Harvest
Time Tracking
Sign up free

What Is Time Tracking

Harvest is a time tracking tool that increases productivity by up to 25%, ensuring accurate billing and reducing revenue loss from untracked hours.

Try Harvest Free

How much revenue is your team leaving on the table?

Most agencies run at 55-60% utilization. Even a small improvement means significant revenue. See what closing the gap looks like for your team.

Number of people who track billable time
$
Blended rate across roles (junior, senior, lead)
55%
Percentage of total hours that are billable. Industry average is 55-60%.
75%
A realistic target for service businesses is 70-80%.
Monthly revenue gap $0
Revenue at current utilization $0/mo
Revenue at target utilization $0/mo
Extra billable hours needed per person/day 0h
Annual revenue opportunity $0

Start tracking team utilization

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
Acme Corp
Website Redesign
Homepage layout revisions
1:24:09
Content Strategy
Blog calendar planning
1:30:00
SEO Audit
Technical audit report
0:45:00
Brand Guidelines
Color system documentation
2:15:00
Logo Concepts
Initial sketches round 1
1:00:00
Today's total 6:54:09

Understanding Time Tracking: The Foundation of Efficient Work

Time tracking is the systematic process of recording the hours spent on various tasks and projects, essential for both individuals and teams aiming to enhance productivity and financial accuracy. It involves logging work hours, approving tracked time entries, and generating reports for payroll and billing purposes. Although many businesses still rely on manual methods like paper timesheets and punch cards, which are 80% inaccurate, automated solutions have become increasingly popular, with 73% of businesses reporting satisfaction with these tools. Automated time tracking, such as the comprehensive features offered by Harvest, can significantly reduce calculation time and improve accuracy, thus fostering a more efficient work environment.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Time Tracking

Time tracking offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere record-keeping. It enhances productivity by identifying work patterns and time drains, with users experiencing a 25% average increase in productivity. Moreover, Harvest helps businesses prevent revenue loss due to unrecorded work activities, which cost the U.S. economy $7.4 billion daily. For project-based work, accurate time tracking ensures that project budgets are adhered to, and deadlines are realistic. Furthermore, it increases accountability and transparency within teams, as 70% of employees using mobile time tracking apps report feeling more accountable, leading to improved performance.

Implementing Effective Time Tracking: Best Practices for Success

Successful time tracking hinges on choosing the right tools and cultivating good habits. Automated systems like Harvest are preferred due to their user-friendly interfaces and ability to automate repetitive tasks, thus reducing manual effort and errors. Best practices include logging time immediately using one-click start/stop timers, which Harvest offers, and categorizing tasks consistently to ensure data accuracy. Regularly reviewing and analyzing time data can uncover inefficiencies and guide strategic decisions. Effective communication about time tracking practices and fostering a culture of transparency are crucial for team buy-in and success.

Time Tracking and Compliance: Navigating Legal Requirements

Compliance with time tracking regulations is crucial for businesses to avoid legal pitfalls. In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to maintain detailed records of work hours for at least three years, with some states imposing stricter requirements. Similarly, the EU mandates accurate record-keeping of employee work hours, reflecting a growing trend toward stringent time tracking laws worldwide. Harvest facilitates compliance by offering detailed reporting capabilities that align with these requirements, ensuring that businesses can meet legal obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.

What Is Time Tracking with Harvest

Explore how Harvest's time tracking enhances productivity and billing accuracy, showcasing project entries and reports.

Harvest time tracking interface, showing project and task time entries.

What Is Time Tracking FAQs

  • Time tracking is the process of recording the time spent on tasks or projects, often using tools to log hours and generate reports. It helps monitor productivity and manage workloads effectively.

  • Time tracking improves productivity by 25% and enhances billing accuracy. It helps identify inefficiencies and streamline operations, leading to increased profitability.

  • Time tracking reveals work patterns and time drains, fostering focus and accountability. Users of time-tracking tools typically see a 25% productivity boost.

  • Methods include manual entry with spreadsheets or automated tools like Harvest, which offers start/stop timers and detailed reporting for accurate time management.

  • Accurate time tracking ensures that all billable hours are recorded and invoiced correctly, preventing revenue loss and ensuring fair compensation.

  • Harvest integrates seamlessly with tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira, allowing users to track time within their existing project management workflows.

  • Yes, Harvest allows you to track expenses with receipt capture, ensuring comprehensive project cost tracking and budget management.