In the modern work era, it’s essential for businesses to manage their employees effectively. Whether you’re a small business or a large company, finding the right tool can make a big difference in managing your team and achieving your goals.
Today, we’ll look into the top solutions that can help your organization thrive.
What Is Employee Monitoring Software
Employee monitoring software is like a digital helper for bosses and businesses. It keeps an eye on what employees are up to while they’re on the job. Think of it as a tool to make sure everyone’s doing their best work, following the rules, and keeping things safe and smooth at work.
Key features of employee monitoring software typically include:
- Activity monitoring
- Screenshots and screen recording
- Keystroke logging
- Time tracking
- Internet usage
- Email and communication monitoring
- File and document tracking
- Geolocation tracking
- Reports and analytics
Important: While employee tracking software can provide valuable insights and enhance productivity, its implementation should be done with care and respect for employees’ privacy and legal rights. Clear communication and transparency about its use are essential to maintain a positive work environment and avoid potential legal issues.
Top Employee Monitoring Software: Comparison Table
| Time Tracker | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 #1 Traqq Best Overall Try for free | ✔ Automated time tracking ✔ Time zone selection ✔ Detailed productivity reports ✔ Screenshots and screen video recordings ✔ Offline time tracking | Limited Integrations | Premium Starter – Free for up to 3 users Premium Teams – $6 per user, per month Enterprise – Custom pricing plan available upon request |
 #2 Hubstaff | Money-back guarantee Location tracking Automated screenshots | No advanced reporting features | Starter – $4.99 per user/month Grow – $7.50 per user/month Team – $10 per user/month Enterprise – custom |
 #3 Toggl | Integrated with Google Calendar Easy data exchange with payroll Detailed productivity reports | Complicated data editing process | Free for up to 5 users Starter – $9 per user/month Premium – $18 per user/month Enterprise – custom |
 #4 Insightful | Free seven-day trial Budget-friendly pricing plans Visible and stealth mode Privacy options | Only Enterprise plan offers 24/7 phone support, Does not work on mobile devices No free version | Employee Monitoring – $8 per user/month Time Tracking – $10 per user/month Automatic Time Mapping – $15 per user/month Enterprise – custom |
 #5 DeskTime | Free and low cost plans Productivity measurements Automatic shift scheduling Offline time tracking | Limited reporting capabilities No keystroke logs | DeskTime Lite – free for 1 user only Pro – $7 per user/month Premium – $10 per user/month Enterprise – $20 per user/month |
 #6 Clockify | Unlimited time with a free plan Built-in communication tools GPS tracking with Pro and Enterprise plans | No shift scheduling No payroll features | Free to start with upgrades available Basic – $3.99 per user/month Standard – $5.49 per user/month Pro – $7.99 per user/month Enterprise – $11.99 per user/month |
 #7 TimeCamp | Automated time tracking Billing and invoicing features Integration with other software | Complicated mobile app Limited features on the free plan | Free Starter – $2.99 per user/month Basic – $5.99 per user/month Pro – $7.99 per user/month |
 #8 ActivTrak | Intuitive interface Free plan for small teams Productivity tracking on project level | No keystroke logs Limited data history storage Five-user minimum on paid plans | Free for up to 3 users Essentials – $10 per user/month (annually) Professional – $17 per user/month (annually) Enterprise – custom |
 #9 Timely | Integration with other productivity tools Automated schedules and timesheets Advanced reporting features | No free plan | Starter – $9 per user/month Premium – $16 per user/month Unlimited – $22 per user/month |
Best Employee Monitoring Software
1. Traqq: Best Time Tracking for Remote Teams
Traqq is a standout choice for remote teams seeking the best time tracking solution. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Traqq simplifies the process of monitoring and managing work hours. It’s designed to boost productivity and accountability, making it an ideal tool for distanced work environments. Traqq offers real-time tracking, comprehensive reports, and is flexible when it comes to selecting a working time zone. Traqq is also a budget-friendly alternative compared to other monitoring software solutions and free to use for small teams of under three people with full functionality.
