The 7 Best Workforce Time Clocks for 2025

Looking for a workforce time clock for your construction business? We’ve reviewed 7 of the best workforce tracking apps to help you!

Office workers standing in front of stylized workforce time clock apps.
FAQs
What is a workforce time clock?

A workforce time clock is a system or device that organizations use to track employees’ working hours, manage timekeeping, and ensure payroll accuracy. It allows employees to log in and out of work, track breaks and overtime, and generate reports. It records the start and end times of employees’ work hours. Time clocks can be physical devices, cloud-based software, on-premise software, mobile applications, or landline telephone-based systems. They track when employees start and end their shifts as they “punch in” and “punch out”.

The primary function of a time clock is to track the total time that hourly employees work to calculate their wages for a pay period. Modern digital time clocks can record time data electronically and integrate with time and attendance software, providing a more streamlined and automated approach to time tracking.

What features should a good workforce time clock include?

A good workforce time clock should include features that ensure accuracy, reliability, and ease of use for both employees and managers. Essential features include:

  • Multiple Clock-In: Options such as biometric scanning, proximity cards, PIN codes, mobile apps, ID badges, fingerprint or facial scans, and web login accommodate different work environments and employee roles.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Provides managers and supervisors with immediate access to attendance data for quick decision-making and alerts for anomalies like late arrivals or early departures.
  • Payroll Integration: Integrates with payroll systems to streamline employee payments by quickly exporting payroll files.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Generates detailed reports for analyzing work patterns, productivity, and labor costs.
  • Audit Trails: Maintains logs of all time data changes to ensure accountability and build trust among employees.
  • Geofencing: Ensures employees clock in from approved locations by setting specific clock-in locations.
  • Leave Tracking: Manages PTO and vacation time, allowing employees to submit requests and managers to monitor attendance.
  • Scheduling: Enables managers to set shift schedules, manage overtime rules, and assign tasks to employees.
  • Wi-Fi Enabled: Allows for wireless connectivity and real-time data transmission.
  • Automatic Verification: Efficiently clocks employees in and out.
  • Manager Oversight: Allows managers to easily manage and track time for their entire staff.
What’s the best free workforce time clock?
  • Workyard: Workyard is a time tracking and job costing app specifically designed for the construction industry.
    • Key Features: GPS tracking, time tracking, job costing, project management, and integration with accounting software.
    • Pros: Focused on the construction industry’s needs.
    • Cons: Free plan limitations (likely limited users or features, check current offerings). Not ideal for businesses outside of the construction sector.
  • Connecteam Connecteam is an all-in-one online employee time clock that allows you to track your team’s work hours and manage timesheets. It is suitable for both large organizations and small businesses with frontline and non-desk employees. Connecteam offers a free plan for businesses with up to 10 employees.
    • Key Features: Time clock chat, automated payroll processing, and breadcrumbs GPS to track employees’ general whereabouts.
    • Pros: Affordable for any size business, excellent customer service, ready to use in less than 15 minutes, and a free plan for up to 10 users.
    • Cons: Needs internet or Wi-Fi access to work.
  • Homebase Homebase is designed specifically for hourly teams and small businesses. It allows you to track hours, breaks, overtime, and paid time off, and stay on top of labor costs. It also integrates with payroll systems like ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks.
    • Features: Employee scheduling tools, hiring and onboarding features, and a team communication app.
    • Pros: Secure, effective, and easy to use. Great for remote or offsite teams.
What workforce time clock does Walmart use?

This information is not publicly disclosed by Walmart. However, Walmart associates can find information about their time off and attendance benefits, including Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leave of Absence (LOA), on the “My Time & Attendance” page.

What are the most popular workforce time clocks?

  • Workyard: This time and attendance software is designed to simplify workforce management for businesses of all sizes, especially those in construction and field services. It offers GPS tracking, automated time logging, and compliance tools. Key features include GPS-verified time tracking, automated clock-ins and clock-outs using geofencing, and real-time attendance monitoring. Workyard integrates with QuickBooks and Gusto.
  • Connecteam: An all-in-one online employee time clock that allows you to track your team’s work hours and manage accurate timesheets. It offers a free plan for businesses with up to 10 employees.
  • Buddy Punch: Online time clock software with time-tracking and attendance tools, scheduling, timesheet management, and payroll integration. It offers flexible punch options, including 4-digit PINs, QR codes, facial recognition, and passwords.
  • Clockify: Time clock software serving various industries, including construction, startups, law firms, accounting, and non-profits. Its time clock tracks employees’ hours across projects and locations, and it can monitor and calculate billable hours and labor costs for payroll.
  • Jibble: Time tracking software for various industries, including construction, healthcare, education, hospitality, consulting, and remote teams. It offers tools for monitoring attendance for online and remote teams and automates attendance management, keeping track of overtime and breaks. Jibble is free for unlimited users.
  • Homebase: Primarily a general HR and employee management app for small businesses, offering tools for scheduling, time-tracking, attendance, and task management. Its time clock app tracks time across projects and locations via GPS.
Find out why more contractors trust Workyard for workforce time tracking.
See how it works
Track your team’s work hours in the field with Workyard’s all-in-one tool!