How to Prevent Employees from Cheating Time Trackers: Effective Strategies and Tools
The uncomfortable truth is that many employees have found ways to cheat time trackers. This article presents six popular methods employees use to cheat time trackers and offers effective strategies to mitigate these practices.
Common Methods to Cheat Time Trackers
1. Automating Mouse Movement
One of the most popular techniques involves automating mouse movement. Some employees use battery-operated toys to move the mouse, tricking the software into detecting activity. This can deceive monitoring tools into reporting false productivity.
2. Mouse Jiggling Devices
Mouse jiggling devices are small gadgets plugged into USB ports that cause the cursor to move, mimicking activity. These devices can be easily purchased online, making them accessible for employees to exploit.
3. Software-Based Autoclickers
Software-based autoclickers automate mouse clicks at specific intervals, preventing computers from going idle. Tech-savvy individuals may even use custom scripts or macros to simulate continuous work.
4. Using a Window as a Red Herring
Some employees use a full-screen window to watch videos while keeping a small work-related window open to trick monitoring tools into detecting activity. This method creates an illusion of productivity while engaging in non-work-related activities.
5. Taking Advantage of a Second Monitor
Dual-monitor setups allow employees to engage in non-work-related activities on one screen while keeping work-related apps open on the other. Many monitoring tools fail to capture data from both monitors, creating an opportunity for deception.
6. Timing the Screenshots
Some employees time their activities to coincide with screenshot intervals, pretending to work only when screenshots are captured. After the screenshot, they revert to unproductive tasks.
7. Using Remote Access
Employees may use remote access to engage with a second computer, performing non-work activities while appearing productive to the monitoring tool.
8. Tampering with the Software’s Code
Although challenging, some tech-savvy employees may attempt to tamper with monitoring software code to track specific activities selectively. This requires advanced skills and resources.
Effective Strategies to Mitigate Cheating
To combat these practices and maintain productivity, consider the following strategies:
- Invest in sophisticated time tracking tools like Traqq, which can detect patterns of repetitive or low engagement activity and provide detailed productivity insights.
- Implement monitoring systems that do not rely solely on screenshots but offer visual representations of activity levels.
- Maintain open communication with employees to understand their challenges and offer support rather than micromanagement.
- Opt for ethical monitoring solutions that respect employee privacy and foster trust.
Traqq, for instance, offers military-grade encryption, sophisticated monitoring features, and an anti-cheating algorithm, ensuring accurate activity tracking without being intrusive. The tool is available for free on macOS and Windows, allowing employers to experience its features at no cost.
In your experience, what’s the most “popular” way to fool time tracking software? Share your thoughts below!
