Blog·HR Management

February 5, 2024

Best Employee Monitoring and Tracking Software (2024 List)

Uncover how employee monitoring and tracking software can redefine the way you manage your workforce, enhancing transparency, accountability, and productivity

Elevate your organization's employee monitoring and tracking capabilities with software crafted for precision and efficiency. Dive into a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to redefine workforce management, providing insights that go beyond traditional tracking. Embrace this opportunity to modernize your employee monitoring and tracking practices, ushering in a new era of streamlined operations and heightened productivity for your organization.

In the wake of the pandemic, remote working has become more prevalent than ever, reshaping the traditional work landscape. However, this may come with numerous challenges including employee distractions working from home, lack of focus, difficulty in monitoring and managing the productivity of employees, low output and the lack of proper team collaboration. Fortunately, advanced technologies have allowed for employee monitoring and tracking software to provide businesses with invaluable insights into employee performance and can evaluate their workforce productivity. Additionally, many other advantages come with employee monitoring and tracking such as reducing wasted time, making informed decisions, increasing employee engagement and improving management reporting.

Why should businesses invest in employee monitoring and tracking software?

Investing in employee monitoring and tracking software is a strategic move for businesses to adapt to evolving work dynamics while upkeeping productivity and efficiency. The tools can be used to gain a better comprehension of employee activities, fostering enhanced productivity through the identification of inefficiencies. Organizations can also use these software solutions to measure employee attendance and the number of hours worked through automated processes, ensuring compliance with labor laws and security protocols. Furthermore, compliance and security are reinforced as monitoring ensures adherence to regulatory standards, safeguards sensitive information and upholds established protocols. Beyond compliance and security, these software contribute to project management, cost control and performance evaluation. By leveraging on the data provided, businesses can be more objective and data-driven, enabling fair assessments, targeted feedback, and acknowledgement of exemplary contributions. Transparent and ethical monitoring practices contribute to employee engagement and satisfaction, fostering a positive workplace culture. Moreover, these measures act as a deterrent against workplace misconduct, promoting a respectful and safe environment. Lastly, efficient task allocation, resource planning, and time management are facilitated, enabling businesses to harness individual strengths for optimal project outcomes.

From real-time activity monitoring to insightful analytics, this list of employee monitoring and tracking software reveals a spectrum of tools designed to offer comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes.

List of the best employee monitoring and tracking software in 2024:

  1. Connecteam

    • Mobile Accessibility for On-the-Go Management
    • Well-Suited for Organizations with Mobile or Dispersed Workforces
    • Geolocation Tracking for Enhanced Security
  2. Hubstaff

    • Suited for Businesses with Remote Teams
    • Comprehensive Productivity Monitoring
    • Precise Time Tracking for Billing and Productivity
  3. Teramind

    • Intelligent Analytics for Informed Decision-Making
    • Comprehensive Employee Monitoring into Individual and Team Activities
    • Best for Organizations in Industries that Require Data Security and Insider Threat Prevention

List of the best employee monitoring and tracking software:

  • Connecteam - Best for Real-Time Tracking and Mobile Workforce Efficiency
  • Hubstaff - Best for Optimizing Remote Productivity Through Time Tracking
  • Teramind - Best for Comprehensive Employee Monitoring and Intelligent Insights
  • ActivTrak - Best for Balancing Productivity and Privacy in Employee Activity Monitoring
  • Insightful - Best for Gaining Holistic Workplace Insight Through Employee Monitoring

Employee Monitoring and Tracking Software Comparison Table

SoftwareStarting PriceReview Scores (Capterra)Key Features
Connecteam$0 per user/month (Up to 10 users)4.8/5Real-Time Tracking
Mobile Accessibility
Geolocation Tracking
Hubstaff$0 per user/month (one user only)4.6/5Time Tracking Precision
Productivity Monitoring
Activity Levels and Screenshot
Teramind$11.30 per user/month4.6/5User Activity Monitoring
Insider Threat Prevention
Productivity Analysis and Optimization
ActivTrak$0 per user/month (Up to 3 users)4.6/5Flexible Monitoring Settings
Insightful Productivity Analytics
Focused Data Anonymization
Insightful$6.40 per seat/month4.7/5Behavioral Analytics
Team Dynamics Monitoring
Workplace Culture Assessment

