4 Best Software to Monitor Remote Employees Effectively

One of the most difficult parts of managing remote employees is trying to ensure they’re putting in the required work hours and track what they’re doing. To solve this, many businesses have started to rely heavily on employee monitoring software.

If you’re thinking of doing the same but aren’t sure which one to choose, check out the 4 best software to monitor remote employees listed below:

• Controlio

Controlio pairs comprehensive monitoring features with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It can be used to track remote workers’ attendance, work hours, activities and productivity.

The monitoring tools in Controlio are very in-depth and will track web usage, app usage, file transfers, emails, IM chats, and more. It can also capture screenshots, screen recordings, and keystrokes.

If necessary you can use the features in Controlio to block certain apps and websites, or send alerts when remote employees perform certain actions. All its analytics can be accessed from its convenient web-based dashboard, or you can set it up to deliver reports at regular intervals.

• HubStaff

Hubstaff is a powerful software that has very in-depth time tracking and productivity monitoring features alongside attendance, payroll, and HR functionality. It adopts a project-based approach to its tracking, and also includes features to track the location of employees.

While it is rich in features, it may overlap with other software that you already use. That being said it does offer excellent integrations with most popular apps.

• ProofHub

ProofHub is a project management software that also has time tracking, team productivity, and task progress features. It will let you set up Kanban boards to organize and assign tasks then track their progress while monitoring the time employees spend on them.

The main feature of ProofHub is that it has proofing tools for remote workers to collaborate on various materials. However its downside is that its monitoring features aren’t that comprehensive, and its project management features also fall behind in key areas such as budgeting or invoicing.

• Timely

Timely is a task scheduler and employee monitoring software hybrid. It was designed to make it easy to manage freelancers and teams while they work on projects by tracking their performance and productivity as they perform tasks.

The monitoring features in this software are mostly focused on tracking work hours and monitoring unproductive activities or idle time. In other words it is not that comprehensive, but in many cases may be enough to manage remote employees effectively.

Between the four employee monitoring software options listed above you should be able to find one that fits your needs. It really boils down to a question of what features you require – and whether you just want to monitor remote employees and make sure they stay on task, or also track productivity, manage projects, and so on.

No matter which software you do choose, remember to try to not be too intrusive when you start to monitor your remote employees as that can raise ethical concerns.