Introduction
Did you know that since 2019, all companies in Spain are required to record their employees’ working hours? This regulation seeks to ensure transparency, prevent abuse, and improve work time management. However, many companies still have questions about how to properly comply with this obligation.
In this article, we’ll explore what employee time tracking is, what current legislation says, and how you can implement it efficiently in your company.
What is employee time tracking?
Employee time tracking is the system by which companies record their employees’ start and end times. This record is mandatory and must be kept available for inspections for a minimum period of four years.
Benefits of time tracking:
Legal compliance: Avoids penalties and ensures that the company complies with current regulations.
Greater transparency: Facilitates the management of overtime and breaks.
Optimization of working time: Improves productivity and task distribution.
Legislation in Spain: What does the time tracking law say?
Since Royal Decree-Law 8/2019 came into force, all companies in Spain are required to record their employees’ working hours, regardless of their contract type.
Company Obligations:
Record each employee’s daily start and end times.
Retain records for a minimum of four years.
Allow employees, unions, and labor inspectors to access the records.
Inform employees about their working hours in a clear and transparent manner.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Companies that do not comply with the regulations may face fines ranging from €626 to €6,250, depending on the severity of the violation.
(Source: Diari de Tarragona)
Timekeeping Methods in Companies
Traditional Time Clock vs. Digital Systems
There are different methods for recording employees’ working hours. Among the most common are:
Manual Recording: Use of paper attendance sheets.
Biometric time clock: Access control via fingerprint or card.
Time tracking software: Digital applications that automate the process.
Manual methods can be prone to errors and fraud. In contrast, digital systems facilitate automation, reduce administrative burden, and ensure greater accuracy.
Digital tools and time tracking software
Using digital platforms like Humand allows companies to automatically record their employees’ hours, ensuring legal compliance and improving time management. It also facilitates integration with other internal processes, such as employee records.
How to implement an effective time tracking system
To comply with regulations and optimize time management in your company, choosing the right time tracking method is essential. Here are some key steps:
Analyze your company’s needs: Consider the size, number of employees, and work modality (in-person, remote, or hybrid).
Evaluate different options: Compare traditional methods and digital solutions.
Choose a reliable platform: Choose tools that comply with regulations and offer integration with other HR processes.
Train your team: Make sure all employees understand how to record their working hours.
Conduct regular audits: Verify that the system is working properly and complies with regulations.
Conclusion
Worker time tracking is a legal requirement in Spain and a key tool for improving HR management. Digitizing this process not only ensures regulatory compliance but also optimizes productivity and transparency in companies.
To facilitate the implementation of an efficient system, it is advisable to use digital solutions that automate recording and improve the experience for both employees and HR managers.
If your company has not yet updated its time tracking system, now is the ideal time to do so. Technology can help you comply with the law and improve the operational efficiency of your team.
