Track Working Time

Time is a valuable resource, especially if you need to track your work hours. It becomes even more important if you are a freelancer who is paid hourly. You can easily keep track of everything that you do and make sure you're staying on task. Whether you make a spreadsheet or track your time with an app, you can keep a breakdown of all the hours you work!

Steps

Building a Timetable Spreadsheet

1. Use graph paper or a computer program. Draw a table using the squares of your graph paper as guides. Leave enough room for you to write down the names of each task in the columns. If you want to work digitally, you can use a program like Microsoft Excel, Sheets for Mac, or Google Sheets.
2. Make at least 8 columns along the top of your spreadsheet. These columns will track the date, in and out times, the number of hours worked, breaks you've taken, and other specific tasks you do daily. Label each column so your spreadsheet looks neat.
3. Make new rows for separate days. Space your rows so you can fit the number of days you want to track. You may want to track your hours during a specific pay period or for a full month to see which days are the most productive.
   • Make each row at least 5 squares high on paper so you have room to list multiple tasks in the same section.
4. List the date and the day of the week in the first column. Write down the date and the day of the week in the first column to see how much work you do on individual days.
   • On a computer program, you can automate the dates by using the Format menu. Select the cell with the first date, and choose the appropriate date formatting from the Date menu.
5. Use the second and third columns to track time in and time out before lunch. Record the time that you clock into work in the second column right when you arrive. When it's time to take a meal break, note the time you start your break in the third column.
   • Even if your employers offer paid breaks, note the time on your sheet to keep track of how you use your time.
6. Track time in and time out after lunch in the fourth and fifth columns. When you come back from lunch, write down the time you start working again in the fourth column. Continue working until the end of your shift. Before you leave work, put the time you leave in the fifth column.
7. Break down your hours for each task you do in the sixth and seventh columns. Write down the tasks you're doing in the sixth column and the time you spend doing them in the seventh. Put every other task you complete in the same cell directly below the previous task.
   • Make the cells tall enough where you can record multiple tasks in the same box.
   • For example, if you spend 2 ½ hours writing an article, put down “Writing article” in the tasks column and “2.5” in the hours spent column.
   • Use the eighth column to track any other breaks or tasks that you may have taken.
8. Add the total hours you spent on the bottom of your spreadsheet. Calculate the amount of time you spent on your tasks once you've completed your page of the spreadsheet, whether it be after 1 week or 1 month. Write the total hours down to keep track of them.
   • Make separate sections for specific tasks if you want to calculate the time you've spent on them.

Using Timing Apps

1. Download a timer to watch the hours you work. Go to the app store on your phone or computer and look for timekeeping apps. Free apps will have a basic timer and may keep track of specific tasks, but pay-to-use apps may give you more options for tracking specific information. Find an app that works best for your needs.
   • Look under the Productivity section of your app store to find work-tracking apps.
   • Common time-tracking apps include Hours, TimeLogger, and TimeKeeper.
   • Find a program that has smartwatch capabilities if you have one. That way you don't have to constantly check your phone or switch windows.
   • Most phones have a simple timer function if you don't want to download any new apps.
2. Keep the app open on your computer or phone while you work. Don't stay too focused on the timer or else it will distract you from the job you need to get done. Do a solid chunk of work and glance at the clock to see how long you've spent on it.
   • Find a discreet timer that you can put in your top or bottom menu bar so you don't have to keep a window open the whole time.
   • If the program allows it, set notifications to appear on screen every 10 minutes to make sure you stay on track.
   • Give yourself limits on the amount of time you can spend on one task. This will help you develop better time management.
3. Wear a watch or keep a clock in your workspace to accurately log your time. Check the time when you start working on a task and record it on your spreadsheet. Work on your task and write down the time that you finish it. Calculate how much time you've spent doing the task and write it in your spreadsheet.
   • Take short 5-minute breaks every 30-60 minutes while you work if you can. This helps prevent you from getting burnt out. Talk to your employer to see if these breaks are acceptable throughout the day.
4. Log your time accurately. Make sure to stop the timer right when you finish your task, not before or after. Be honest with how much time you spend working on each task so you can become more efficient with how you use your time.

References

See also

• Reduce Everyday Distractions
• Always Be on the Go
• Stay Productive in the Summer
• Be Productive As a Teen
• Be Busy and Productive when You Don't Work
• Productively Use Your Devices
• Be Messy and Productive
• Be Creatively Productive
• Be a Productive Individual
• Stop Procrastinating on the Internet

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