Looking for a way to keep tabs on team activity? You’re far from alone. With remote work and flexible schedules on the rise, business leaders are increasingly turning to staff trackers to monitor employee performance.
But what, exactly, is a staff tracker? And is it right for your workforce?
In this article, we look at the pros and cons of staff trackers, along with insights you can use to make the best decision for your employees.
What is a staff tracker?
A staff tracker is a digital tool designed to help managers monitor employee activities, attendance and performance. These solutions range from basic time-tracking apps to advanced productivity monitoring software for real-time insights. They provide valuable data on how employees spend their time, allowing managers to use data when distributing workloads, improving performance and supporting employee well-being.
Pros of using a staff tracker
When done responsibly, employee tracking and monitoring provides several important benefits to employees and managers alike. Thousands of organizations across industries track employee hours and activities to:
Boost productivity
Whether you monitor employees who work from home or oversee in-office team members, staff tracking is a great way to improve productivity. It equips managers with the information they need to spot and remove bottlenecks, streamline workflows and provide targeted coaching. And if you use a solution powered by location-based insights, the data allows you to see where people work best — and adjust your policies accordingly.
Improve engagement
Staff tracking isn’t just about billable hours and work time. It’s a valuable tool that helps you spot high performers, reward jobs well done and even catch early signs of burnout such as overwork and overtime. Together, these insights point you toward the support team members need to thrive — making it a valuable employee engagement tool.
Reduce turnover
Employees often leave jobs because they feel overwhelmed, unsupported or tired of a lack of recognition. Staff tracking helps you catch these issues before they become resignation letters. You’ll know when someone consistently puts in extra hours or takes on more than their fair share of work. Armed with these insights, you can redistribute tasks, offer support where it’s needed and celebrate wins you might otherwise miss. It’s like having an early warning system for retention risks — except instead of just identifying problems, you’re equipped with the information you need to actually solve them.
Enhance compliance and data security
For many companies, the biggest security threat isn’t sophisticated cyberattackers — it’s all the user errors that unwittingly let them in. Staff tracking allows you to stay ahead of risky behaviors, such as suspicious downloads and unsanctioned apps, to protect your data. It’s also a great way to simplify compliance with labor laws and industry regulations, since detailed reports provide the information you need on everything from work hours to locations.
Potential drawbacks of using a staff tracker
When implemented thoughtfully, staff trackers enhance accountability and increase employee trust — but success depends on striking the right balance between oversight and autonomy to avoid creating a surveillance culture that undermines morale. When choosing a solution, pay attention to:
The potential for micromanagement
Managers who focus excessively on minute-by-minute details stifle employee creativity and autonomy. This approach creates a toxic work environment where employees feel constantly monitored and pressured. It’s essential to strike a balance between oversight and trust, allowing employees the freedom to manage their tasks while still holding them accountable for performance.
Privacy concerns
Another significant drawback of using staff trackers is the potential invasion of privacy. Employees often feel uncomfortable knowing their every move is monitored, which leads to decreased job satisfaction. Concerns about privacy also results in a lack of trust between employees and management, hindering collaboration and open communication.
Impacts on workplace culture
Implementing tracking tools with a focus on support rather than control — such as using data to identify training needs or recognize achievements — fosters a positive work environment. But go too far in the other direction, and the result is a culture defined by micromanagement and a lack of trust. No one wants to feel like they’re constantly watched. This approach results in employees who feel undervalued and uncommitted to company goals.
Best practices for implementing a staff tracker
To make the most of staff tracking tools, it’s crucial to understand the do’s and don’ts of employee monitoring. Here are three essential best practices to keep in mind.
Openly communicate your objectives
First and foremost, you must be transparent about your tracking practices. Clearly communicate why you’ll be tracking staff activity, as well as the methods you use and how you plan to use the data. This is a crucial first step — it alleviates fears and fosters a culture of trust and transparency. Better yet, involve employees in your decision-making process to foster buy-in and address concerns upfront. Creating a sense of ownership among employees makes them more likely to embrace the new tool.
Choose the right tool
Next, carefully evaluate different tools until you find the one that aligns with your specific needs. Want to track time spent on projects and tasks? Simple time tracking software may be all you need. Looking for deep insights on productivity and performance? You’ll need a more robust solution equipped with executive dashboards detailing everything from technology usage to workload management. In either scenario, watch for user-friendly features and native integrations that allow you to make the most of your employed data.
Provide training and support
Once you select the best staff tracking tool for your workforce, it’s time to provide training and support. Remember — the goal is not to micromanage. An effective staff tracking tool empowers employees with personal insights they can use to improve their own work habits. Show them how to make the most of this data, and be prepared to answer any questions or concerns during the initial transition.
Track employee time and productivity with ActivTrak
When implemented thoughtfully, staff tracking serves as a powerful tool benefiting the entire organization. Managers get the insights they need to support team members, while employees gain visibility into their own work habits and achievements.
Eager to get started? ActivTrak’s workforce analytics platform is built with both managers and employees in mind. No surveillance culture here — ActivTrak helps you foster accountability while respecting autonomy. Whether you’re managing a remote team, hybrid workforce or in-office staff, our employee monitoring solutions help you make data-driven decisions, without micromanagement or morale busters.
Get started today with a free account. And when you’re ready, request a demo to see how more than 9,500 organizations like yours use ActivTrak to understand how employees work — and how they work best.
