Streamlining Time Tracking with Hubstaff: A Guide for Virtual Organizations

As a virtual organization, managing the time spent by remote employees can be a challenging task. However, having accurate records of work hours and projects can help you make informed decisions about resource allocation and budgeting. In this article, we'll explore how to set up Hubstaff's project tracking system effectively, ensuring that you get valuable insights into your team's productivity.

Simplifying Project Setup

If you're not concerned with where exactly your team members spend their time and only need a total of their hours worked, you can assign them a single 'General' project. Alternatively, you can use specific PO numbers, client IDs, or any other relevant tracking criteria. For most virtual organizations, setting up projects by functional area is an effective way to organize work.

Benefits of Accurate Project Setup

To get the most out of Hubstaff's data insights, it's crucial to set up your projects correctly. By doing so, you'll be able to track time spent across various functions and identify areas where improvements can be made. For instance, if a developer is tasked with both development and tech support, setting up separate projects for each will provide valuable information about their work distribution.

Case Study: A Young Company's Experience

A young company hired a developer who was also responsible for providing technical support. Initially, the setup seemed manageable, but as time went on, development projects began to lag behind schedule. By using Hubstaff's project tracking system, the manager discovered that the developer was spending 4 hours a day on tech support and only 4 hours a day on development. This realization led to a crucial decision: hiring a dedicated support person instead of burdening the developer with non-core responsibilities.

Tips for Effective Project Setup

1. Set up projects accurately: Ensure that your projects are well-defined, and employees understand how to track their time against each project.

2. Train your staff: Educate your team on the importance of accurate time tracking and provide guidance on using Hubstaff's project structure.

3. Monitor and adjust: Regularly review your project setup and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you're getting the most out of Hubstaff's insights.

By following these tips, you'll be able to streamline your time tracking process with Hubstaff and gain valuable insights into your team's productivity. This will enable you to make informed decisions about resource allocation, budgeting, and business strategy, ultimately driving growth and success for your virtual organization.

Hubstaff time tracking