Top 11 Software to See If Your Remote Employees Are Working

Fallback featured Image for post

In the continuously evolving landscape of work, remote employment has become a mainstay. This shift brings with it the challenge of ensuring that remote employees are working or being as engaged and productive as they would be in an office setting.

 

Basic tools like communication apps and project management tools don’t offer visibility into remote employees’ activities and won’t help you understand employee performance or refine resource allocation.

 

To address this challenge, a myriad of software tools have been developed to monitor and enhance the productivity of remote workers.

 

In this blog post, we will delve into the top 11 software solutions that help employers track the performance and productivity of their remote employees effectively.

 

What is Remote Employee Monitoring?

 

Remote employee monitoring refers to the use of software tools to track and analyze the work activities of employees who are not physically present in a traditional office environment.

 

This monitoring can range from tracking time spent on tasks, monitoring internet and app usage, to more comprehensive analytics about work patterns and productivity.

 

The aim is to ensure that remote employees are effectively engaged in their work tasks, maintaining productivity, and adhering to company policies.

 

The Benefits of Monitoring Remote Work

 

  1. Enhanced Productivity: Monitoring software allows early notice of trouble spots where employees are having difficulties, enabling managers to give timely assistance.
  2. Accountability: It ensures that employees are responsible for their time management and task execution, and encourages discipline in work.
  3. Data-Driven Insights: This is where these tools offer a lot of helpful information about how workers generally carry out tasks that enable workforce planning and task delegation.
  4. Security Compliance: Monitoring is essential in ensuring employees adhere to data security policies.
  5. Work-Life Balance: With proper monitoring, you can identify such scenarios of overworking and burnout among other workers in order to ensure that everyone is enjoying a healthy working life.

 

Common Things Employers Track

 

Employers typically monitor:

 

  1. Time Spent on Tasks: Measuring the time spent by employees on a specific task or project.
  2. Application and Internet Usage: Monitoring which applications, and which websites are accessed during working hours.
  3. Email and Communication: Monitoring of email and communication tools for appropriate use and efficiency.
  4. Productivity Levels: Assessing work output per time, and analyzing overall productivity.
  5. Attendance and Availability: Making sure that staff are present and at work during their scheduled times.

 

11 Best Computer Monitoring Software

 

1. Time Champ

 

Time Champ is a comprehensive software solution designed for monitoring and enhancing the productivity of remote employees. It offers a range of features that cater to the diverse needs of modern remote work environments.

 

Key Features of Time Champ

 

  1. Advanced Time Tracking: Time Champ’s advanced time tracking feature allows precise measurement of the time spent by employees on various tasks and projects. This feature is essential for understanding employee work patterns and assessing productivity levels.

  2. Screen Monitoring: The employee screen monitoring functionality captures periodic screenshots of an employee’s computer screen. This provides employers with a visual record of what the employee is working on during work hours, enhancing transparency and accountability.

  3. Application and Website Usage Tracking: This feature monitors and records the usage of applications and websites by employees during work hours. It helps employers understand how work time is being utilized and identify any non-work-related activities.

  4. Detailed Reporting: Time Champ generates extensive reports that offer deep insights into work patterns, productivity levels, and resource allocation. These reports are crucial for data-driven decision-making and for identifying areas where efficiency can be improved.

  5. Automated Timesheets: The tool streamlines the process of timesheet management and approval. It automatically records time spent on tasks, reducing the need for manual timesheet entries and simplifying the approval process.

  6. Project and Task Tracking: Time Champ’s Project and Task Tracking allows managers to track the progress of projects and tasks, helping to ensure timely completion and identifying any bottlenecks in the workflow.

  7. Idle Time Detection: The software can detect idle time, distinguishing between active work periods and inactivity, thus providing a more accurate picture of an employee’s productivity.

  8. Real-Time Monitoring: Time Champ offers real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing managers to see what tasks employees are working on at any given moment.

  9. User Activity Levels: The tool tracks the activity levels of users throughout the workday, providing insights into peak productive times and potential burnout periods.

  10. Customizable Alerts and Notifications: Employers can set up custom alerts and notifications for specific activities or milestones, ensuring they are immediately informed of important developments.

  11. Integration Capabilities: Time Champ integrates with various other tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality and making it a versatile option for businesses using multiple software solutions.

