15 Best Time Tracking Software for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

15 Best Time Tracking Software for 2025 Table of Contents

1. Time Tracking Software Statistics 2. Time Tracking Software Trends 3. How does time tracking Software ensure data security and privacy?

List of Time Tracking Software

Time Tracking Software Statistics

Time is an invaluable resource. It is the cornerstone of productivity and success. When skillfully managed, it propels businesses forward, empowers individuals, and drives goal attainment. This is why the advancement of time tracking software has helped individuals and teams redefine their approach, shifting from mere hour-counting to optimizing tasks and improving efficiency.

Most employees around the world clock in an average of 40 hours each week (Wisevoter, n.d.). However, the real value of those hours lies not just in the quantity but in how effectively they are accounted for. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur seeking to utilize your daily routine or a manager overseeing a department’s performance, our team’s recommendations will provide you with the tools needed to make every moment count.

In this guide, our experts at Research.com suggest the premiere time tracking software to help you maximize the full potential of your time. We also discuss relevant data and trends about this software to help you make more strategic decisions in the workplace.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we work. From work scheduling software to learning management systems, the digital transformation of the workplace has accelerated at an unprecedented pace. To understand the impact of time tracking software in a post-pandemic era, it is best to examine the following industry and workplace statistics.

Only four hours and 12 minutes of actual work occur in an eight-hour workday (Morris, 2023).
Internet browsing and social media engagement occupy 47% and 45% of work time respectively (Morris, 2023).
A global study revealed that 87% of workers reported productivity during work hours, yet 85% of leaders expressed concerns about hybrid work’s impact on their confidence in employee productivity (Microsoft, 2022).
As of August 2023, U.S. private nonfarm employees spent an average of 34.4 working hours each week (Statista, 2023).
Annually, an OECD worker accumulates 1,752 work hours, slightly below the U.S.’s 1,811 hours. Meanwhile, Canada logs 1,686 hours (OECD Data, 2022).
European employees enjoy shorter workweeks, with EU countries averaging 1,571 hours yearly. The U.K. works 1,532 hours, France 1,511, and Germany the least at 1,341 (OECD Data, 2022).
Regarding hybrid work preferences, 29% preferred two onsite days, 22% favored three in-person days, and 19% chose one-day face-to-face attendance (Harter et al., 2022).
In 2023, 61% of Gen Zs and 55% of Millennials, a growing workforce segment, embraced hybrid or remote work for improved work-life balance, savings, and productivity (Deloitte, 2023).

In organizations that employ time tracking technology, leaders may find themselves scrutinizing employees’ actions rather than evaluating the impact of their work. As a result, employees may not find a clear purpose for tracking. Furthermore, it may engage “productivity theater" where employees perform unnecessary activities to appear busy without actually accomplishing meaningful work. This could instill productivity paranoia, a term coined in Microsoft’s study, where leaders and workers have different perceptions and expectations of what productivity is.

As companies emerge from the pandemic’s aftermath, it is evident that changes in the workplace need to take place. By tracking employee training progress more effectively, researching flexible work schemes from reliable benchmarks, and having open and transparent communication, both leaders and employees can utilize time tracking software and use it to reward great performance and drive creativity.

Time Tracking Software Trends

In 2022, the market value of the time tracking software industry was $2.4 billion ($2,442.5 million). This is projected to reach $11.5 billion ($11,452.6 million) by 2032, with a CAGR of 16.7% between 2023 to 2032 (Market Research Future, 2023). As the market grows, it is also vital to keep track of some noteworthy trends in the industry to help your team and company stay updated not only to increase work productivity effectively but also to foster better workplaces.

Shorter weekly hours. Looking at the statistics we presented above, companies are slowly starting to consider shorter work hours. In fact, some countries are experimenting with a four-day workweek, with Belgium already implementing this scheme. This shift reflects a growing recognition that employee well-being, work-life balance, and productivity are interconnected and that optimizing time management plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.
Customized analytics. In a world run by data, it is important to have a way to collect and analyze them acccurately. That said, time tracking software that has the ability to create personalized reports and track specific metrics can help company managers to gain deeper insights into their employees’ unique time management needs. When merged with employee engagement software, this can aid in identifying areas ripe for improvement, which companies can then leverage for employee reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
GPS tracking. Many companies, particularly with field employees have begun relying on GPS tracking in order to boost accountability. This also provides a level of precision and control for businesses with mobile or remote workforces. Partnered with small business accounting software, GPS-enabled time tracking apps provide solutions for employee time management, project cost tracking, resource allocation, and financial oversight. However, leaders must proceed with caution and transparency due to privacy and accountability issues.

How does time tracking Software ensure data security and privacy?