Pros
- Automated time tracking
- Time zone selection
- Detailed productivity reports
- Screenshots and screen video recordings
- Offline time tracking
Cons
- Limited integrations
Pricing:
- Free for small teams (up to 3 people), full functionality
- $6 per user/month (up to 100 people)
- Enterprise – custom
2. Hubstaff: Best for Efficient Time Tracking
Hubstaff offers a comprehensive set of features, including online timesheets, time tracking, scheduling, and reporting. Timesheets combine tracking, billing, and payroll management, providing clarity for both employees and managers. GPS tracking facilitates the monitoring of fleet assets and working hours, especially for organizations with multiple sites. Project management features, real-time snapshots, and integrations further enhance its capabilities. Hubstaff caters to various plans, accommodating a wide range of requirements.
Pros:
- Money-back guarantee (first 60 days of use)
- Location tracking
- Automated screenshots
Cons:
- No advanced reporting features
Pricing:
- Starter – $4.99 per user/month
- Grow – $7.50 per user/month
- Team – $10 per user/month
- Enterprise – custom
3. Toggl Track: Best for Productivity Insights
Toggl Track is a straightforward and user-friendly solution for efficient time tracking. With its intuitive interface, employees can effortlessly monitor and record the time they allocate to various tasks and projects – and employers can see and evaluate the use of reproductive resources.
What sets Toggl apart is its robust reporting capabilities, offering in-depth insights into productivity trends. By generating detailed reports, businesses gain valuable visibility into how their time is utilized, enabling informed decisions and the identification of areas for improvement.
Pros:
- Integrated with Google Calendar
- Easy data exchange with payroll and accounting software
- Detailed productivity reports
Cons:
- Data editing process is slightly complicated
Pricing:
- Free for up to 5 users
- Starter – $9 per user/month
- Premium – $18 per user/month
- Enterprise – custom
4. Insightful: Best for Employee Privacy
Insightful stands are the top choice for ensuring employee privacy. The software boasts a unique dual-mode approach, offering both visible and stealth modes. When employees use their personal devices, Insightful operates in the visible mode, giving individuals greater control over their data exposure. In contrast, when it comes to company-owned devices, businesses have the flexibility to run Insightful in either stealth or visible mode.
Moreover, companies can leverage Insightful capabilities to enhance accountability within their workforce. By sharing comprehensive productivity reports with employees, organizations can foster transparency and encourage responsible usage of resources.
Pros:
- Free seven-day trial
- Budget-friendly pricing plans
- Visible and stealth mode
- Privacy options
Cons:
- Only Enterprise plan offers 24/7 phone support
- Does not work on mobile devices
- No free version
Pricing:
- Employee Monitoring – $8 per user/month
- Time Tracking – $10 per user/month
- Automatic Time Mapping – $15 per user/month
- Enterprise – custom
5. DeskTime: Best for Managing Tasks
In addition to its exceptional employee time tracking capabilities, DeskTime provides a comprehensive suite of task management features. These include a calendar, document tracking, URL and app monitoring, estimated project cost calculation, project tracking, and detailed project reporting.
What makes DeskTime even more appealing is its affordability. The basic paid plan starts at just $7 per month per user and does not impose a minimum user requirement.
DeskTime is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking comprehensive project management and project time tracking tools within their employee monitoring software suite.
Pros:
- Free and low cost plans
- Productivity measurements
- Automatic shift scheduling
- Offline time tracking
Cons:
- Limited reporting capabilities
- No keystroke logs
Pricing:
- DeskTime Lite – free for 1 user only
- Pro – $7 per user/month
- Premium – $10 per user/month
- Enterprise – $20 per user/month
6. Clockify: Best for Small Businesses With Growing Teams
Clockify is a powerful, no-cost time tracking solution brimming with robust features. Its strength lies in its unlimited user and project capabilities, making it especially advantageous for small businesses experiencing expansion in their team size. With Clockify’s intuitive user interface, seamless integration options with various tools, and adaptable reporting features, it stands out as an exceptionally versatile choice for businesses seeking an effective time tracking solution.
