How To Detect Employee Idle Time
A business thrives on the productivity of its workforce. One factor that jeopardizes the productivity of employees is the ‘Idle Time.’ This is when employees are present at their workstations but are not performing any productive tasks. Unclear plans of action, waiting on approvals, and technical issues are the common causes of idle time.
Missed deadlines and project delays result from idle time. Consequently, businesses keep an eye on employee activity to spot workflow gaps that result in idle time. In this regard, desktop monitoring software like Wolfeye is a crucial tool. Employees can track both onsite and remote teams with Wolfeye.
This article explains how to use Wolfeye to track idle time and the benefits it has for the workflow as a whole.
What is Idle Time Detection?
Monitoring software has a common feature i.e., time tracking, which can be used to detect idle time. Employers can use this feature to find out how long their employees spend actively working on the assigned tasks.
The software monitors the computer and other work devices of the employee.
If there is no activity on the keyboard or mouse for a certain amount of time, the system records that time as idle time.
Employers can use the tracked data to take necessary action to increase employee engagement in the projects. A Harvard Business School report shows that companies lose billions of dollars a year as a result of employee idle time.
This report indicates the importance of using monitoring software to observe employees in real time and streamline their workflows according to the allocated time. Identifying these periods of employee inactivity is the first step in taking measures to increase the operational efficiency of the team.
Why Should You Use Wolfeye To Track Employee Idle Time?
Wolfeye is a remote desktop monitoring software. It lets users manage and operate PCs or servers from another device in a remote location. Using Wolfeye, you can track employee activity and get real time updates on projects from anywhere in the world.
Wolfeye can also be used for idle time detection owing to its set of unique features, which are described below:
Monitor in Real Time
Wolfeye enables real time monitoring of employees’ PC screens. This feature gives control and supervision rights to employers by enabling them to peek into employees’ activity anytime during working hours.
The live view of the screen detects long periods of inactivity on employees’ computers.
Time Tracking
Wolfeye also acts as a time tracking software. Employees receive tasks and the amount of time needed to finish them.
Using Wolfeye, a timer can be set for that specific task. If an employee spends more time on the task, it will be recorded on Wolfeye’s database.
Track Work Progress
Wolfeye is used to track work progress by using the data it captures from employee screens. Employees can detect periods of inactivity and bottlenecks to streamline the workflow.
Get Activity Reports
Wolfeye creates reports based on the use of applications, browsing websites, activity, and periods of inactivity. This information can be used to find workflow gaps and repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
Get Login & Logout Alerts
Wolfeye monitors computer access in the workplace. When there are odd attempts to log in or log out, it sends an alert to the supervisor. Wolfeye will therefore be able to tell if a worker is procrastinating and logs off the computer to avoid having their idle time tracked.
Screenshot & Screen Recording
Wolfeye also provides an option for screen recording. If a supervisor is not available for live monitoring, they can enable the screen recording or screenshot feature. If there is no activity on employees’ screens during the monitoring period, it will be considered idle time.
How to Reduce Employee Idle Time?
Businesses suffer from delays in their operations due to idle time, which has a negative impact on project timelines. The primary goal of businesses is to maximize revenue in the shortest amount of time. Employee idle time lowers the company’s overall profit.
The best course of action is to find ways to reduce the idle time and improve the workflow and employee productivity:
Identify Roadblocks
Finding the underlying cause is the first step in identifying time trends. Keep an eye out for any indications of technical issues with the IT division.
Idle time is frequently caused by software problems. Another bottleneck is waiting for outside parties to finish a step in the process.
Scheduling of Tasks
A well-planned timetable ensures a steady flow of work. Employees are prepared for what lies ahead and can schedule their days accordingly.
This reduces time spent on deciding on the best course of action for a task. By allocating tasks beforehand, you guarantee that the right people are available at every step of the process to complete their part of the job.
Plan Backup Tasks
If an employee is experiencing idle time as a result of unanticipated events, arrange some backup tasks to prevent wasting time.
To balance out workflow, schedule low-priority tasks for slower times. Employees should be trained in multiple tasks to ensure that technical difficulties do not reduce their productivity.
Build a Cooperative Environment
The best way to manage idle time is with a cooperative and collaborative team.
When coworkers are friendly, employees feel free to ask for assistance from one another without fear. Talking to someone else might also be able to assist them in figuring out how to get past the roadblock they are experiencing.
Invest in an Employee Monitoring Tool
Software for monitoring employees is the best investment a company can make. It is capable of identifying problems in workflow, like idle time and delayed projects.
Early detection leads to prompt action to solve the issue. Although they may seem pricey at first, monitoring tools like Wolfeye offer excellent value for money.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to reduce idle time is by setting clear goals. Instead of micromanaging activity, it is better to improve workflows and empower employees to achieve individual and team goals.
This adaptable approach fosters a culture of trust and accountability, leading to a more productive workforce.