Checking in employees on a job site can be tedious if done manually. Not only that, but it can also result in many errors, including inaccurate payrolls. As a contractor, you should make an effort to minimize these occurrences so that your operations can run smoothly.
Contractors with manual check-in methods go through a massive amount of receipts and records. Ultimately, this results in errors and inefficiency.
For optimal tracking, reports should be easy to read and organized so that anyone can understand them. However, it’s almost impossible to pin down every detail of your employees in a singular manual log book.
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, you no longer have to rely on traditional methods of overseeing worker check-ins at a job site. Construction software is here to help you verify check-ins without attending them individually. Since everything is automated, there’s a much lower chance of mistakes arising.
Some of the most valuable solutions, such as the SmartBarrel device, provide the best check-in features for workers on site. There’s no need to estimate your employee’s payroll manually anymore because it will do the job for you.
According to research, around 43% of business companies still rely on manual methods to document their employee check-ins. This considerable number of firms still relying on manual methods has compelled us to discuss common issues with worker check-ins and how to avoid them.
7 common issues with worker check-ins on a job site
Here are some of the most common issues involving worker check-ins on a job site.
1. Inability to report time
There are a few common issues that can occur when workers check in at a job site. These issues can include workers being unable to mark their attendance due to system complexity, or they may even be intentionally reporting incorrect times.
A smart check-in solution like biometric or GPS tracking can help employees report the exact time they start working at a site. The likelihood of time theft lowers significantly, and time reports will be free of errors.
2. Tedious to follow every employee
A number of employees might work at your construction firm. While it’s essential to understand individual responsibilities and goals, following every employee can be burdensome and time-consuming.
As a contractor, it’s not a productive use of your time to reach out to every employee and inquire about check-ins. Instead, it’s better to employ a unified check-in solution. This will further inform you about each employee’s check-ins, deadlines, and payrolls.
3. Difficulty in sorting out payroll
When workers don’t properly check in at the right time, they may end up being over or underpaid. Workers may forge early check-ins, which generates payroll for work they didn’t do.
Automated or biometric check-ins can help to mitigate these dishonesties because everything is computerized and workers aren’t able to forge data. This way, you’ll be able to pay the right amount to your employees.
4. Engagement issues
It can be counterproductive and interrupt the flow of work when reaching out to employees to check on whether they punched in on time. Studies show that employees are 3.5 times more likely to perform to their fullest when they’re engaged in an activity.
Smart check-ins are a game-changer, as you’ll be able to track the presence of your employees automatically without needing to interrupt them.
5. Assessing safety protocols
Construction sites are full of risks and hazards due to the heavy equipment on-site. Manual check-ins might be suitable only for tracking, and may not be an appropriate tool for ensuring worker safety.
Here, GPS employee tracking is helpful, as it marks attendance for employees and provides real-time information about them. In the event of an emergency, a contractor can track employees with the help of this feature.
6. Communicating jobsite instructions
Manual check-ins cause a huge issue where team members are not briefed about site instructions. These instructions include weather forecasts, what gear to bring, and the duty hours for the day. Sometimes communicating this information to every employee can be challenging, with miscommunications preventing employees from reporting appropriately on the job.
7. Inability to allocate tasks
Another common issue with worker check-ins that might arise in construction is the inability to allocate tasks to respective employees.
A smart check-in system helps assign tasks to available employees. It gives you further insight into employees who have done tasks to avoid burdening them.
How to overcome common issues with worker check-ins on a job site
Here are some of the easiest ways to overcome common issues with worker check-ins on a job site.
1. Easy to use check-in
One way to improve worker check-ins is to make the process easier. This may include implementing check-in that uses biometrics or GPS tracking on-site. This is a great way to ensure workers are actually at the job site, reducing time theft.
2. Explain the importance of check-ins
Explain the importance of check-ins and how they can impact payroll to workers. Try to teach them time management and the consequences of not checking in on time.
The bottom line
Improper worker check-ins on a job site can lead to many problems. Ensure that check-in procedures are clear and concise so all workers are aware of them.