TrackHourThe Simplest Method: A Daily Work Log
The most effective way to track work hours is to log them immediately, at the start and end of each shift. A daily work log does not need to be complex. You need just three pieces of information: when you started, when you finished, and how long you took for breaks.
What to Record Each Day
- →Arrival time (clock-in)
- →Departure time (clock-out)
- →Break duration (lunch, rest breaks)
- →Total working hours = departure - arrival - breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do unpaid lunch breaks count as working time?
No. Unpaid breaks, typically lunch breaks, are not counted as working time and should be subtracted from your total hours for the day. Only paid breaks, where you remain at the employer's disposal, are generally counted as working time.
How do I know if I am owed overtime pay?
This depends on your employment contract and local labor law. In most countries, hours worked beyond the contractual daily or weekly threshold qualify as overtime and are compensated at a higher rate or with time off in lieu. Keeping an accurate daily work log is the first step to identifying and documenting any overtime owed.
How far back should I keep my work hour records?
Most labor law experts recommend keeping timesheets for at least three years, as this is a common statute of limitations for wage disputes. As a practical rule, keep records for the current year plus the previous two.
Is a spreadsheet enough to track work hours?
A spreadsheet works, but requires manual data entry and formula maintenance. Dedicated tools like TrackHour eliminate the arithmetic, automatically calculate overtime, and store everything privately in your browser without requiring an account or cloud sync.