Outlook Time Tracker Add-In – The Ultimate Guide to Time Tracking
If you want to get more from your business, you might want to consider implementing software such as an Outlook time tracker add-in. You won’t need any of us to tell you how time-consuming running a business can be. Even the most mundane of tasks can take an eternity, which is why we need to find ways of managing our time more efficiently. Now, far be it for us to tell you how to manage your time, and how to run your business in general for that matter, but you may want to seriously consider an Outlook time tracker add-in. There’s plenty to be said for time tracking software in the workplace, yet some business managers are still hesitant to utilize it. If you want to know more, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a brief, yet detailed guide on time tracking software in the workplace.
What is time tracking software?
First up, we’re going to talk to you today about what time tracking software actually is. So what is time tracking? When people talk to you about features such as an Outlook time tracker add-in, they’re mentioning a very specific tool designed to improve businesses to no end. You might think that time reporting is a new and radical tool used in the workplace in a bid to improve businesses utilizing state of the art technology. In truth, timesheet reporting in the workplace has been around for centuries. In order for business owners to determine how much to pay their employees, they needed them to log their hours. You might know this as ‘clocking in’ and ‘clocking out’. The basic premise is that employees would let the business owners know what time they started work, and what time they finished. Not only did this assist with paying their wages correctly, it also improved the company in general as it enabled business owners and employees alike, to monitor their progress on tasks.
Today, however, time reporting is not only to see what time people arrived at work. It’s also to see how you spend your time in different areas, projects, etc., and also to ensure that you know exactly how time is being spent.
Which features to look for?
There are plenty of different time tracking solutions out there because it is so beneficial for employees, employers, and business owners alike. But which software solution should you opt for? Well, that’s entirely up to you and your personal preferences. With that said, however, it is always worth investing in time tracking software which integrates with Outlook. Outlook is obviously very beneficial in the business world, and an Outlook time tracker add-in will only improve things further. The fact that it integrates with your Outlook calendar for example, is very useful as it can help with activities, schedules, deadlines, and much more besides.
Benefits of an Outlook time tracker add-in
Now we’re going to talk to you about some of the main benefits associated with Outlook time tracking. Key advantages include:
Increased productivity
Productivity in the workplace is essential for success. Your business is only as strong as your weakest employees. Time tracking software has been proven to help increase employee productivity. The software enables your staff to monitor their progress on certain activities. Employees and employers can also diagnose any potential weaknesses or strengths, and build upon them. This in turn helps employees to become more productive as they can see how far along they are, and where their strengths lie, and where to focus.
Meet deadlines
When running a business, it’s essential that you meet deadlines. If a client purchases goods, services, or projects from you, you need to ensure that you deliver them when you said you would. If you’re late, your client won’t be happy, and what could potentially be a regular client will now become a former client. Time tracking software helps indicate how far along on projects employees are and if you’re spending your time in the right areas. If you can see that they’re falling behind or struggling, you can assign additional help to ensure that the project is completed and delivered on time.
Keep clients in the loop
In the business world, you should never underestimate the importance of communication. One of the best things about using time reporting software such as an Outlook time tracker add-in, is the fact that you can use it to keep clients updated as to what’s going on. If a client requests an update on a project you’re working on, you can tell them that it is 75% complete for example or detail how you’ve spend your time on different activities and for different employees, and that it should be with them by the end of the week. Knowing when it is due and how it’s progressing will then keep the client happy and keep them off your back.
Assign staff where needed
With timesheet software, you can see just how efficient employees are when it comes to certain tasks and projects. If for example, you have two employees assigned to a regular project, and you can see that two of them easily have it completed well in advance with no issues, this may indicate that one employee would be sufficient. You can then take the now free employee, and assign him or her to another project where deadlines are tight perhaps.
Common time tracking software mistakes
Finally, in this last section we’re going to talk to you about a few common mistakes to avoid when it comes to time tracking software. These include:
Not choosing one which integrates with Outlook
We’ve mentioned the importance of a solution that integrates with Outlook earlier, but just to be sure, here it is again. When you buy time tracking software for your business, always look for one which integrates with Outlook.
Not offering employees assistance when using it
When you begin utilizing time tracking software in the workplace, you’ll find that you may be met with some resistance to begin with. Once employees see how easy it is to use, and see what it actually does, they’ll be on board. The best way of keeping them happy and making life easier, is offering help and instructions on how to utilize the software.
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