When you’re stretched to keep on top of things at work, the last thing you need is to be stressing over managing timesheets.
Although it sounds like a simple thing to manage, it can often be another task that drags on and makes the day even longer. Especially when you’re lacking in time; timesheets can quickly turn into a hassle.
Never fear – there are plenty of ways to turn timesheets from foe to friend. In fact, their main purpose is to help you keep organised whilst on the job, which is why we’ve compiled a list of a few tips to help you manage them.
Here are the 5 tips for managing timesheets:
1. Don’t over complicate things
Finding a system that suits you and your team is key to removing the added pressure of timesheets. No one wants to spend hours completing something that could be over and done with in 10 minutes or less.
The simpler, the better.
Put in the ground work to find a time management software of system that works for you. As long as it’s straight-forward and easy to understand, a lot of time can be saved and allocated to completions of other tasks, so that both you and your employees are getting the most out of your day.
2. Show employees how they benefit
Nothing is worse than having to chase up your team over timesheets, so in the very beginning, it’s important to get your team on the same page about how timesheets can add value to their day.
Without beating around the bush, let your employees know the importance – it’s how they get paid for the work that they do. Making this clear to your team will help in the long-run, and their co-operation will only make your life easier.
Having a simple system in place will make your team more enthusiastic towards the idea of timesheets.
3. Use technology wisely with automation
Why complete a tedious job when it can be done for you? Using automation to your advantage will not only help give you that little bit of extra time to complete a job, but will also help you keep on top of everything.
Mistakes can be made with piles of paperwork that make little to no sense. Cutting it down to a minimal amount, with the guidance of technology can really help.
The NextMinute app helps you track hours and capture time whenever, wherever – all through the phone in your pocket.
4. Make sure you have a process in place
Many employees may find they are a little lost on when, where and how they should complete their timesheets.
Having a clear process in place to guide your employees will help keep things ticking over. If you need their time sheets clocked in every day, set a regular time to do this. If it’s a weekly process, make sure that’s understood clearly too.
Checking in with your employees to make sure they have all of the tools and knowledge to use your timesheet software is important too – put aside the time for appropriate training. This way, when it comes to logging work, it won’t seem like an insurmountable task.
Trade work is no doubt a hands-on profession, and as you’ll know, there’s always work to be done. A simple system will make it easier for both you and your team to follow up on timesheets.
5. Stay organised
If you’re your own boss or an independent worker, you won’t be a stranger to organisation. Although it may be hard at times to keep on top of everything, timesheets can work for you, and decrease stress rather than add to what’s on your plate.
To keep organised, NextMinute can help with, not only timesheets, but invoicing and quotes as well – making the sometimes difficult jobs a little bit easier. Check out all the bells and whistles now by starting your free trial.