Organizations managing sensitive employee data via time tracking software must incorporate robust security measures. Solutions should offer end-to-end encryption, regular vulnerability assessments, and compliance with data protection standards such as GDPR or CCPA. Providers can also enhance secure communications through integrations with trusted platforms, for example, video conferencing software, ensuring information is transmitted safely. Additionally, implementing access control mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and role-based permissions further protects time logs and related insights from unauthorized access. Closely aligning these security practices with overall IT strategies helps businesses maintain data integrity while optimizing time management.

Leveraging Time Tracking for Cross-Team Collaboration and Resource Allocation

While much has been discussed about individual and team productivity, time-tracking software also plays a pivotal role in enhancing cross-team collaboration and resource allocation—a key component in organizations where multiple departments or teams work on interdependent projects.

Enhancing Cross-Team Collaboration

Centralized Visibility Across Teams. Time tracking tools allow managers to see how much time different teams spend on interconnected tasks. For instance, marketing, product development, and customer support teams can align their schedules for campaign launches or product rollouts, ensuring that each phase of the project is completed seamlessly.
Identifying Bottlenecks. Time-tracking software highlights delays in real time, allowing teams to address dependencies quickly. For example, if a marketing team is waiting on creative assets from the design team, the software can signal delays, enabling proactive communication to resolve the issue.
Transparent Reporting. With detailed time logs and reports, teams can easily share updates with stakeholders. This ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing miscommunication and fostering trust among departments.
Shared Task Prioritization. By comparing time spent on shared objectives, teams can prioritize tasks collectively. This helps align efforts and prevents resource misallocation on low-priority tasks.

Optimizing Resource Allocation

Tracking Utilization Rates. Time tracking software provides insights into employee utilization rates, helping managers identify underused resources. For instance, if a particular department has excess capacity, managers can reassign tasks to balance the workload.
Budget Allocation for Projects. Real-time tracking of billable hours across teams ensures accurate budget forecasts. For example, project managers can allocate resources more effectively by monitoring time spent on specific deliverables within the budget framework.
Preventing Overwork Across Teams. With time logs, managers can monitor workloads across teams, ensuring no single group is overburdened while others are underutilized. This prevents burnout and maintains high productivity levels.
Strategic Planning for Future Projects. By analyzing historical time-tracking data, organizations can predict how much effort similar future projects might require. This helps in drafting accurate timelines and avoiding unnecessary delays due to underestimated workloads.

Integrating Project Management and Time Tracking

For seamless collaboration and resource optimization, integrating time tracking tools with project management platforms is crucial. Using tools that rank among what are the most popular project management software, like Asana, Jira, or Trello, ensures that tracked time directly informs project timelines, task prioritization, and resource reallocation.

How can time tracking software support employee wellness and work-life balance?

In today's fast-paced work environment, employee wellness and work-life balance are key to maintaining productivity and job satisfaction. Time tracking software, typically used to improve efficiency and accountability, can also play a pivotal role in supporting employee well-being. Here’s how:

Reduced Burnout through Monitoring Workloads: Time tracking software helps employees and managers monitor workloads in real-time. By tracking hours, it’s easier to spot when individuals or teams are working excessive hours, allowing for adjustments and prevention of burnout.
Enhanced Break Scheduling: Many time tracking tools can incorporate reminders and set break times, encouraging employees to step away from work regularly. Frequent, shorter breaks are proven to reduce stress and enhance focus, thus supporting mental well-being.
Improved Flexibility with Remote Work Options: Time tracking allows for flexible work arrangements, making it easier for employees to work from anywhere without feeling micromanaged. This flexibility can significantly enhance work-life balance, especially for remote or hybrid workers.
Insights into Work Patterns for Better Scheduling: Detailed insights into daily, weekly, or monthly work patterns help managers set realistic deadlines and distribute tasks evenly, reducing pressure on individuals. By aligning tasks with employee energy peaks, productivity and well-being are both optimized.
Goal Setting for Personal Productivity: Some platforms allow employees to set personal productivity goals, helping them manage their time better and feel more accomplished without overextending. For instance, employees can use these features to focus on completing meaningful tasks within their optimal work hours.
Reduced 'Productivity Paranoia': Transparency through time tracking can bridge the perception gap between managers and remote employees. When both parties have a clear view of productivity data, there’s less pressure to engage in “productivity theater” — unnecessary activities meant to appear productive — and more focus on meaningful output.

Create Healthy Workspaces with Time Tracking Software

In this guide, our team provided a list of top-notch time tracking software to help individuals, teams, and companies manage their time well. Whether you are looking to streamline project management, improve productivity, or simply clock in employee attendance, any of the products in our list offer diverse features and functionalities tailored to meet your needs.

However, keep in mind that team members, including yourself, are not merely cogs in a machine and that every employee’s work style is different. By capitalizing on self-growth and development, fostering open communication, and designing flexible work schedules together, you can cultivate a healthy work environment that nurtures both productivity and well-being.

