Most employers realize the value of employee attendance tracking systems. However, not all tracking systems provide the same services or features. When employers and employees work together to make the most of the attendance system, both parties can reap significant benefits. The following points highlight how such a system provides benefits for all:
- Business leaders can identify attendance issues before they get out of hand. Attendance trackers do more than keep records of when employees request time off work. They can also show when employees arrive, when they take breaks, and when they leave for the day. It can show if certain employees are abusing the system by arriving a bit late, taking long lunches, or leaving earlier than they should. While a few minutes here and there is not a big issue, it adds up and can affect productivity as well as morale if it continues unchecked.
- Attendance trackers expedite payroll processes. Employees expect their employers to pay them in full and on time. Attendance trackers can help speed up this process, as HR does not have to hunt down information about attendance (either absences or overtime). The system collects and stores all of the relevant payroll data in one place.
- Improves employee morale. While employees may show chagrin regarding a new attendance tracking system, their opinion will likely do a 180 when HR responds promptly to their time off requests. While employees often plan vacations well in advance and can wait for approval without issue, not all requests have such a long shelf life. For example, if an employee’s child becomes ill, he or she will want a rapid response to their request. The system can improve workplace morale in another crucial way as well. Employees who are always late or leave early tank the morale of their coworkers who arrive on time and complete a full workday. It creates a sense of unfairness and can delay projects. The system can identify employees with attendance issues and allow managers to correct them.
- Employers can embrace telecommuting without fear. While today’s workforce desires flexible schedules and the ability to work from home, many employers worry that employees will not give their full focus to their job if they are not in the office. However, many attendance trackers come with or have the ability to add on a remote clocking feature. This provides accountability while allowing employees to work from home.
- Employee tracking systems reduce absenteeism. We touched on this point somewhat above, but addressing attendance issues such as arriving late or leaving early is different from full-blown absenteeism. Calling out of work for legitimate issues is normal, but when an employee begins to call out for unnecessary reasons, it becomes a problem. Without an attendance tracking system, it can be hard for employers to keep track of when employees called out and why. This can lead to overlooked absences or illegal disciplinary measures, such as if an employee called out for federally protected reasons (i.e. ADA, FMLA, etc.). However, with an attendance tracking system in place, employers can see which absences are reasonable and which they will need to address.
If your business is struggling with attendance problems or absenteeism, Actec can help. Our absence reporting system can help employers implement consistent leave administration and reduce absenteeism all while complying with federal and state laws regarding employee leave. To learn more, contact us today.