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Employees are an organization’s most important asset. Employee time tracking boils down to keeping tabs on how everyone at work handles their tasks. While tracking is important for all employees, how you track field employees is a different ball game.
It is all about how you can efficiently manage field staff tracking even as they are constantly on the move. It gives senior management and HR a clear view of how things are progressing and if deadlines are being met.
According to Capterra, employee tracking has allowed 34% of employers to help their employees work more efficiently.
To ensure this becomes easy, organizations should invest in practical methods for field employee monitoring. In this blog, we look at why time tracking for field workers matters and explore the top 6 ways to do it.
Why it is Important to Track Field Employees?
Field employees most often operate independently. They are also always shuffling between locations and are on-the-go. This means they are often out of sight of their managers which is why monitoring them becomes essential.
It helps get an overview of:
- How field employees are utilizing their time.
- Their progress on the tasks they are responsible for.
- Which ones are the top performers in terms of productivity and efficiency.
When you track field employees, you can also consistently evaluate and benchmark their performance against established objectives. This helps identify areas for improvement and provides targeted support and training. This assessment also encourages transparency and visibility within the organization, enriching its culture.
Thanks to modern technology, employee field tracking is an easy task now.
6 Simple Ways to Track Field Employees
We believe workers are less likely to work freely when they notice they are being watched. Let’s look at some common options that you can use to track your field employees without appearing like an undercover detective.
1. Easy Communication Channels
First and foremost, open communication is a very effective method for field staff tracking.
Ensuring seamless communication among dispersed teams and departments across various locations is crucial.
When teams operate remotely or in the field, it helps leverage team collaboration apps. Instant messaging becomes a boon. Such tools bridge the communication gap and facilitate constant connectivity. By adopting easy communication channels, you can track field employees more effectively. You can also ensure everyone on the team receives accurate information to which they respond promptly.
2. GPS Monitoring
In industries where employees work away from the office or across various locations, traditional monitoring methods fall short. Field employee monitoring requires real-time tracking to have proper insights into their movements. GPS-tracking equipment plays a huge role for employers seeking specific details about such employees. They can get insights into the latter’s work and site visits.
In construction, GPS tracking is used to keep watch on employee attendance and even equipment. Major construction equipment like trucks and power tools are prone to theft.
According to the Irish Times, there has been a 35% increase in construction-related crimes over the past year, which amounts to roughly 13 incidents per day. Moreover, USD 8.4 million worth of equipment was stolen from construction sites and tradespeople vehicle in the last year.
Using GPS tracking from construction equipment makes it easier to capture data like – live location of the equipment, idle time, engine hours, and usage. It also prevents theft and discourages construction equipment robberies. E-commerce websites that sell construction equipment should also track suspected stolen items and multiple postings from a single seller in a few days.
GPS trackers synced trackers can be worn or attached to clothing. These handheld devices are available for easy tracking of employees who are out of sight or idle for extended periods. By providing real-time information about field staff location tracking, GPS trackers enable site managers to stay informed about their activities and site visits.
3. Tracking Work Hours
Another approach to track field employees and ensure they are utilizing business time efficiently is through work time tracking. Organizations are fast turning to advanced workforce management solutions to help in time tracking for field workers.
This method offers benefits for all parties involved. Employers and managers can rest assured knowing that business time and resources are being utilized effectively. Likewise, field employees understand they are being monitored. They also know they will receive fair compensation for their efforts.
4. Employee Monitoring Solutions
In any business setting, time is important. For companies with on-field employees, understanding how they utilize their time is paramount. Whether it is a sales representative or a technician out on calls, effective field employee monitoring is essential.
Fortunately, modern technology offers several solutions to track field employees. Employee monitoring software is one such game-changer. The solution provides real-time insights into employee activities during work hours. It also offers detailed reports on distance covered in travel, progress of in-hand task, and performance analytics for field employees.
With a plethora of options available in the market, businesses can select software tailored to their specific needs. This software is not just limited to in-office employees. It can also be used to track tasks performed by remote workers across locations.
5. Web Monitoring
Another way of tracking field staff is by monitoring their web activities. Employee monitoring software empowers employers to track and oversee how their employees are using social media platforms, apps, and websites.
With this software, administrators can access detailed reports outlining their employees’ activities during work hours. This includes productive and unproductive periods, as well as instances of inactivity. This tool enables employers to stay informed about their staff’s online behavior and productivity levels throughout the workday.
6. Network Surveillance
Oftentimes, field employees use third-party networks (possibly through clients) on their devices. This could pose potential risks to the company’s overall security. An employee tracking software employs firewall protection to scrutinize incoming and outgoing network traffic. Field employees can leverage a secure dashboard for work through this.
This helps in preserving the network security of the company’s database. Furthermore, network surveillance provides insights into who accesses which files, offering a means to track field employees while prioritizing their safety.
Key Takeaways
Field employee monitoring is essential for all companies regardless of their size. It helps in understanding how they are spending their time. It also helps maintain a record of employees’ work to get an overview of their performance and productivity.
Fortunately, advanced technology available today helps monitor and track field employees effectively. One such platform is Akrivia HCM.
With Akrivia HCM, you can have
- Accuracy in employee activity, including field staff, tracking
- Efficient task management
- Seamless workflow on field
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below and you can schedule a demo with us if you’d like to learn more about Akrivia HCM.
