NFIB

Working by the Clock
04/ 20/ 2004

by Jeffrey Moses

Many small-business owners debate whether to have employees fill out time sheets or, in an even stricter measure, to "punch the clock." Some companies decide not to require employees to do either, hoping to keep the workplace comfortable and the creative juices flowing. Other companies feel the need to keep an exact accounting of employee hours by requiring employees to punch a clock when starting and completing shifts, when going on break or when taking lunch. Within these extremes, there is a range for keeping track of employee hours and tasks completed. How employers handle this goes a long way to defining the work environment of the company.

It is a fact that when punching a clock, employees generally feel they are closely monitored and distinctly separated from owners and managers. Many employers may not want to create this inevitable division between themselves and their employees. Some businesses thrive on stimulating a flow of creativity among employees and having employees feel like vital members of the company team. A flexible workplace is usually more conducive to this level of creativity and innovation. Often workers in this situation put in hours as needed, working into the evenings and on weekends when a job demands. This category often includes salaried executives, managers and specialized employees who receive the same amount of pay each week no matter how many hours they work.

In contrast, some businesses are more interested in the nuts and bolts, and function best by requiring employees to punch a clock. In such a company, employees are expected to show up, do their work and punch out at the end of their shifts. Certain types of businesses traditionally function this way, and employees would feel uneasy with any other arrangement. Also, certain levels within a company may call for this, even though the executive and management levels work within a more flexible schedule.

There is an advantage, however, to recording the time employees spend on certain projects. Even companies that do not want employees to punch a clock could benefit from having an exact record of what employees did during a project, what amount of time they spent individually and as a team, which team members completed specific tasks. This information about productivity can help management design and implement future projects.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by having employees fill out time sheets that include information about productivity that could benefit the company. Indirectly, of course, time sheets serve as a measurement of each employee's weekly hours. Management may decide, however, to assure employees that the purpose of time sheets is not to document hours, but rather to keep track of details that can improve future operations. Space should be provided on time sheets for employees to include detailed comments, make suggestions and point out problems.

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