  12. Privacy Settings: The software includes adjustable privacy settings to balance effective monitoring with respect for employee privacy.

  13. Mobile App: Time Champ also offers a mobile app, allowing for flexible monitoring and management of remote workers, even when on the go.

These features collectively make Time Champ a robust tool for employers seeking to effectively monitor and enhance the productivity of their remote workforce, catering to the diverse needs of modern remote work environments.

 

Pricing Plans:

 

  • Free Plan: Limited features

 

Annual Pricings for premium plans:

 

  • STARTER (1,800 RS/user):  Automatic Attendance, Intensity Graphs, Time Claim, Offline Tracking, Auto Login/Logout, File Name Tracking and many more.
  • Professional (2500 RS /user):  Everything in Starter +  Leaves, HR, Project Management, Document uploading, Screenshot Frequency 2 for 10 min, Blur Screenshots, Auto Start Desktop Timer, Deletion of User/Project, Leave Approvals, Silent/Invisible Tracking, Idle alerts and more.
  • Enterprise (5000 RS/user): Everything in Professional + Real-time Status, Viewing Live Videos, Screenshots Delete, Phone Support, Dedicated Account Manager, Custom Roles.

 

Customer Ratings: Rated 4.8/5 on G2.

 

 

2. Time Doctor

 

Time Doctor is an advanced software used for monitoring and boosting the productivity of virtual teams. There are several functionalities that it provides which makes it convenient for remote working team management.



Key Features:

  1. Time Tracking: Proper tracking of the time spent on each task.
  2. Screenshot Capturing: Periodically captures screenshots to keep track of work progress.
  3. Website and Application Monitoring: Monitors the usage of websites and applications on work time.
  4. Detailed Analytics: It offers holistic analytics for productivity measurement.
  5. Offline Time Tracking: Can even track time offline.

 

Pros:

  1. User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate.
  2. Diverse Integrations: It works great with other tools and platforms.
  3. Productivity Rating: Features a novel method of measuring productivity.

 

Cons:

  1. Intrusiveness: Some of these features would probably seem too intrusive.
  2. Overwhelming Data: Analysis of this data is usually overwhelming.
  3. Cost Factor: A bit costly for smaller business houses.

 

Pricing Plans:

  1. Time Doctor offers a 14-day free trial (no credit card required).
  2. Basic ($7/user per month) – supports unlimited users, projects, and tasks and offers activity tracking and basic reporting.
  3. Standard ($10/user per month) – has integrations, advanced reports, and payroll options.
  4. Premium ($20/user per month) – includes client login access, executive dashboard, and a dedicated account manager.
  5. Enterprise (contact sales) – customizable plan with VIP support and a dedicated success manager.


Customer Ratings (from G2):  4.4/5 (355+ reviews)

 

3. Toggl Track

 

The simplicity as well as effectiveness of Toggl Track on time tracking and remote team’s productivity analysis.

Key Features:

  1. One-Click Time Tracking: A click on any link for time tracking is easy and quick.
  2. Reporting Tools: In-depth reports for monitoring work patterns.
  3. Calendar Integration: It is also in sync with calendars, which makes it easier to keep and manage time.
  4. Team Dashboard: It gives an insight into team productivity.
  5. Idle Time Detection: Detects periods of inactivity.

Pros:

  1. Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward interface.
  2. Flexibility: Flexibility for tracking and reporting.
  3. Transparency: Ensures transparency in work processes.

Cons:

  1. Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some advanced monitoring features.
  2. Syncing Issues: Occasional issues with calendar syncing.
  3. Basic Interface: On the one hand, some users may find the interface too elementary.

Pricing Plans:

  1. Free( $0 up to 5 users): Unlimited time tracking, Unlimited projects, Exportable reports, etc.
  2. Starter plan( $9/user/month ): Everything in Free + Set hourly billable rates, Time rounding for reports, Save customized reports for quick viewing, Project time estimates and alerts
  3. Premium Plan( $18/user/month): Everything in Starter + Set fixed fee project, Team time tracking reminders,Schedule report emails, Project forecasts and analysis, Advanced time tracking data integrity features, etc.
  4. Enterprise (Custom pricing, Unlimited users): Everything in Premium and many advanced features.