In undertaking the research for the best employee monitoring and tracking software, a comprehensive approach was adopted to ensure a thorough evaluation of each solution. The process began by identifying reputable sources such as industry publications, expert reviews, and customer feedback platforms. Extensive online research was conducted to compile a list of prominent software solutions in the market. The key features considered during this phase included real-time tracking capabilities, ease of use, scalability, integration options, and compliance with data privacy regulations. Each software's reputation, user satisfaction ratings, and the range of functionalities offered were crucial factors in the selection process.

The focus on how these software solutions can benefit businesses involved a meticulous examination of their key features and the potential impact on organizational operations. The key features considered encompassed real-time activity monitoring, time tracking, analytics and reporting capabilities, integration possibilities, and adherence to compliance standards. The approach involved not only understanding the technical aspects of each software but also delving into user experiences and case studies to gauge practical benefits. By assessing how these solutions contribute to productivity enhancement, employee accountability, and overall organizational efficiency, the research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tangible advantages each software brings to businesses.

Connecteam - Best for Real-Time Tracking and Mobile Workforce Efficiency

In the fast-evolving landscape of HR software solutions, Connecteam emerges as a cutting-edge platform tailored to meet the dynamic demands of workforce management. With a distinct focus on innovation and adaptability, Connecteam stands out as an industry leader, offering a comprehensive solution designed to streamline employee monitoring and tracking. Notably recognized for its effectiveness in tracking mobile workforces, Connecteam provides HR professionals with real-time insights, mobile accessibility, and geolocation tracking capabilities. This unique approach ensures seamless connectivity with the workforce, regardless of location, fostering transparency, and enabling precise monitoring for enhanced productivity and operational efficiency. Connecteam's commitment to catering to the needs of a mobile workforce makes it a standout choice for HR professionals navigating the challenges of contemporary workforce dynamics.

connecteam software

Key Features

  • Real-Time Tracking: Connecteam's real-time tracking feature sets it apart by offering instantaneous insights into employee activities, enabling proactive management decisions and intervention when necessary.
  • Mobile Accessibility: The software's emphasis on mobile accessibility ensures that HR professionals can monitor and track employee activities on the go, facilitating efficient workforce management and decision-making.
  • Geolocation Tracking: Connecteam's geolocation tracking provides a granular view of employee movements, aiding in optimizing workforce dynamics and enhancing security through features like geo-fencing.

Benefits

  • Enhanced Accountability: Connecteam's real-time tracking cultivates a culture of accountability among employees, as they are aware that their activities are being monitored, contributing to a responsible work environment.
  • Operational Efficiency: The mobile accessibility feature empowers HR professionals to oversee and manage employee activities seamlessly from any location, fostering operational efficiency and timely decision-making.
  • Geo-Fencing Security: Connecteam's geolocation tracking, particularly through geo-fencing, enhances security by allowing organizations to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts, ensuring compliance with designated areas.

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: Connecteam's software is lauded for its user-friendly interface, ensuring quick adoption and minimal training requirements, contributing to a positive user experience.
  • Scalability: The software's scalability allows it to accommodate the growth of businesses without compromising performance, making it an ideal solution for expanding organizations.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Connecteam offers robust reporting capabilities, providing HR professionals with valuable insights into employee activities and performance, facilitating informed decision-making.

Cons

  • Pricing Structure Complexity: Some users may find the pricing structure of Connecteam to be less transparent, with potential complexities based on the number of users and additional features, which may pose challenges for budget planning.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic features are user-friendly, mastering advanced functionalities may require additional training for some users, potentially extending the onboarding process.
  • Limited Third-Party Integrations: Connecteam's integration options, while generally sufficient for many businesses, may be considered limited by organizations requiring a more extensive range of third-party integrations for a seamless workflow.

