8 ways to get people to fill in timesheets

Getting people to fill in timesheets in a timely and accurate manner is common problem.There may be barriers preventing timesheet compliance at your organisation.Break down these barriers.

Identify the problem. Implement a solution.Common perception problems1. Why fill in timesheets? They don't add value, do they?2. Users don't know how to fill in their timesheet or use their

timesheet system3. The current timesheet process is painful

Why fill in timesheets?Solution 1: Better inductionOutline the reasons that your people to fill in timesheets during your induction programme and supporting documentation.

Solution 2: Better ongoing communicationsMake timesheets part of ongoing company communications. Target weekly newsletters, monthly company overviews, or even the regular footy tipping results email.

They don't know howSolution 3: Simplify the timesheet processReduce the number of time / job codes. Reduce the number of fields. Make sure that your timesheets are easy to understand.

Solution 4: Better documentation and trainingMake certain your timesheet process well documented. Offer training sessions, either in person or using Skype or other online tools.

They don't know how (cont ...)Solution 5: Provide new users with heightened supportProactively reach out to newcomers to your organisation to offer them help to get through their first timesheets submission and approval. Once the pattern is set, it is likely to stick.

The current timesheet process is painfulSolution 6: Upgrade or replace your systems / processesLook for where you might be able to speed up your timesheets process. This can be difficult with manual, spreadsheet, pdf or paper based timesheet systems.

Moving to a Software as a Service (SaaS) timesheet solution can help. Most will make the timesheet process far less painful for employees and contractors because it automates much of the process.

They are human and just forgetSolution 7: Send out regular remindersSend a reminder every week to all people due to submit a timesheet.

Solution 8: Reaching out to tardy submittersAbout a day or two after timesheets are due, pre-emptively reach out to those people who are outstanding.

If these timesheets remain outstanding for an extended period then you may need to escalate the issue.

And if all else fails ...You might consider funny cat meme.

Final thoughtsDon't wait for people to not fill in timesheets. Put these solutions in place now

Don't wait until your business experiences the problem of missing and inaccurate timesheets before you take action. By then, it will have already impacted your business.

Rather, incorporate each of these solutions into the standardised approach that is your timesheets process. Everyone will feel better for it and your business will be a better one.

ThanksSpringtime - really easy online timesheetsSpringtime online timesheets make it easy to for users to track time, managers and clients to approve time and administrators to ... well ... administer timesheets. Your whole team will love Springtime.

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