Time sheets are outdated, switch to digital time clocks

Published on
October 18, 2023
Time sheets are outdated, switch to digital time clocks

What is a time clock used for?

  1. Every company needs a system to track employee work hours. While time sheets were once the standard, modern companies are moving away from them in favor of more reliable methods like time clocks.
  2. Time clocks and digital punch systems generate official records of work hours. These records protect employers and employees in case of disputes and provide reliable evidence during labor inspections.
  3. Another option is using time management software. This tool not only tracks hours but also manages schedules, calculates overtime, and records paid leave. It provides clear data and alerts employers if there is a discrepancy between planned and actual hours worked.

What the law says

Belgian labor law requires employers to monitor employee work hours both on-site and off-site. However, the law does not impose any specific tracking tool, leaving companies free to choose the system that best fits their needs.

A case from Brussels Labor Court in May 2020 illustrates the importance of clear records. The court ruled that an employee was entitled to unpaid overtime, even without providing personal proof. In such cases, the burden of proof falls on the employer. Without a reliable time recording system in place, employers may struggle to demonstrate actual working hours.

This decision highlights the need for objective and accurate tracking tools, like digital time clocks, to ensure legal compliance and avoid costly disputes.

Available solutions

Setting up a time clock system is straightforward. With Shyfter, a tablet can be installed at your workplace in less than an hour. Employees simply punch in and out, and the system records their hours automatically.

Alternatively, Shyfter offers a mobile app for time tracking. It requires no physical installation, as employees clock in directly from their smartphones. The app works with or without internet, ensuring that work hours are always recorded reliably, even in areas with limited connectivity.