Customer Ratings (from G2):  4.6/5 (1540+ reviews)

 

4. RescueTime

 

RescueTime helps users and teams to understand their habitual activities, that is, focus and become more productive.

Key Features:

  1. Automatic Time Tracking: It keeps track of time spent on applications or websites.
  2. Focus Time: Achieves concentration by barring distracting sites.
  3. Detailed Reports: Illustrate the daily activities and productivity patterns.
  4. Goal Setting: Providing a basis for goal setting in time management.
  5. Alerts: Managing work time efficiently with customizable alerts.

Pros:

  1. Comprehensive Analysis: Offers detailed insights into productivity.
  2. Custom Alerts: Personalized alerts for time management.
  3. Privacy Controls: Provides controls for user privacy.

Cons:

  1. Complexity: It is difficult for some users to comprehend.
  2. Limited Customization: Offers limited customization options.
  3. Data Overload: This creates a lot of information that is sometimes excessive.

Pricing Plans:

  1. Lite (free): This plan is designed keeping solopreneurs in mind who only require a few features.
  2. Premium ($12/user per month): it has all the premium features needed by a team of employees.

Customer Ratings (from G2): 4.1/5 (85+ reviews)

 

5. Timely

 

Timely is a time-tracking software that focuses on automation to reduce administrative workload and provide insightful data on team productivity.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Automatic Time Tracking: Captures time spent on tasks automatically.
  2. Project Time Management: Helps in managing project timelines efficiently.
  3. Team Planning: Facilitates effective team scheduling and planning.
  4. Advanced Reporting: Offers detailed reports for deeper insights.
  5. Privacy and Control: Ensures user privacy with customizable settings.

Pros:

 

  1. User-Friendly Design: Offers a clean and intuitive interface.
  2. Accurate Tracking: Provides precise tracking of time and activities.
  3. Automated Functionality: Reduces the need for manual entries.

Cons:

 

  1. High Cost: More expensive compared to some other tools.
  2. Limited Integrations: Fewer integrations with other platforms.
  3. Over-Automation: Some users may find the level of automation excessive.

Pricing Plans:

 

  1. Starter Plan ($9 /user/mo): Automatic Time Tracking, Monitor project health, Accurately reporting your billable hours, Track time on thousands of apps and websites
  2. Premium Plan ($16 /user/mo): All Starter features + advanced team and project management features along with the integration with accounting tools.
  3. Unlimited ($22 /user/mo): All Premium features.

Customer Ratings (from G2): 4.8/5 (320+ reviews)

 

6. Harvest

 

Harvest is a widely used tool that combines time tracking, invoicing, and expense tracking, making it a versatile option for businesses of all sizes.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Time and Expense Tracking: Tracks time and expenses seamlessly.
  2. Invoicing and Billing: Integrates time tracking with invoicing and billing.
  3. Reporting Tools: Provide insightful reports for project and team management.
  4. Integrations: Works well with a variety of other business tools.
  5. Mobile App: Offers a convenient mobile application for tracking on the go.

Pros:

 

  1. Simplicity: Known for its simple and straightforward interface.
  2. Versatility: Suitable for freelancers and businesses alike.
  3. Integrations: Extensive integration options enhance functionality.

Cons:

 

  1. Basic Features: Limited advanced features for detailed monitoring.
  2. Interface: Some users find the interface a bit outdated.
  3. Pricing: This can be costly for larger teams.

Pricing Plans:

  • Free Plan ($0.80/user/month):1 user, 2 projects
  • Pro Plan ($10.80/user/month): Unlimited users, Unlimited projects

Customer Ratings (from G2): 4.3/5 (785+ reviews)

 

7. Everhour

 

Everhour is a time-tracking software that excels in its integration capabilities, making it a great tool for teams using multiple project management platforms.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Seamless Integration: Integrates smoothly with popular project management tools.
  2. Detailed Reporting: Offers comprehensive reports for time and project tracking.
  3. Budget Management: Helps in managing project budgets effectively.
  4. Time Estimation: Allows setting estimates for tasks to track progress.
  5. Time Tracking: Accurate tracking of time spent on tasks and projects.