Clockify not only empowers businesses to monitor their time efficiently but also offers the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving requirements and integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.
Pros:
- Unlimited time with a free plan
- Built-in communication tools
- GPS tracking with Pro and Enterprise plans
Cons:
- No shift scheduling
- No payroll features
Pricing:
- Free to start with upgrades available
- Basic – $3.99 per user/month
- Standard – $5.49 per user/month
- Pro – $7.99 per user/month
- Enterprise – $11.99 per user/month
7. TimeCamp: Best for Project Management
TimeCamp is a comprehensive solution that encompasses extensive time tracking and robust project management features. Its multifaceted capabilities go beyond mere time tracking, making it an excellent choice for small businesses seeking a unified platform to efficiently manage both tasks and time.
One of TimeCamp’s notable strengths lies in its seamless integration with a wide array of tools and software, bolstering workflow efficiency. By effortlessly integrating with popular productivity and project management tools, TimeCamp streamlines data sharing and simplifies task coordination, facilitating a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Pros:
- Automated time tracking
- Billing and invoicing features
- Integration with other software
Cons:
- Complicated mobile app
- Limited features on the free plan
Pricing:
- Free
- Starter – $2.99 per user/month
- Basic – $5.99 per user/month
- Pro – $7.99 per user/month
8. ActivTrak: Best for Improving Efficiency
ActivTrak operates as a transparent tracking solution, providing an insightful overview of employees’ work patterns, including their working hours and engagement levels. Its suite of productivity tools focuses on enhancing worker efficiency by meticulously tracking the balance between productive and idle behaviors, utilizing indicators such as mouse movements, keyboard activity, and website usage.
ActivTrak offers a generous free plan, setting it apart from the majority of software platforms. This free plan encompasses a wide range of essential features, including detailed reports on top categories, website usage, user activity, productivity insights, and application usage.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Free plan for small teams
- Productivity tracking on project level
Cons:
- No keystroke logs
- Limited data history storage
- Five-user minimum on paid plans
Pricing:
- Free for up to 3 users
- Essentials – $10 per user/month, billed annually
- Professional – $17 per user/month, billed annually
- Enterprise – custom
9. Timely: Best for Time Management
Timely simplifies the often complex task of time tracking, offering a seamless experience that eliminates the need for manual input. One of its standout features is its automatic task creation, which means you no longer have to painstakingly enter each task manually. This intelligent system streamlines your workflow by intuitively recognizing your activities and turning them into trackable tasks.
Moreover, Timely goes beyond basic time tracking by providing valuable insights into your time utilization. It analyzes your work patterns to identify which tasks consume the most time and helps you pinpoint periods when your resources are most available for optimal scheduling and task allocation. This data-driven approach empowers you to make informed decisions about resource allocation and project management.
Pros:
- Integration with other productivity tools
- Automated schedules and timesheets
- Advanced reporting features
Cons:
- No free plan
Pricing:
- Starter – $9 per user/month
- Premium – $16 per user/month
- Unlimited – $22 per user/month
10. Work Examiner/Controlio: Best for Web Usage Control
Work Examiner/Controlio serves three primary purposes: web usage control, surveillance, and work time tracking. This comprehensive platform offers detailed insights into an organization’s web traffic distribution among users, computers, user groups, departments, sites, and website categories. These insights can be broken down by days, dates, and hours, providing a comprehensive view of web activity within the organization.
Work Examiner provides comprehensive web access reports, allowing organizations to gain valuable insights into internet usage patterns. Similar to other platforms, it offers the ability to control and filter which websites employees can access. Moreover, the platform comes with a notification feature that alerts users when specified websites are accessed.
