What Is a Time Card And What Are the Benefits of Using It?

A time card is a tool used in a business to track and record the hours worked by employees. A weekly time card specifically refers to a time card that is used to record the hours worked by an employee over the course of a week. To use time cards effectively, it's important to know how to do time cards correctly, which may include properly recording the start and end times for each shift, calculating the total hours worked, and ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. We will delve deeper into understanding the concept of "what is a time card" throughout this blog.

What is a time card?

Employee time cards, or time sheets, are documents or electronic records used to track the amount of time an employee spends working. The employee time card definition refers to the concept of using this record to keep track of hours worked. 

The amount of time spent by an employee on an individual job are recorded on time cards, and this information is often used for payroll and billing purposes. Time cards may also include information about the employee, such as their name, employee number, and job title.

How do time cards for employees work?

Time cards for employees work by tracking the amount of time an employee spends working. Work time cards are used to record the start and end time of an employee's shift, as well as any breaks or other time away from work.

When an employee begins their shift, they will usually clock in using a time clock or time card machine. This machine will typically print a time card with the employee's name, employee number, and the time they clocked in.

At the end of their shift, the employee will clock out using the same machine. This will record the clock-out times and calculate the total hours worked and assign it to the employee's time card number.

What is a time card number? An identification number assigned to the  time card of an employee. This number is used to track the employee's hours worked and to ensure that the correct employee is being paid. The time card is usually collected at the end of the pay period and used to calculate the employee's pay.

Nowadays, time card systems are more digitized and can be accessed online, employees can clock in and out using a computer or mobile device, and managers can view and approve time cards remotely.

Should you use time cards for your employees?

Whether or not you should use time cards for your employees depends on the specific needs of your business. Payroll time cards can be an effective tool for tracking the hours worked by your employees and ensuring that they are paid accurately

The time card can also be used to monitor attendance, track overtime, and identify productivity issues. If your business is required to comply with labor laws and regulations, maintaining accurate time cards can also help you demonstrate compliance.

On the other hand, if your business does not require accurate time tracking or does not have a need for compliance, the use of time cards may not be necessary. It's important to weigh the benefits of using time cards against the cost and effort required to maintain them.

In any case, if you decide to use a time card for employees, it's essential to ensure that they are accurate and employees are trained on how to use the time card system.

5 key benefits of using employees’ time cards

Utilizing a time card for work can be a valuable tool for both employers and employees. Employers can use them to keep track of their staff, cut down on absenteeism and make the payroll process more seamless.

Improved productivity and efficiency

By accurately tracking the amount of time employees spend on specific tasks or projects, managers can identify areas where productivity can be improved and make adjustments accordingly.

Easier attendance control

Time cards make it easy to track when employees are clocking in and out, which can help managers ensure that employees are taking their breaks and not working overtime without authorization.

Administrative work analysis & improvement opportunities 

Time cards provide a detailed record of employees' work activities, which can be used to analyze how time is being spent and identify opportunities for improvement. This information can also help managers make more informed decisions about staffing, workflow, and budgeting.

Compliance

Employees' time cards provide a record that can be used to demonstrate compliance with labor laws and regulations, such as overtime and minimum wage requirements.

Payroll and billing

Payroll time cards can be used to create accurate payroll records and client billing for the time employees spend on specific projects.

Final points on employee time cards

Time cards have become a necessary component needed for the smooth running of business, especially in field services. Having accurate records of employees’ working hours is important, as it helps to eliminate any discrepancies, and ensures that employees are being paid correctly.

As such, it is important for employers to review each employee’s time card at the end of the pay period and verify all details, before signing off on the card.

FAQs

Is it a timecard or time card?

"Time card" is the correct term.

What is the difference between a timesheet and a time card?

A time card is used to record employees' working hours, while a timesheet includes additional information such as the specific jobs worked on. Timesheets are more popular in operations where labor hours are assigned to specific customer projects.

Can you use hand written time cards?

Yes, it is possible to use hand-written time cards. However, it's important to note that manual timekeeping methods can be prone to errors and may be less efficient than digital alternatives. 

Additionally, hand-written time cards can be difficult to read and process, and may not be easily accessible for remote managers.

What is a time card app?

A time card app is a software application that allows employees to clock in and out, track hours worked, and manage their time cards using a mobile device or computer.

What is a time card in cost accounting?

A time card in cost accounting is a document used to track the amount of time employees spend on specific tasks or projects. The information recorded on a time card is used for payroll and billing purposes and can also help managers identify opportunities for improvement.