Stop Time Theft and Reclaim Your Business' Productivity

Anyone that runs a business with employees knows just how important their sustained efforts are to the success of the endeavor. Unfortunately, not every person always puts in maximum effort or does things the way they’re intended to be done. This can be an issue for the bottom line. Today, we will be looking at the issue of time theft and what you can do about it. 

What is Time Theft?

Time theft is when an employee is paid for time they did not work. It can be intentional or unintentional and takes many forms, such as taking longer than the allotted time for lunch or breaks, running personal errands during company time, or spending an excessive amount of time on non-work-related activities like socializing, surfing the web, or leaving without communicating with a manager or coworker.  

One issue that has come up over the past couple of years—especially since many organizations have embraced remote work or hybrid work strategies—is the question of whether or not it is stealing when an employee gets his/her daily tasks done and then stays active on their work computer, but doesn’t complete anything tangible for the company during that time. It’s widely understood that remote workers can get more done in shorter amounts of time; it’s also understood that there are a lot more distractions at a person’s home that could contribute to increased time theft. This may require a shift in perspective from traditional worker management to ensure that you are getting the value from each worker. 

Ways Time Theft Hurts Your Business

When employees are not working—even if they have completed their assigned tasks—it can hinder a business. No two workers are built the same, so having a plan to further engage high-functioning employees beyond the tasks and quota system will not only go a long way toward reducing time theft, it will pay direct dividends for your business.

Additionally, it can breed resentment among diligent employees—leading to a toxic work environment and a marked decline in overall team morale. When employees use company devices for personal and non-work-related Internet activities, it not only wastes time, it can expose the business to malware and other security threats.

Four Steps You Can Take

Fortunately, you’re in control and have some things that you can do to keep time theft from being an issue that sinks your business. 

Clearly Define and Communicate Policies

A clear and well-communicated policy on work hours, breaks, and the use of company property is the first line of defense. People are willful, but if all of your employees understand what is expected of them and the consequences of violating these policies, the better off your business will be.

Use Time Tracking Software

Time tracking software can help monitor and manage employee work hours accurately. These tools can track time spent on specific tasks, monitor breaks, and provide valuable data to identify potential issues.

Lead by Example

Managers and leaders must model the behavior they expect from their employees. When leaders demonstrate a strong work ethic and respect for company time, it sets a positive example for the entire team.

Create a Positive Work Environment

Sometimes, widespread time theft can be a symptom of a disengaged workforce. Building a positive and engaging work culture, providing opportunities for professional development, and doing what you can to recognize employees’ hard work can go a long way toward helping them remain engaged and be less apt to steal time. 

We can help you find and deploy the tools you need to get the most out of all of your investments, from computers to humans. Give us a call today at (888) 814-4843 to learn how we can help.