What is timecard?

A timecard is a tracking tool used to record and monitor an employee's hours worked during a pay period. It typically includes information such as the employee's name, department, date, and time of clock-in and clock-out.

Timecards can be physical, paper-based forms that are filled out manually by the employee and then submitted to the employer for processing. They can also be digital, where employees use an electronic system, time tracking software, or an employee self-service portal to enter their hours worked.

Timecards are essential for tracking employee attendance, calculating wages, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, such as overtime hours. They provide an accurate record of an employee's total hours worked, helping employers maintain payroll accuracy and determine the amount of compensation owed.

Some timecards may also include additional information, such as breaks or lunch periods taken by the employee, project codes or activities performed, and any notes or comments related to the work completed. This can assist in project management, cost allocation, or tracking employee productivity.

Timecards are often managed by the human resources or payroll department within an organization. They can be integrated into a larger time and attendance system or payroll system, where time data is automatically imported and used for payroll processing.

Overall, timecards play a crucial role in accurately tracking and managing employee work hours, ensuring fair compensation, and complying with labor regulations.