Paper Timesheets and the impact it has on your business

Discover the downsides of paper timesheets in business. From accuracy and real-time data limitations to security risks and processing costs, explore why transitioning to an electronic timesheet system is the way to go.
Niven Poleman
July 5, 2024
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2 minute read

Paper timesheets have long been a staple and crutch in the world of business.

Paper timesheets have long been a staple in the world of business. They provide a simple and straightforward way for employees to record the hours they have worked and for managers to keep track of employee hours and payroll. However, despite their simplicity, paper timesheets can also create a number of issues that can make them less than ideal for many organizations.

Accuracy

One of the biggest issues with paper timesheets is the lack of accuracy. Because paper timesheets rely on manual data entry, there is a greater chance for errors to occur. This can result in inaccuracies in employee hours, which can lead to inaccuracies in payroll and other financial reports. Additionally, paper timesheets can be easily lost or misplaced, which can further exacerbate the problem of inaccurate data.

No real-time data

Another issue with paper timesheets is the lack of real-time data. With paper timesheets, managers must wait until the end of the pay period to see how many hours employees have worked. This can make it difficult to keep track of employee hours in real-time and make it harder to make adjustments as needed.

Lack of security

Another issue with paper timesheets is the lack of security. Paper timesheets are often stored in unlocked filing cabinets or on desks, which can make them vulnerable to theft or loss. This can put sensitive employee and company information at risk.

Finally, paper timesheets can be time-consuming and costly to process.

Managers must manually enter data from the timesheets into payroll and other financial systems, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This can lead to increased costs for the organization.

In conclusion, paper timesheets may seem like a simple and straightforward solution for recording employee hours, but they can create a number of issues that can be detrimental to organizations. Employers may consider using an electronic timesheet system, which can provide real-time data, accurate data, security, and automation for processing. This can save time, money, and improve the overall efficiency of the organization.

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