Mac Time Tracking Software – A Definitive Guide to Time Tracking

Time is one of mankind’s most precious commodities, yet for many of us it is an asset in very short supply. How many of you wake up in a morning wishing there were already more hours in the day because you’ve got so much to do? If you’re a business owner or manager, this is especially true, because in the business world ‘time is money’.

Finding the time to juggle your everyday responsibilities at home in your private life, along with your responsibilities in the workplace can be very tricky, which is where something such as Mac time tracking software could prove so beneficial.

For business owners and employees alike, time tracking software can be hugely advantageous and can help to improve your business no end.

But what exactly is time tracking software and is it really needed in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look, shall we? Here’s a definitive guide to time tracking.

What is time tracking?

Recently, there has been a surge in demand for Mac time tracking software and other forms of time tracking solutions in the workplace, so the demand is obviously there, but what is it?

Time tracking software is a special tool used by business owners, freelancers, remote workers, and employees alike, to track and monitor hours worked, as well as progress on various tasks and projects.

You can track time for operations, payroll, hours worked, and much more besides. If your company uses Mac computers, using a solution such as Mac time tracking software will allow you to see how much time you and/or your employees have spent working, how much time has been dedicated to specific tasks and projects, how many resources have been used, where resources can be used to streamline operations, and more.

What are the benefits of time tracking software?

We’ve briefly looked at what time tracking software is and at how it can help, but now we’re going to expand upon these benefits and look at them in more detail.

Improve business operations

Arguably the biggest advantage associated with a time tracking solution such as Mac time tracking software is the fact that it can enhance business operations.

Time tracking software is great because you can improve employee productivity, you can see exactly where time is being spent, you can see where resources are being used, and you can get a general overview of your business. Roll all these benefits into one, and you have the recipe for the perfect business.

Integrates with Outlook (for Mac, Windows, Online, etc.)

One of the main reasons why Mac time tracking software is proving to be such a huge hit in the business world is the fact that it integrates effortlessly with Outlook.

Outlook is of course one of the most popular applications in the business world, and the great thing for Mac users is the fact that a quality time tracking solution can integrate flawlessly with Outlook, allowing you to enjoy the many features of both together.

You should find a solution that supports the platform that you use. If your company is using a mix of both Mac computers and Windows PC’s, you should find a solution that supports both.

There are not many (good) solutions that support Outlook for Mac as well as Windows, so it’s important that you find a good one.

Enhance productivity

One of the main reasons why so many business owners are investing in time tracking is down to how much it can enhance productivity in the workplace.

Time tracking helps employees to see where they are on projects, and to see where improvements need to be made, and where their strengths lie.

It can also highlight the need for additional manpower and resources. Say for example, you have a project deadline for an important client fast approaching, and your time tracking solution shows that you are clearly running behind schedule, you can use this info to pull employees and resources from less pressing projects and put them onto more important projects. This means you won’t miss deadlines, projects will be completed quicker and easier, and important clients will be kept happy.

Motivate employees

Time tracking software is not about invading the privacy of employees or pressuring them into working. In reality, it’s about the precise opposite. Time tracking software can help to motivate employees and boost morale.

Mac time tracking software promotes transparency in the workplace and helps employees and managers alike to see exactly how time is being used, and where. If a manager can see how well an employee is doing, they can praise the employee and tell them to keep it up.

If employees can see that they are consistently meeting deadlines ahead of schedule, and are consistently putting out solid work, this will help motivate them and boost morale. In the workplace, positivity is hugely important and time tracking software helps create a positive working environment.

Better overview of your business

Finally, the last advantage of Mac time tracking software that we’re looking at today is the fact that it provides a better overview of your business.

With a time tracking solution, you can check job and progress status at a glance, and see where resources are being used. Having this insight into your business will help streamline operations and save you heaps of time in the process.

Time tracking mistakes to avoid

Okay, so assuming you’ve decided to implement Mac time tracking software into your business, you’re going to need to know which mistakes to avoid.

Like all new things, there will be teething challenges to begin with, so here’s a look at a few mistakes to avoid:

Choosing cheap and inferior software
Not showing employees how to use it correctly
Not explaining to employees how time tracking works and what it does
Not tracking all activities
Expecting the software to work miracles