Harvest
Time Tracking
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Timesheet

Harvest simplifies timesheet management with project-based tracking and mobile access, addressing common errors that cost businesses billions annually.

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How many hours did you work this week?

Enter your clock-in and clock-out times for each day. The calculator handles breaks, overtime, and weekly totals automatically.

Day Clock In Clock Out Break Hours
Total hours this week 0h
Regular hours (≤40) 0h
Overtime hours 0h
Average hours/day 0h
Total break time 0h

Track time automatically with Harvest

Walk through the entire flow below. Start a timer, check your reports, and create a real invoice — all in three clicks.

Go ahead — start tracking!

One click and you're timing. Try it right here: start a timer, add an entry, edit the details. This is exactly how it feels in Harvest.

  • One-click timer from browser, desktop & mobile
  • Works inside Jira, Asana, Trello, GitHub & 50+ tools
  • Duration or start/end — your call
  • Day, week & calendar views to stay on top of it all
  • Friendly reminders so no hour gets left behind
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Understanding the Importance of Timesheets

Timesheets are essential tools used by employers and employees alike to track work hours over specific periods. These records are crucial for ensuring accurate payroll processing, client billing, and project management. In the United States, timesheets hold legal significance as they aid in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which mandates accurate timekeeping for non-exempt employees. Employers must maintain these records for two years, as they form the basis for wage calculations and can protect against disputes.

Despite their importance, timesheet errors are common, with 44% of business owners reporting issues, often due to user mistakes. Approximately 92% of business owners believe that human error, like forgetting to clock in or out, leads to inaccuracies. Such errors can result in significant financial losses, with time theft alone costing U.S. businesses over $11 billion annually. Therefore, adopting reliable timesheet solutions is vital for minimizing errors and ensuring compliance.

Features to Look for in a Timesheet Tool

Choosing the right timesheet tool can significantly enhance time tracking accuracy and efficiency. A user-friendly design is crucial, as it ensures easy logging of work hours, breaks, and task details without added complexity. Mobile accessibility is another critical feature, allowing users to track time on-the-go using devices such as smartphones and tablets. This is especially beneficial for industries with mobile workforces like construction and healthcare.

Automated calculations are invaluable, as they help eliminate manual errors in computing regular and overtime hours. Advanced timesheet tools like Harvest offer integrations with popular platforms such as Asana, Trello, and Slack, expanding their functionality beyond simple time tracking. Additionally, the availability of free templates in formats like Excel and Google Sheets can provide a quick start for those new to digital timekeeping.

Mastering Timesheet Accuracy and Compliance

Accurate timesheet entries are crucial for both payroll integrity and legal compliance. A step-by-step guide can help users fill out timesheets correctly, from logging start and end times to adding notes and obtaining managerial approval. Best practices include using structured digital inputs and automating calculations to reduce errors. Implementing workflows for missed entries and requiring manager reviews can further enhance accuracy.

Compliance with labor laws, such as the FLSA, is essential. This includes adhering to regulations regarding overtime pay and preserving accurate records. Employers should also be mindful of state-specific rules, such as those in California that prohibit time clock rounding. Lastly, protecting employee data is critical, necessitating adherence to data protection laws like GDPR and CCPA to safeguard personal information.

Leveraging Harvest for Effective Timesheet Management

Harvest offers a comprehensive solution for managing timesheets with features designed to enhance accuracy and compliance. With its project-based time tracking, Harvest ensures precise billing by logging time directly to specific projects and tasks. This capability supports businesses in avoiding common errors and optimizing billing processes.

Mobile access is another standout feature of Harvest, allowing users to track time from anywhere using the iPhone or Android app, even offline. This flexibility is crucial for industries with mobile workforces, ensuring that all work hours are accurately captured. Additionally, Harvest supports manual time entry with a supervisor sign-off process, adding a layer of accountability and accuracy to timesheet management.

Streamline Your Timesheet with Harvest

See how Harvest's timesheet tool enables accurate project tracking and mobile access for efficient time management.

Screenshot of Harvest timesheet interface showing project-based tracking.

Timesheet FAQs

  • A timesheet is a record used to track work hours over a specific period. It is crucial for accurate payroll processing, client billing, and project management. Timesheets are considered legal documents under laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the U.S.

  • To use a timesheet, start by logging your start and end times each day, including any breaks. Ensure you record the correct date and project details. Calculate your total hours, noting any overtime, and add relevant notes. Finally, submit for managerial approval.

  • Yes, many timesheet tools, including Harvest, offer mobile apps for iPhone and Android. This allows you to track time on-the-go, ensuring you capture all work hours accurately, even when offline.

  • Look for features like user-friendly design, mobile accessibility, and automated calculations. Integrations with other business systems can enhance functionality, while project/task tracking and reporting provide valuable insights.

  • Harvest integrates with popular tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack, allowing seamless time tracking across platforms. These integrations enhance productivity by linking time entries with project management and communication tools.

  • Yes, there are many free templates available in formats like Excel, Google Sheets, and PDF. These can be a great starting point for businesses new to digital time tracking.

  • Common errors include forgetting to clock in or out and incorrect calculations. To avoid these, use automated tools like Harvest, implement structured digital inputs, and require managerial reviews to ensure accuracy.

  • Under the FLSA, employers must keep accurate time records. Compliance includes adhering to regulations on overtime pay and maintaining records for specified periods. Employers should also follow state-specific rules, such as those prohibiting time clock rounding.

  • Harvest offers project-based time tracking and mobile access, ensuring accurate logging of hours worked. It also provides manual entry options with supervisor sign-off for added accountability, reducing errors and improving compliance.