A time sheet can help you keep track of the number of hours your employees and independent contractors work. Depending on your business model and needs, it can be filled out by you as the employer or your employees themselves. If you’d like to use time sheets for your small business, you’re in luck because we’ve included several free time sheet templates below.
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Free Downloadable Time Sheet Templates
The ideal time sheet template depends on how often you pay your employees. We’ve designed four options to meet various pay schedules. Feel free to download the one you’d like so you can customize it and put it to work.
Daily Time Sheet Template
With a daily time sheet template, your employees can log their time at the start and end of each workday. If they’re off-site at an event or training session, for example, this time sheet may come in handy.
Download Daily Time Sheet Template-Forbes
Weekly Time Sheet Template
A weekly time sheet lets you keep tabs on how much your employees work on a weekly basis. It makes sense if you pay them every week as it can help you calculate their hours, overtime, PTO and wages.
Download Weekly Time Sheet Template-Forbes
Biweekly Time Sheet Template
If you pay your employees every other week, a biweekly time sheet is likely the best option for you. Your employees can use it to jot down all of the hours they work so you can pay them accordingly.
Download Bi-Weekly Time Sheet Template-Forbes
Monthly Time Sheet Template
A monthly time sheet is a good fit if you calculate wages or pay your employees once per month. It can also give you the chance to analyze work patterns over a longer period of time and make any appropriate changes.
Pros and Cons of Using a Time Sheet Template
Before you go ahead and implement a time sheet template, consider these benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Cost-Efficient: A time sheet template is usually free to download and use so you don’t have to make any large investments. This is great news if you’re a startup or small business with limited funds.
- Simple Reporting: With a time sheet template, you’ll find it easier to generate various financial reports. These may be employee logged hour reports and/or payroll reports.
- Easy To Use: A time sheet template is straightforward. Therefore, there shouldn’t be a huge learning curve for employees who use them.
- Payroll Support: It can be difficult to remember how many hours each employee works, especially as your workforce grows. A time sheet template is a great way to solve this issue and pay your employees correctly.
- Compliance: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all businesses track time for their hourly employees. A time sheet template can help you do just that.
Cons
- Time-Consuming: It can take time for employees to fill out a time sheet template and for you to approve it. You might notice a drop in productivity as a result.
- Potential Input Errors: A time sheet template requires employees to track their hours manually. This can lead to errors and inaccuracies.
- Decreased Employee Morale: Some employees may feel like they’re being spied on if you require them to use a time sheet template. That’s why it’s up to you to communicate the purpose of it and how it can benefit them.
- Hard To Scale: If you only have a few employees, a time sheet template might be worthwhile. However, as you grow and hire more workers, you might be better off with a more robust time tracking solution.
Additional Time Tracking Methods
While a manual time sheet is a cost-effective, simple way to track the time employees work, it’s not right for everyone. Here are a few alternative time tracking methods you might want to explore.
- Time Tracking Software: Time tracking software can allow you to automate your employees’ hours and determine billable as well as non-billable hours. Most time tracking software is compatible on desktop and mobile devices. Since there are many time tracking software on the market, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare your options.
- Time Clocks: If your employees work in one or a few places, you might want to install time clocks so they can clock in and clock out. This may be a good choice if you work in an industry in which employees don’t have regular access to desktop and mobile devices. Depending on the time clock kiosk or station you choose, you may be able to automatically integrate employee hours into your payroll system.
- GPS Clock-Ins: GPS clock-ins should be on your radar if your employees travel often. Geo-fencing or GPS tracking apps can inform you of where your employees are working and when they’re working. GPS clock-ins can also be integrated into your payroll software.
Featured Partners
1
Connecteam
Up to 10
Available
Yes
2
Acuity
7 days
Save 20% on Annual Plans
Yes
3
ClockShark
Yes
Included
GPS verification
4
Homebase
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bottom Line
Tracking employee hours can help you improve performance, compliance, payroll processing and work culture. If you do decide to take advantage of a free time sheet template, be sure to choose the right one for your pay frequency and needs. Also, don’t be afraid to explore other time tracking solutions as your business evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I keep track of my employees' time?
The best way to keep track of employees’ time—and ensure staff remains productive—is through an employee time-tracking app. Some of the best time-tracking apps available include Clockify, ClockShark, Paymo and QuickBooks Time.
Who should use manual time sheets?
A manual time sheet is ideal if your small business only has a few employees. As you grow, you might want to explore time sheet software and automate your time tracking process. Learn more about how to do payroll.
What is time sheet software?
Also called a time clock calculator, time card calculator or work hours calculator, time sheet software lets you create timesheets or time clocks so you can keep track of your employees’ hours. It may also help you streamline payroll. For help choosing the best software to help you easily manage and track your employee’s time, check out our guide to the best time tracking software.
What are the best payroll services?
There are a number of great payroll services available that can help businesses save a tremendous amount of time (and stress) by handling payroll on your behalf. While OnPay is the best overall, Gusto is the best for automating payroll making it easy to essentially “set it and forget it.” Meanwhile, Paychex Flex is best for beginners given its ease of use and Wave Payroll is best for small businesses and contractors. Learn more about the best payroll services.
