Essential features of employee time tracking software

Which features are best to look for when investing in employee time tracking software?

First published on Friday, July 12, 2024

Last updated on Friday, May 30, 2025

Highlighting just how effective time tracking and clocking in systems can be, it is estimated that around 8/10 companies across Europe, including the UK, utilise some type of system for employee time tracking. However, studies over recent years show that pen and paper remain the most popular choice, particularly amongst British businesses.

But what if we told you there was a simpler way to track employee time, with additional features beyond the powers of manual time tracking? That’s right, discover employee time tracking software with BrightHR! For more on the benefits of time tracking software read our article to discover how to enhance time management in your workplace.

In this guide, we uncover the features you should be looking for when investing in a solution that works for your business.

A key list of essential features include:

  • User-friendly design

  • Integration with other business tools

  • The option to generate reports

  • Automation

  • Mobile accessibility

  • Cyber security

User-Friendly interface

For simplicity and ease of access you’ll want to ensure that your employee time tracking software is as user-friendly as possible. It must have an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface for the everyday benefit of employees and administrators.

Your chosen software should work across various platforms and operating systems, with data syncing for reduced cost and easier management.

Available to download from Google Play and the Apple App Store, our clocking in and out app, Blip, ticks the boxes when it comes to usability. Staff can log in via their location, QR code, or flexible clock-in, with the simple click of a button. Notes can also be easily entered and shared between employees and managers.

Integration capabilities

Besides keeping track of staff working hours, the best employee time tracker software will also allow for the optimisation of your business processes. It should play nicely with the other tools that you use for HR monitoring and management.

The integration of your staff time tracker and payroll system will be vital to ensure correct payment based on the number of hours worked.

Reporting and Analytics

Apart from logging the amount of time worked, you’ll also want the employee time tracking software to produce genuinely helpful reports. These reports should be of value in terms of monitoring progress, tracking performance, and ensuring optimum use of your staff resources.

Ideally, they’ll give clear insights into employee attendance, with accurate records of staff hours, breaks and overtime in compliance with Working Time Regulations.

Mobile Accessibility

It’s been reported that on average Brits will check their phones every 12 minutes. So, it makes sense for mobile accessibility to be a major priority in your choice of apps for employee time tracking. Workers must be able to log in and start up the time tracking system irrespective of time or location. The same level of functionality must also be assured across various mobile devices.

By ensuring mobile accessibility you make it even easier for staff to track their time, clocking in everyday, without having to use an additional device. This is also particularly useful when considering remote workers.

Compliance and security

As a conscientious business owner, you’ll appreciate the importance of HR and legal compliance. This means abiding by the Working Time Regulations, limiting the number of hours worked during any one week and respecting the right to time off. The protection of sensitive employee data should also be factored into your choice of employee time tracker software.

More on the employment laws you must follow as a UK business owner can be found in our detailed guides.

Customisation and scalability

The best apps for employee time tracking can be scaled and customised to suit your changing business needs. You can add branded elements to the user interface and produce reports with your distinctive business identity.

Time can be tracked down to the desired level of detail, with the option of adding or removing fields according to your particular focus. It all makes for a seamless on-brand experience.

How BrightHR can help with employee time tracking

From the basic tracking of time to the creation of staff performance reports, you should be confident in the selection of effective time and attendance tracking software.

With all the key features just a click away, BrightHR’s award-winning HR software features makes for an effortless experience. Thanks to our automated clocking in system combined with integrated payroll software and automated timesheet reports, BrightHR is the solution you’ve been looking for!

Go ahead and realise the difference with a free product demo today.


Jenny Marsden

Associate Director of Service

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