At its best, remote work eases the hassle of day-to-day life. It helps balance work and personal life and enables more effective ways and times to work. On the other hand, the line between work and free time starts to blur. In this context, finding balance becomes crucial. That’s where time tracking comes in.
Yet many professionals view time tracking – infamous “punch card” – with skepticism. Unnecessary skepticism. Time tracking isn’t about micromanagement; it’s about workplace well-being. This applies to remote work, too.
Why time tracking makes sense
Here are some good reasons to keep tabs on your working hours:
- Well-being and stamina. Long workdays happen, whether it’s because of a tight deadline or because the work is so engaging. While occasional hustle is fine, it’s not sustainable year-round.
- Fair workload. If you regularly struggle to finish your tasks within a standard workday, it’s worth examining your workload, workflow and time management but also your job description. Is there simply too much on your plate? If so, it’s time to have a conversation with your manager.
- Fair pay. Your employment contract sets your working hours and salary. Tracking your time helps ensure that the time and effort you put in are fairly compensated.
- Burnout prevention. Yes, more well-being reasons. Burnout has unfortunately become a widespread issue. Keeping track of your hours can help you spot red flags and course-correct before it’s too late.
Plus, time tracking is easier than ever thanks to technology. Modern tools make it effortless; you can even do it from your phone.
Know your responsibilities, respect your limits
While employers are responsible for tracking work hours under labor law, employees also play a key role. In the case of remote work, you can work anytime and anywhere. Hence, your boss isn’t there to say, “That’s enough for today.” That responsibility then lies with you.
From a work performance perspective, of course it is more important to measure results and productivity. But from a personal perspective, it’s just as important to keep an eye on the hours you spend working. It’s a vital part of taking care of your long-term well-being.