Pricing

PlansPriceNumber of Users and Additional Charges
The Small Business PlanFreeIncludes up to 10 Users
Operations Basic$29 per monthIncludes 30 users, $0.5 per month for each additional user
Operations Advanced$49 per monthIncludes 30 users, $1.5 per month for each additional user
Operations Expert$99 per monthIncludes 30 users, $3 per month for each additional user
EnterpriseContact for a quoteContact Connecteam to get a quote and for more information

All prices stated are billed annually. For more information, head to their website here.

Summary and Verdict

Connecteam is an exemplary solution for HR professionals seeking advanced employee monitoring and tracking capabilities, with an emphasis on real-time insights, mobile accessibility, and geolocation tracking. The software excels in fostering accountability, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing security through features like geo-fencing. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it particularly suitable for growing businesses in need of a comprehensive workforce management tool. However, businesses with stringent budget considerations or those requiring extensive third-party integrations may find Connecteam's pricing structure and integration options to be potential drawbacks. In essence, Connecteam is an ideal choice for HR professionals navigating the challenges of a dynamic and expanding workforce, while alternative solutions may be considered for those with specific budget constraints or complex integration needs.

Hubstaff - Best for Optimizing Remote Productivity Through Time Tracking

Hubstaff specializes in optimizing remote productivity through its advanced employee monitoring and tracking features. Renowned for its versatility and efficiency, Hubstaff caters to the evolving needs of modern businesses, particularly those with remote teams. The software is meticulously designed to provide HR professionals with unparalleled insights into employee activities, ensuring a heightened level of accountability and productivity. By focusing on time tracking as a cornerstone feature, Hubstaff empowers HR teams to navigate the challenges of remote work seamlessly, fostering efficient workforce management and strategic decision-making.

hubstaff software

Key Features

  • Time Tracking Precision: Hubstaff's standout feature lies in its precise time tracking capabilities, allowing HR professionals to monitor and analyze how employees utilize their work hours. This feature provides accurate insights into project timelines, aiding in resource allocation and project management.
  • Productivity Monitoring: The software excels in monitoring overall productivity, offering detailed metrics on individual and team performance. This comprehensive view allows HR teams to identify patterns, set benchmarks, and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Activity Levels and Screenshots: Hubstaff goes beyond conventional tracking by providing insights into employee activity levels and occasional screenshots. This feature aids in understanding work patterns, minimizing distractions, and fostering a focused and productive work environment.

Benefits

  • Accurate Time Billing: Hubstaff ensures precise time tracking, benefiting businesses involved in client billing or project-based work. The accuracy in tracking ensures fair and transparent billing practices, enhancing client relationships.
  • Strategic Resource Allocation: The software's ability to monitor productivity and time usage contributes to strategic resource allocation, enabling HR professionals to optimize team efforts, enhance efficiency, and meet project deadlines effectively.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Hubstaff's detailed metrics and insights empower HR teams with data-driven decision-making capabilities, fostering a proactive approach to managing remote teams and driving organizational success.

Pros

  • Easy Integration with Project Management Tools: Hubstaff seamlessly integrates with various project management tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration within the organization.
  • Transparent Employee Accountability: The software cultivates a culture of transparency and accountability, as employees are aware of the precise tracking mechanisms, leading to improved individual and team performance.
  • Flexible Payment Options: Hubstaff offers flexible payment options, allowing businesses to choose between fixed-rate and hourly payments, accommodating diverse business models and preferences.

