, how intuitive we found the platform’s navigation and use of key features, and the training and informational resources available to new users. We also investigated the types of time clocks that could be used and if the software had a responsive mobile app or mobile browser for remote clock-ins.
  • Customer Support (15%): We examined the different ways customers could contact the vendor’s customer service team if in need of help. We also reviewed customer feedback to assess how well each company’s customer support representatives meet the needs of existing customers.
  • Expert Insight (10%): Our product reviews are conducted by HR software and industry experts who are deeply familiar with time and attendance services. Given their institutional knowledge of different solutions and firsthand experiences using these programs, we took their personal judgment into account when choosing our best picks.

In addition to evaluating each time and attendance software based on these criteria, we also determined the best use-case scenarios for each. No two businesses are exactly alike, so we put ourselves in the shoes of different types of small business owners to identify the best time and attendance solutions for a variety of needs.

To learn more about how we review and test sales technology products and services for small businesses, read about our editorial process

Time and Attendance FAQs

You may need new time and attendance software if you’re using outdated processes that waste time and money. Businesses that spend hours collecting, verifying and correcting timecards and time sheets should consider digitizing their workflows. If you’re still relying on paper time sheets or a traditional punch clock, consider the advantages of using modern time and attendance software. Your company is likely to benefit from error reductions, payroll integrations, electronic schedules, PTO management and more.

First off, it reduces the chances of time-related errors in your payroll. Most of these systems integrate with payroll by uploading the time sheet data into your payroll program. No one has to manually calculate time punches and re enter them into the payroll software — a process that’s more likely to result in errors.

Time and attendance systems allow businesses to create electronic schedules, manage PTO, and store employees’ schedules, work hours, break time, time off, overtime and paid hours in one place. That means you’ll no longer need to dig for data in paper files when an employee or your payroll provider has a question.

Time and attendance software can save you money by reducing time theft, increasing productivity and streamlining HR processes, resulting in significant savings. You may pay $2 to $10 per employee per month for timekeeping software, but your return on investment (ROI) can far outweigh the cost.

You should expect your time and attendance system to handle all your hourly and salaried employees’ time-tracking needs, including overtime. At the very least, your solution should offer multiple ways to clock in and out, gives remote workers the ability to punch in and out from wherever they are, and integrate with your payroll software to ensure staffers are paid correctly for all hours worked.

Other valuable features include the ability to generate employee schedules, manage time-off requests and approvals, log how long employees work on specific projects and monitor where your employees are clocking in and out each day.

An employee time clock works by recording when an employee has clocked in and clocked out. With traditional punch clocks, an employee inserts a paper timecard into the machine, which then records on the card what time the employee clocked in or out.

Digital time clocks (e.g., computers, kiosks and mobile devices) record the clock-in and clock-out times directly in the associated time and attendance software, using a secure method to avoid time theft. Instead of punching a card, these time clocks usually involve a login ID, PIN, swipe card or biometrics (such as fingerprint, photo or facial scan).

Employee time tracking integrates with payroll and HR by providing human resources teams with the timekeeping data they need to calculate employee pay and process payroll. The best time and attendance software facilitates this integration automatically instead of requiring manual work. This process saves time and reduces errors in transferring time and attendance data from one program to another.

It is important for employees to clock in and out at work to ensure there is a record of their hours worked and that employers are paying their team members for those hours in compliance with federal and state labor laws. Digital time and attendance systems have the added benefit of giving employers precise details on when employees are working and where.

If you partner with a professional employer organization and seek their assistance with timekeeping, time and attendance would be managed through their PEO platform. This system typically works the same as other time and attendance solutions but will also include features related to other HR services, such as benefits administration.

It is important to document employee time and attendance to ensure you are paying employees accurately for hours worked and in compliance with labor laws. This recordkeeping is also critical for verifying team members are working when and where they’re supposed to. In addition, a log of employees’ hours helps employers optimize their staffing levels so they are not under or overstaffed. This is especially important for service businesses like restaurants and retailers.

A reasonable attendance policy is one that balances business needs and legal obligations with the flexibility today’s workforce increasingly desires. When drafting your company’s attendance policy, consider your industry, company culture and the demands of the business.

For example, one employer may find it acceptable for an office worker to be 30 minutes late because their work schedule is flexible, but a manufacturer or retailer may not tolerate tardiness or an unauthorized absence because it may affect the business’s ability to function. Set rules according to your needs while still being attentive to employees’ own needs. Once you’ve created your company’s attendance policy, you should meet with your team to review it and ensure they understand what is expected of them.

What to Expect in 2024

In 2024, time and attendance software will be about more than just clocking in and out. These solutions will be designed to facilitate a work environment that’s flexible, data-driven and prioritizes both productivity and employee well-being. For example, popular workplace trends like hybrid and remote work will be seamlessly accommodated by cloud-based timekeeping systems that can track hours worked across multiple geographical boundaries and time zones.

As workforce diversification increases in 2024, we may see a push to cross-train staff to cover understaffed or unfilled shifts at one or more locations. Unlike traditional employment situations, this year will have teams of full- and part-time workers, on-demand freelancers and regular contractors. Time and attendance software will evolve to meet these needs by offering custom job codes and guest or temporary time clock access.

Additionally, as artificial intelligence (AI) makes its way into various aspects of business, we can expect time-tracking systems to increasingly integrate this revolutionary technology. Imagine software that learns employee work patterns and proactively suggests breaks or adjustments to optimize productivity. AI-powered algorithms can analyze timekeeping data to identify potential burnout or overtime risks, nudging employers towards a more human-centric approach.

Finally, sustainability will become a key differentiator. We’ll see systems that track not just time but also energy consumption and carbon footprint. This data can then be used to optimize workflows and promote eco-conscious practices within organizations.

Did you find this content helpful?
Verified CheckThank you for your feedback!
Jessica Elliott
Written By: Jessica ElliottBusiness Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
Jessica Elliott is an authority on business software and technology. She has spent nearly two decades offering guidance on the newest trends and tools across industries, including SaaS solutions, cloud computing, business phone systems and more. She regularly engages in hands-on examinations of various business applications to identify the most robust, user-friendly platforms on the market that are suited to companies of all sizes. At Business News Daily, Elliott primarily covers VoIP phone systems and time and attendance software. Elliott, who earned certifications from HubSpot, also has a wealth of experience in digital marketing, sales funnels and finance. Her expertise has appeared in USA Today, U.S. News & World Report and Investopedia.
Back to top
Desktop background imageMobile background image
In partnership with BDCBND presents the b. newsletter:

Building Better Businesses

Insights on business strategy and culture, right to your inbox.
Part of the business.com network.