While you can set up an effective employee time clock, you can’t guarantee they'll remember to clock in every day. Having an efficient clock-in process is a critical issue for business owners because it influences labor costs. Here’s 10 tips designed to encourage workers to clock in and out.

10 Ways to Make Clocking In and Out Easier

This list is sure to help you assist your employees in the battle against the clock.

1. Make Sure Your Time Clock is Easy to Use

Discuss the punch process with employees and capture their feedback. Discover what's working, what's not, and what you can do to optimize the practice. If your software is slow or your process is hard to follow, employees are sure to avoid it or forget it.

2. Provide Remote Employees Clock-Punching Options

More companies are allowing employees to work from home or on the road, which can be a nightmare for HR teams. Digital time tracking offers employees the ability to clock in and out from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. When selecting tracking software, consider an option that offers a mobile app.

3. Create Incentive Programs for Clocking In

Are you looking for ways to motivate your team? Maybe it's time to consider creating incentive programs to get employees excited about managing timecards. A few options include: 

• Host a company-wide competition with monthly or quarterly rewards for perfect time sheets;
• Challenge teams to hold each other accountable for inaccuracies; and
• Honor new employees who precisely follow the time sheet process

Rewards can range from small celebrations, like catered breakfasts, to extra vacation time. While it's acceptable to offer rewards, it's unacceptable to make those rewards unachievable.

To learn more about how to incentivize employees, click here.

4. Develop a Disciplinary Process for Missed Punches

Clearly spell out what qualifies as a violation or time theft in your employee handbook. Define what happens if employees ignore the time clock. Most companies give warnings and place employees on probation for repeat violations and escalate to termination if the behavior continues.

5. Train Management to Remind Employees to Clock In and Out

If you’re the CEO, and you’re monitoring whether your employees are clocking in, it’s time to change that. Train your managers to talk to their employees about punching in and out. 

For new hires, make sure this is part of the onboarding process. That way, they’ll know exactly what to do and won't have any issues getting paid as they start the role.

6. Set Up Text Reminders for Employees

Work can get chaotic, but sometimes all people need to get back on track is a reminder. OnTheClock offers text alerts when employees clock in and out. If an employee misses a punch, managers will be alerted and may now speak to that worker about the incident.

7. Figure Out Why Employees Aren’t Remembering to Clock In or Out

Creating a better clock-in process shows you care about your team. Look for hurdles that may stop them. Maybe some employees have a late meeting that takes place out of the office. Instead of coming back to clock out, they go home. How can you make clocking out easier on them?

8. Set Up Clock-In Stations Around the Office

The old saying is true: out of sight, out of mind. There’s an easy way for you to solve that problem. Put clock-in stations where your employees are most likely to use them. Seeing the time clock by the door will remind employees to clock in and out. 

9. Describe the Benefits of Clocking In on Time

Your team members may not see accurate time tracking as something that makes an impact on them or the business. Take time to explain the benefits of clocking in. Once most team members understand how clocking in helps get them paid faster, they'll be more likely to remember to do it.

10. Communicate Across Company Channels

OnTheClock makes it easy for employees to clock in wherever they are. Your team members can use apps on their phones, clock in from their desks, or utilize tablets and fingerprint scanners conveniently placed by the door. This makes it easy for them to track time using the method that aligns with their work style and schedule.