Introduce time tracking on construction projects

Avoid reconstructing the month from memory

Paper notes, repeated spreadsheet entry and later project allocation increase the chances of errors. Digital tools help when the rules follow the actual day and authorised people review the records. The daily guide explains the actions.

Working time and project time are different views

Project assignments support analysis but do not replace recording the complete working day. Include general tasks rather than hiding them in an arbitrary project.

For Germany, the BMAS time-recording FAQ explains recording the beginning, end and duration of daily work. Entry can be delegated, but the employer remains responsible for protective working-time rules. Check special obligations, collective agreements and the country of employment. Software alone does not guarantee compliance.

Agree three things before starting

When does an entry start and finish? How are actual breaks and site changes recorded? Who checks missing or inconsistent entries, and by when? Keep the common instruction short, then explain special cases.

Prepare distinctive, accessible projects, active employee profiles and appropriate reviewer permissions. Demonstrate the workflow, then let each person start, stop and check an agreed test.

Review and correct promptly

Choose the project, start work, finish before a change, begin the next period, enter the actual break and check the day before leaving. Personal daily review and team review complement each other. Prompt corrections reduce uncertain reconstruction later.

More hours may reflect waiting, changes or additional work. Record that context; time tracking does not replace communication.

Be transparent and pilot the process

Explain what is recorded, who can access it and why. Clarify employment law, data protection and worker representation. In Germany, review the works council's role under § 87 BetrVG, including working hours and technical monitoring systems.

Pilot for several days: correct projects, forgotten clock-outs, breaks, understood changes, adequate access and recurring questions. Improve the instructions before wider rollout. Read time help and first steps.