Pros:

 

  1. Integration Strength: Strong integration with other tools.
  2. User Interface: Clean and user-friendly interface.
  3. Budget and Time Management: Effective for budget and time control.

Cons:

 

  1. Learning Curve: Some features may require time to learn.
  2. Dependence on Integrations: Relies heavily on integrations for full functionality.
  3. Limited Standalone Features: As a standalone tool, it may lack some functionalities.

Pricing Plans:

 

  • Free ($ 0/user/month): Unlimited time tracking & projects for up to 5 users.
  • Lite Plan ($ 5/user/month): Everything in Free plan + Up to 10 users, Works Clients, Budgets, Invoicing, Reminders. 
  • Team ($ 8.5/user/month):  Everything in Lite plan + Unlimited users, Works inside all integrations, Time approval, Clock-in, clock-out, breaks, Time off, Expenses, Resource planner, and Timeline.

Customer Ratings (from G2):  4.7/5 (155+ reviews)

8. Timeneye

 

Timeneye offers a simple and intuitive time tracking solution, focusing on ease of use and efficiency for both individual freelancers and teams.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Simple Time Tracking: Easy-to-use time tracking interface.
  2. Reporting: Provides clear and concise reports.
  3. Calendar Integration: Integrates with calendars for better time management.
  4. Phase and Project Tracking: Allows tracking time by phases and projects.
  5. Team Management: Enables effective team time management.

Pros:

 

  1. Simplicity: Highly appreciated for its simplicity.
  2. Effective Reporting: Offers clear and helpful reports.
  3. Integration Capabilities: Good integration with other tools.

Cons:

 

  1. Basic Functionality: Lacks some advanced tracking features.
  2. Limited Customization: Customization options are somewhat limited.
  3. Interface: The interface, while simple, might be too basic for some users.

Pricing Plans:

 

Timeneye has one plan that charges $7/user per month.

 

Customer Ratings (from G2):4.5/5 (20+ reviews)

 

9. ClickTime

 

 ClickTime specializes in time tracking and project management, offering solutions that help businesses optimize their resources and improve productivity.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Time Tracking: Precise tracking of employee time on different tasks.
  2. Project and Budget Management: Monitors project progress and budgets.
  3. Reporting and Analytics: Provides detailed reports for better decision-making.
  4. Expense Tracking: Tracks and manages work-related expenses.
  5. Customizable Dashboards: Offers personalized dashboards for different user needs.

Pros:

 

  1. Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of functionalities.
  2. User Interface: Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
  3. Customizability: High level of customization available.

Cons:

 

  1. Complexity: This can be overwhelming for new users.
  2. Pricing: Relatively expensive for small businesses.
  3. Mobile App Limitations: The mobile app may lack some desktop features.

Pricing Plans:

 

  • Starter Plan($10/user/month): up to 25 users with basic features
  • Team Plan($13/user/month): up to 200 users with team-centric features
  • Premier Plan($24/user/month): up to 200 users with advanced features.
  • Enterprise: custom pricing based on requirements and provides advanced features.

Customer Ratings (from G2):4.6/5 (680+ reviews)

 

10. TopTracker

 

TopTracker is designed for freelancers and teams, offering free time tracking tools that provide full transparency and powerful operational insights.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Free Time Tracking: Offers completely free time tracking capabilities.
  2. Screenshot and Activity Levels: Captures screenshots and tracks activity levels.
  3. Detailed Reporting: Provides comprehensive reports on work hours and productivity.
  4. Privacy Controls: Allows control over what gets tracked and recorded.
  5. Centralized View: Offers a centralized view of all projects and tasks.

Pros:

 

  1. Cost-Effective: Completely free to use.
  2. Simplicity: Simple and straightforward in its use.
  3. Privacy-Focused: Provides control over privacy settings.

Cons:

 

  1. Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some of the advanced features of paid tools.
  2. Basic Interface: Some users may find the interface too basic.
  3. Support: Limited customer support options.

 

Pricing Plans:

TopTracker Completely Free.

 

11. EmailAnalytics

 

 EmailAnalytics is a unique tool that visualizes your team’s email activity, providing insights into email usage patterns and helping to boost productivity.

