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

As an employer wondering how to monitor remote workers’ productivity, you must put yourself in your workers’ shoes. Consider the following situation.

You’re right on time. You turn on your work laptop and see a dozen client emails. Halfway through replying, an emergency task comes up. You get right onto it.

Before you know it, it’s noon, and you realize with dread you haven’t started your time-tracking app. Does your work count?

Everyone working from home has been in this spot at least once. Does your company have mechanisms in place to ensure your employees’ hard work (as well as slacking) doesn’t go unnoticed?

Keep reading to learn more about the essential strategies for monitoring your remote workers in a non-invasive yet effective way.

1. Introduce Clear Targets

Successful remote workforce management depends on clear and realistic objectives. This involves specifying each employee’s duties and deliverables.

Depending on the organization of the company, the management should also establish: 

  1. Timeframes

  1. Communication protocols

  1. Performance metrics

Managers need to make these expectations understandable for all teammates. By doing so, they will also foster an environment where remote workers are committed to achieving the team and individual goals. In other words, they will prevent misunderstandings when it comes to expectations for each role and promote a strong work ethic among remote employees.

2. Rely on Specialized Tools

Effective remote work management heavily relies on the right technologies. From time tracking and productivity analytics apps to project management software, there are numerous tools designed to facilitate remote work monitoring.

Managers need to choose technologies that not only align with organizational objectives but are also accessible and user-friendly for employees. To maximize the benefits of these tools, employers should also provide adequate training and support to employees.

Insightful is a good example of a productivity monitoring software that has won praise from numerous businesses. Besides offering a time tracking option, this software allows employers to track workers’ activities, screens, and working locations. Based on all this information, Insightful provides reliable and thorough productivity reports.

3. Maintain Consistent Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of remote team management. Striking the right balance between providing support and allowing independence is key.

Regular check-ins help managers stay updated on project progress and employee challenges, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

Employ a variety of communication methods like emails, phone calls, video conferences, and instant messaging. This way you’ll cater to different interaction needs, encouraging a collaborative team dynamic.

4. Give Constructive Feedback & Recognition

Feedback and recognition are vital for tracking and maintaining the productivity of your remote teams.

Constructive feedback helps employees understand their performance and areas for improvement. Make sure you set up regular feedback sessions and provide straightforward input.

Granting recognition to employees fosters a positive work environment. Make sure you reward the efforts and achievements of each employee to make employees feel valued and motivated to excel. Reinforcing the culture of appreciation and respect in this manner will naturally lead to a company-wide boost in performance.

5. Promote a Supportive Work Culture

Develop a supportive work culture that will benefit the employees and facilitate improved monitoring and productivity efforts. To do this, you need to:

  • Establish transparent remote work policies

  • Encourage team spirit and create opportunities for social interaction and bonding

  • Recognize and accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of remote workers

In short, build a company culture that emphasizes the importance of transparency, team spirit, and a sense of belonging.

Employees who work in this sort of environment, whether remotely or in the office, are more likely to be productive and engaged. They will nurture trustworthy relationships among themselves and with the company. These efforts will eventually lead to an adaptable and resilient remote team.

Conclusion

A successful monitoring of remote workers' productivity lies in balance.

Aim for clarity when laying out your expectations, rely on robust monitoring software, and provide continuous feedback. At the same time, cultivate a sense of community and effective communication practices.

Strive to meet organizational goals, but also support and empower your employees.

Create a thriving remote work environment where the employee is as valued as the project on which they are working. Only then will your monitoring efforts result in a highly productive, satisfied, and committed workforce.

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Remote Work Management

How to Monitor Remote Workers' Productivity & Boost Motivation

Written by
Vanja Savic Petrovic
Published on
April 3, 2024

As an employer wondering how to monitor remote workers’ productivity, you must put yourself in your workers’ shoes. Consider the following situation.

You’re right on time. You turn on your work laptop and see a dozen client emails. Halfway through replying, an emergency task comes up. You get right onto it.

Before you know it, it’s noon, and you realize with dread you haven’t started your time-tracking app. Does your work count?

Everyone working from home has been in this spot at least once. Does your company have mechanisms in place to ensure your employees’ hard work (as well as slacking) doesn’t go unnoticed?

Keep reading to learn more about the essential strategies for monitoring your remote workers in a non-invasive yet effective way.

1. Introduce Clear Targets

Successful remote workforce management depends on clear and realistic objectives. This involves specifying each employee’s duties and deliverables.

Depending on the organization of the company, the management should also establish: 

  1. Timeframes

  1. Communication protocols

  1. Performance metrics

Managers need to make these expectations understandable for all teammates. By doing so, they will also foster an environment where remote workers are committed to achieving the team and individual goals. In other words, they will prevent misunderstandings when it comes to expectations for each role and promote a strong work ethic among remote employees.

2. Rely on Specialized Tools

Effective remote work management heavily relies on the right technologies. From time tracking and productivity analytics apps to project management software, there are numerous tools designed to facilitate remote work monitoring.

Managers need to choose technologies that not only align with organizational objectives but are also accessible and user-friendly for employees. To maximize the benefits of these tools, employers should also provide adequate training and support to employees.

Insightful is a good example of a productivity monitoring software that has won praise from numerous businesses. Besides offering a time tracking option, this software allows employers to track workers’ activities, screens, and working locations. Based on all this information, Insightful provides reliable and thorough productivity reports.

3. Maintain Consistent Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of remote team management. Striking the right balance between providing support and allowing independence is key.

Regular check-ins help managers stay updated on project progress and employee challenges, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

Employ a variety of communication methods like emails, phone calls, video conferences, and instant messaging. This way you’ll cater to different interaction needs, encouraging a collaborative team dynamic.

4. Give Constructive Feedback & Recognition

Feedback and recognition are vital for tracking and maintaining the productivity of your remote teams.

Constructive feedback helps employees understand their performance and areas for improvement. Make sure you set up regular feedback sessions and provide straightforward input.

Granting recognition to employees fosters a positive work environment. Make sure you reward the efforts and achievements of each employee to make employees feel valued and motivated to excel. Reinforcing the culture of appreciation and respect in this manner will naturally lead to a company-wide boost in performance.

5. Promote a Supportive Work Culture

Develop a supportive work culture that will benefit the employees and facilitate improved monitoring and productivity efforts. To do this, you need to:

  • Establish transparent remote work policies

  • Encourage team spirit and create opportunities for social interaction and bonding

  • Recognize and accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of remote workers

In short, build a company culture that emphasizes the importance of transparency, team spirit, and a sense of belonging.

Employees who work in this sort of environment, whether remotely or in the office, are more likely to be productive and engaged. They will nurture trustworthy relationships among themselves and with the company. These efforts will eventually lead to an adaptable and resilient remote team.

Conclusion

A successful monitoring of remote workers' productivity lies in balance.

Aim for clarity when laying out your expectations, rely on robust monitoring software, and provide continuous feedback. At the same time, cultivate a sense of community and effective communication practices.

Strive to meet organizational goals, but also support and empower your employees.

Create a thriving remote work environment where the employee is as valued as the project on which they are working. Only then will your monitoring efforts result in a highly productive, satisfied, and committed workforce.