You've stacked your virtual team with competent, reliable individuals. You've designed your team's core values. The machine has been built — now how do we get it to start churning? Equipping your team with the proper technology and collaborative platforms could make or break your virtual team. Slow or distracting systems mean workflow and productivity will suffer. At the same time, if you're unable to compare your team's progress and outcomes with the time it takes them to complete their tasks, you will not be able to measure or assess outcomes and outputs.
Without receiving measurable outcomes from your team, your hands are tied. You should be measuring what was done and not done and finding out if things are taking longer than usual to get done. Without quantifiable data like this, you can't really tell if your virtual environment is working — and if it's taking longer, it's important to find out why.
Know Your Needs First
The art of choosing the right time tracking software comes down to knowing your product, your team, and their unique work patterns and needs. If you're currently using time tracking software that has proven inefficient for your virtual team, start by making a list of the things it was lacking and deciding what you'd be willing to pay for a more comprehensive program.
Of the options out there, some provide the bare minimum for free; some are complex for a low cost; others are costly, but will meet all your company's needs and save you money in the long run. Some are built specifically for freelancers, while others are designed for small to medium remote teams working collaboratively on multiple projects at a time. Still others are designed for large remote teams working independently on high-volume tasks. Know exactly what your company needs before diving into the time tracking software shark tank.
Criteria Worth Demanding
Software review surveys tend to converge on a similar checklist of desirable criteria:
- A true freemium version — not a trial or time-bound in any way
- At least one free integration with a popular tool
- Project management functionality
- An integrated or connectable billing system
- A mobile solution for on-site visits
- That "wow" factor
Not all time-tracking apps are created equal. Some are created with remote teams in mind, while others prioritize individual freelancers. Some adopt the mindset of the freelance worker, while others focus on making life easier for managers. Perennial favorites in the review roundups include Toggl, Harvest, Hubstaff, Tick, RescueTime, and Due.
Shop Around
Lastly, employers should not be afraid to shop around. Spend a few months subscribing to several different options through their free trial programs, and collect feedback from your team. The only way to know what works for them is to be well versed in what does not.
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