 

Key Features:

 

  1. Email Tracking: Tracks email activity including sent, received, and response times.
  2. Visualization Tools: Offers visual analytics for better understanding.
  3. Team Comparison: Compares email usage among team members.
  4. Time Management: Helps in understanding how much time is spent on email.
  5. Customizable Reports: Provides customizable reports for different needs.

Pros:

 

  1. Unique Focus: Specializes in email activity analysis.
  2. Easy to Use: User-friendly interface and easy setup.
  3. Actionable Insights: Provides insights that can lead to tangible improvements.

 

Cons:

 

  1. Limited Scope: Only focuses on email tracking.
  2. Data Privacy: Concerns regarding email data handling.
  3. Reliance on Email: Most effective for teams heavily reliant on email communication.

Pricing Plans:

 

EmailAnalytics Plans start at $15 per inbox/month.

 

Customer Ratings (from G2): G2 – 4/5 (4+ reviews)

 

Next Steps:

 

Try Time Champ to Improve Remote Employee Productivity

 

Having explored the top 11 software tools for monitoring remote employees, it’s clear that each tool has its unique strengths. For businesses looking to enhance their remote work management, Time Champ stands out as a comprehensive solution. With its advanced features and intuitive design, it is poised to transform the way you monitor and boost remote employee productivity.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, monitoring remote employees effectively is key to maintaining productivity and ensuring a disciplined work environment. The tools discussed in this blog offer various functionalities to suit different business needs. While selecting a tool, consider factors like ease of use, features, and cost to find the right fit for your business.

 

Time Champ, with its comprehensive features, emerges as a strong contender in this realm, promising to enhance your remote workforce’s productivity.

Frequently asked questions

Remote employee monitoring refers to the use of software tools to track and analyze the work activities of employees who are not physically present in a traditional office environment.

 

This monitoring can range from tracking time spent on tasks, monitoring internet and app usage, to more comprehensive analytics about work patterns and productivity.

 

The aim is to ensure that remote employees are effectively engaged in their work tasks, maintaining productivity, and adhering to company policies.

Companies use a variety of software to monitor remote employees, such as Time Champ, Time Doctor, Toggl Track, RescueTime, and more. These tools provide features like time tracking, activity monitoring, productivity analysis, and comprehensive reporting. Each tool offers unique functionalities catering to different business needs, from tracking work hours to analyzing task efficiency.

To monitor an employee working from home, employers can use remote workforce monitoring software like Time Champ or Time Doctor. These tools track time spent on tasks, monitor internet and application usage, and provide insights into work patterns. Employers should balance monitoring with respect for privacy to maintain a healthy and productive remote work environment.

Employers track remote workers using employee performance monitoring portals and software like Top Tracker and ClickTime. These tools provide real-time insights into the employees’ work activities, time management, and productivity levels. Features like screenshot capturing, activity level monitoring, and detailed reporting are commonly used to track remote workers effectively.

Tracking remote employees’ productivity involves using software tools that provide data on time spent on tasks, project progression, and overall output. Tools like Everhour and Timely offer detailed analytics and reporting features, allowing employers to measure productivity levels, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency in a remote setup.

 You can ascertain if a remote employee is working by using employee tracking software like Harvest or EmailAnalytics. These tools provide visibility into work patterns, time management, and task completion. Regular reports, time tracking data, and activity monitoring features help employers understand whether remote employees are engaged in their work.

Monitoring remote work offers several benefits: it enhances productivity by identifying and addressing inefficiencies, ensures accountability, provides valuable data-driven insights for workforce planning, helps maintain security compliance, and supports a healthy work-life balance by monitoring for signs of overwork or burnout.

Yes, monitoring software like remote task management tools can significantly improve employee performance. By providing insights into how employees spend their workday, these tools help in identifying areas for improvement, ensuring better time management, and encouraging a more disciplined approach to work, thereby enhancing overall performance.

Privacy concerns are a crucial consideration in employee monitoring. While tools like worker tracking apps provide valuable insights, they must be used with a clear policy that respects employee privacy. Transparent communication about what is being monitored and ensuring data security are essential to address privacy concerns.

Remote employee monitoring tools help in project management by providing real-time data on employee engagement with tasks and projects. Tools like Timeneye and Everhour offer features for tracking time spent on specific projects, enabling better project time management, budget tracking, and resource allocation in a remote work environment.