Key Insights

Limited Productive Hours: On average, only four hours and 12 minutes of actual work occur in an eight-hour workday, highlighting the need for effective time management solutions to maximize productivity.
Work Distractions: Internet browsing and social media engagement occupy significant portions of work time, with 47% and 45% respectively, underscoring the importance of time tracking software to minimize distractions.
Hybrid Work Concerns: Despite 87% of workers reporting productivity during work hours, 85% of leaders are concerned about the impact of hybrid work on productivity, indicating a disparity between employee self-assessment and managerial perception.
Work Hour Statistics: U.S. private nonfarm employees average 34.4 working hours per week, while European employees work fewer hours annually compared to their American counterparts, suggesting varying work cultures and practices.
Hybrid Work Preferences: A significant portion of the workforce, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, prefers hybrid or remote work for better work-life balance, with 61% of Gen Zs and 55% of Millennials embracing these flexible work arrangements.
Productivity Theater and Paranoia: Time tracking can sometimes lead to "productivity theater," where employees perform unnecessary activities to appear busy, and "productivity paranoia," where leaders and workers have different perceptions of productivity.
Market Growth: The time tracking software market, valued at $2.4 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $11.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.7%, driven by the increasing need for efficient time management solutions.
Trends in Time Management: Notable trends include shorter work weeks, customized analytics, and GPS tracking, which are shaping the future of time management and workplace efficiency.

FAQ

What is time tracking software?

Time tracking software is a tool designed to help individuals and organizations monitor and manage the amount of time spent on tasks, projects, and activities to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Why is time tracking important for businesses?

Time tracking is important for businesses as it helps optimize task management, improve accountability, identify productivity bottlenecks, and ensure accurate billing and payroll processing.

How does time tracking software improve productivity?

Time tracking software improves productivity by providing insights into how time is spent, identifying areas of inefficiency, minimizing distractions, and enabling better planning and allocation of resources.

What are some common features of time tracking software?

Common features include automatic time recording, manual time entry, project and task tracking, reporting and analytics, integration with other tools, and mobile accessibility.

How does hybrid work impact productivity and time tracking?

Hybrid work can impact productivity by introducing challenges such as distractions at home and differing perceptions of productivity between employees and managers. Time tracking software helps mitigate these issues by providing transparency and accountability.

What are the benefits of using customized analytics in time tracking software?

Customized analytics allow businesses to generate personalized reports, track specific metrics, gain deeper insights into employee time management, and identify areas for improvement.

How does GPS tracking enhance time management for field employees?

GPS tracking enhances time management for field employees by providing precise location data, ensuring accountability, and facilitating accurate tracking of time spent on various tasks and projects.

What is "productivity theater," and how can it be avoided?

Productivity theater refers to employees performing unnecessary activities to appear busy. It can be avoided by focusing on the impact of work rather than mere activity, setting clear goals, and using time tracking software to monitor actual productivity.

Why are shorter work weeks becoming a trend, and what are their benefits?

Shorter work weeks are becoming a trend as they promote better work-life balance, reduce burnout, and improve overall productivity. They reflect a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of employee well-being and productivity.

What should businesses consider when choosing time tracking software?

Businesses should consider features such as ease of use, integration with existing tools, reporting capabilities, mobile accessibility, pricing, and the ability to customize and scale the software according to their specific needs.

References:

Deloitte. (2023). 2023 Gen Z and Millennial survey waves of change: Acknowledging progress, confronting setbacks. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/genzmillennialsurvey.html
Harter, J., Wigert, B. & Agrawal, S. (2022, November 7). Coordinating hybrid work schedules 5 important findings. Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/401738/coordinating-hybrid-work-schedules-5-important-findings.aspx
Microsoft. (2022, September 22). Hybrid work is just work. Are we doing it wrong? Work Trend Index. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/hybrid-work-is-just-work
Morris, K. (2023, January 23). Here’s how many hours workers are actually productive (and what they’re doing instead. Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/average-productive-hours-per-day
OECD Data (2022). Hours worked: Total, hours/worker, 2022 or latest available [Interactive data]. https://data.oecd.org/emp/hours-worked.htm
Statista. (2023, September). Monthly length of the average working week of all employees in the United States from August 2021 to August 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/215643/average-weekly-working-hours-of-all-employees-in-the-us-by-month
Wisevoter. (n.d.). Average workweek by country. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://wisevoter.com/country-rankings/average-workweek-by-country

AUG 6, 2025

15 Best Time Tracking Software for 2025

List of Time Tracking Software

monday

ConnectWise PSA

Wrike

Connecteam

ClickUp

Zoho Projects

elapseit

When I Work

Celoxis

Insightful

Paylocity

actiTIME

ClickTime

Harvest

Time Champ

Superworks

Traqq

Agendrix

Hive

uAttend

Tick

Workday HCM