Pros:
- Free 30-day trial
- Stealth monitoring
- Web usage reports
- Fast to set up
Cons:
- Lacks advanced reporting
Pricing:
- Starts at $7.99 per user/month for the WE Controlio plan with the minimum 5 user requirement
Is Employee Monitoring a Good Idea?
Employee monitoring can offer numerous advantages to businesses, including enhanced productivity, improved security, and better compliance. It helps identify inefficiencies in workflows, safeguards sensitive data, and ensures adherence to regulations. In the context of remote work, it assists in managing off-site employees and maintaining accountability. However, the implementation of staff monitoring must be done transparently and ethically. Respecting employee privacy, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining data security are paramount. Clear communication and a balanced approach that prioritizes both organizational interests and employee well-being are essential for effective and ethical practices.
Choosing Employee Monitoring Software: What To Consider
Choosing the right employee monitoring software is a critical decision for any organization. Here are key factors to consider when making your selection:
- Start by defining the specific goals and objectives for implementing monitoring software. Determine whether your primary focus is on productivity improvement, security, compliance, or a combination of these factors.
- Consider how transparent the software allows you to be with your employees. Transparent monitoring, where employees are aware of the tracking, can foster trust and reduce resistance.
- Evaluate the features offered by the software. Look for functionalities that align with your goals, such as time tracking, website blocking, activity monitoring, and reporting capabilities.
- Consider whether the software allows you to tailor monitoring to your organization’s unique needs. Customization options can help you focus on what matters most to your business.
- Ensure that the software complies with data privacy laws and safeguards sensitive information. Data security should be a top priority to prevent breaches.
- User-friendliness is crucial for both administrators and employees. Complex software may require extensive training and lead to frustration.
- If your organization uses other tools or software, check if the monitoring software integrates seamlessly with them. Integration can streamline processes and provide a more comprehensive view of employee activities.
- Consider whether the software can grow with your organization. It should accommodate the changing needs of your business as it expands.
- Understand the pricing model and ensure it aligns with your budget. Be aware of hidden costs, such as additional fees for more users or advanced features.
Conclusion
Selecting the best employee monitoring software is a crucial decision for organizations aiming to enhance productivity, security, and compliance while respecting employee privacy. By carefully considering factors such as transparency, features, customization, data privacy, ease of use, and legal compliance, businesses can make an informed choice that aligns with their unique needs and objectives. Prioritizing both organizational interests and employee well-being will lead to a monitoring solution that contributes positively to the workplace environment.
FAQ
What Is the Best Way to Monitor Your Employees’ Progress?
The best way to monitor your employees’ progress depends on your specific goals and the nature of your business. Effective monitoring often involves a combination of methods, including regular communication, setting clear goals and expectations, using performance metrics and KPIs, and utilizing employee monitoring software when appropriate. It’s important to strike a balance between monitoring and respecting employee privacy to create a productive and positive work environment.
How to Detect Employee Monitoring Software?
Detecting employee monitoring software can be challenging, as it is designed to operate discreetly. However, some signs may include increased computer resource usage, unexpected system slowdowns, unfamiliar software processes running in the background, or notifications from security software. If you suspect monitoring, it’s best to consult your IT department or management for clarification.
What Are the Benefits of Using Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee monitoring software offers several benefits, including improved productivity, enhanced security, better compliance with regulations, and more efficient resource allocation. It can help identify areas for performance improvement, prevent data breaches, and provide valuable insights into employee activities. However, it must be implemented transparently and ethically to balance these benefits with employee privacy and morale.
What Is Key Logging?
Keylogging is a method employed by some monitoring software to record every keystroke made on a computer or device. This includes capturing text input, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. While keylogging can be useful for security and tracking purposes, it also raises significant privacy concerns. It should only be used with strict adherence to legal and ethical standards and for legitimate purposes, such as cybersecurity and compliance monitoring.
