How to Cheat Time Tracking Software? Full Guide

It goes without saying that in today’s workplace, being aware of the passing of time is essential. It helps employers monitor productivity, allocate resources, and manage payroll. Therefore, knowing how to cheat time tracking software does come in handy at times.

In this guide, we will dive into how to cheat time tracking software like Manually Entering Time, Time Rounding, Idle Time Manipulation, Time Theft, Buddy Punching, etc., the ins and outs of how these people manage to cheat time tracking software and go over the risks and consequences involved. We will also discuss strategies employers can deploy to prevent this fraudulent behavior.

Certain employees attempt to manipulate the system. They seek ways to use the software and gain extra time or compensation. Let’s check how to cheat time tracking software.

Cracking Time Tracking Software

In today’s professional workplace, there are countless ways to monitor employee productivity. One of the most common and effective methods is through time tracking software, which both records and lets employers see the time employees spend on tasks and projects.

This tool can start a timer when someone begins working and stop when their work is completed. It stores this data away for later use, which usually consists of generating reports.

It isn’t hard to find popular options for this type of software, with companies like Toggl, Hubstaff, DeskTime, and Time Doctor being some of the most preferred choices. Each comes with features and pricing plans that may be more or less appealing depending on your needs.

In addition to just time monitoring, these apps also integrate with other tools commonly used in companies, like project management platforms.

Considering how much it does, there are quite a few disadvantages it brings to the table.

How to Cheat Time Tracking Software? Full Guide

While it’s unideal to find employees cheating and manipulating time trackers, it still happens. They risk a lot to earn some extra cash. Being on the lookout is essential, but first, you should understand how they’re doing it:

Manually Entering Time

The most common method is when an employee enters false hours into the app.

For example, if they only worked for 7 hours and 30 minutes, they’ll round up to 8 hours because that’s what they want paid for.

Visit: Manually Entering Time

Time Rounding

Similar to the previous method, this one involves rounding their work hours either up or down. But instead of flat-out lying about it, they position it in a way where it’s not too noticeable.

Instead of submitting 7 hours and 30 minutes like in the previous example, they would bring it up to 8 hours precisely by rounding, arriving at an earlier time rather than leaving earlier.

Idle Time Manipulation

Manipulating idle time involves tricking the app to make it look like you’re working when you’re not. The two ways to do this are by either leaving the app open, using your phone while attending a meeting, or taking a break. Employees use these methods to avoid getting flagged and paid for their work hours.

Time Theft

Time theft happens when an employee claims they’re working on something but, in reality, isn’t. For example, they’ll pretend to be working on a project while scrolling through social media or watching videos.

By doing this, employees avoid being watched and add more hours they didn’t put in.

Buddy Punching

This one needs a little help from others. Buddy punching requires an employee to ask their friend to clock them in or out even when they’re not around. They can get their hands on login credentials or straight up ask someone for this favor. Doing so lets employees steal some additional time or compensation that they didn’t earn.

Cheating on Time Tracking Apps: Hazards and Repercussions

Cheating on time tracking apps is an easy way to finish your work day faster. While it does achieve this, it comes at a hefty cost. You may be subject to fines, penalties, and even criminal charges due to this legally.

Employers are legally obliged to ensure that their employees are logging their work time accurately, and the moment you decide to cheat that system, you put yourself in danger. However, the legal implications aren’t the only thing to consider. Additionally, there is ethics.

By using these apps to cheat, you are lying to your employer. Acting this way destroys trust and shows no integrity in the workplace. Lastly, it affects the workplace itself. Management will start losing trust in their employees, and reduced morale will spread throughout the team like wildfire.

Job dissatisfaction is soon to follow, which creates a hostile environment for productivity and collaboration.

Utilizing Time Tracking Applications to Stop and Identify Cheating

Employers can take many measures to prevent and catch cheating with time tracking apps. They can do this by implementing specific strategies to foster an environment of honesty and integrity while ensuring that the clocked-in hours stay accurate.

Strict Guidelines

Employers should clarify that they don’t tolerate time tracking app cheating by creating strict policies and procedures. With these, employers can explain the consequences of fraudulent behavior and communicate them clearly to all employees.

Regular training sessions are also a good idea for educating employees on the right way to use time tracking apps, as well as providing a safe space to voice concerns.

Verification with Biometrics

There are various types of biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Employers can use these methods to ensure the person clocking in or out is there. This makes buddy punching or any other type of time theft impossible because the system can verify who is doing exactly what.

Processes for tracking time are more accurate and secure when biometric authentication is used. To create an honest and accountable environment in the workplace, employers can use this tool to prevent time manipulation and detect any form of it.

FAQs

What is a Time Tracking Tool?

A software application that tracks and logs the amount of time spent on particular tasks or projects is called a time-tracking tool. It helps managers oversee employee performance, optimize productivity, prevent budget overruns, and ensure accurate payment for hours worked.

How Does a Time Tracking Tool Work?

Time Tracking Tools allow users to input start and end times for various tasks. The software simplifies time tracking, generates reports, and enables data analysis to help users track progress and improve workflow efficiency.

What Advantages Do Time Tracking Tools Offer?

Using a Time Tracking Tool offers benefits such as increased productivity by identifying areas for improvement, improved accuracy in tracking hours, reduced labor costs, enhanced visibility into employee activity, and better compliance with labor laws, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

Conclusion

Although the temptation to cheat time-tracking apps may be there, the risks and consequences heavily outweigh any benefits. These risks include legal issues, ruined professional reputations, and damaged relationships. Employers must do everything they can to stop this by taking proactive steps.

With just a few simple steps, you can create an environment built on trust and respect where employees aren’t tempted to cheat their hours.

Kaushal Malkan

You can always find me playing the piano or playing FIFA when I’m not binge-watching TV Series with pizzas. Fountainhead of TechWhoop.

Life motto: The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.