Cons

  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic functionalities are user-friendly, mastering the advanced features of Hubstaff may require additional training for some users, potentially leading to a longer onboarding process.
  • Limited Features in Basic Plans: The basic plans may have limitations in terms of advanced features, which could impact businesses requiring a more extensive range of functionalities for comprehensive employee monitoring and tracking.
  • Potential Privacy Concerns: The feature providing occasional screenshots raises potential privacy concerns among employees, necessitating clear communication and ethical implementation to maintain a positive work environment.

Pricing

PlanPricing
Free$0 per user/month (one user only)
Starter$4.99 per user/month (two users min)
Grow$7.50 per user/month (two users min)
Team$10 per user/month (two users min)
Enterprise$25 per user/month

All prices stated above are billed annually. For more information, contact Hubstaff here.

Summary and Verdict

Hubstaff is a great solution for HR professionals navigating the intricacies of remote workforce management, particularly those seeking to optimize productivity through meticulous time tracking. Its key features, including precise time tracking, productivity monitoring, and unique activity level insights, make it an invaluable asset for businesses with remote teams. Hubstaff is an ideal solution for organizations prioritizing transparency, strategic resource allocation, and data-driven decision-making. However, businesses with a focus on extensive advanced features, diverse functionalities in basic plans, or specific privacy considerations may find other alternatives better suited to their needs. In essence, Hubstaff shines as a solution for HR professionals looking to enhance remote workforce productivity but may prompt consideration of alternatives for organizations with distinct features or privacy preferences.

Teramind - Best for Comprehensive Employee Monitoring and Intelligent Insights

Teramind leads the way in revolutionizing the HR software landscape, offering a sophisticated and tailored solution that redefines employee monitoring and tracking. Renowned for its commitment to providing comprehensive insights and intelligent analytics, Teramind caters to the evolving needs of HR professionals navigating the complexities of modern workforce management. The software goes beyond conventional tracking tools, placing a significant emphasis on granular visibility, insider threat prevention, and productivity analysis. In a digital age where nuanced understanding and data-driven decision-making are paramount, Teramind emerges as a powerhouse, empowering HR teams to optimize productivity, enhance security, and make informed decisions based on unparalleled data analytics.

teramind

Key Features

  • User Activity Monitoring: Teramind's user activity monitoring feature provides a granular view of individual and team activities, allowing HR professionals to track application usage, document access, and web browsing behavior for a comprehensive understanding of work patterns.
  • Insider Threat Prevention: The software's advanced capabilities extend to insider threat prevention, offering proactive measures against potential security breaches by identifying suspicious user behavior and alerting HR teams to potential risks.
  • Productivity Analysis and Optimization: Teramind excels in productivity analysis, providing HR professionals with intelligent insights into employee performance. These insights enable strategic decision-making for optimizing workflows and enhancing overall organizational productivity.

Benefits

  • Enhanced Security: Teramind's focus on insider threat prevention contributes to enhanced security, providing HR teams with proactive tools to identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining data integrity.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: The software's intelligent analytics empower HR professionals with data-driven decision-making capabilities, allowing them to make informed choices that align with organizational goals and strategies.
  • Improved Productivity and Efficiency: Teramind's comprehensive monitoring and analytics foster a culture of productivity by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Pros

  • Granular Visibility: Teramind offers granular visibility into user activities, providing detailed insights that contribute to precise monitoring and informed decision-making for HR professionals.
  • Insider Threat Detection: The software's advanced capabilities in insider threat detection set it apart, allowing organizations to proactively address potential security risks and prevent data breaches.
  • Intelligent Analytics: Teramind's focus on intelligent analytics equips HR teams with in-depth insights into employee productivity and behavior, enabling strategic workforce management.

Cons

  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: The advanced features of Teramind may have a steeper learning curve for users, requiring additional training to fully harness the capabilities of the software.
  • Potentially Overwhelming Data: The wealth of data provided by Teramind's monitoring capabilities may be overwhelming for some users, necessitating a careful approach to data interpretation and analysis.
  • Higher Cost: The comprehensive features and advanced capabilities of Teramind may come with a higher cost compared to more basic monitoring solutions, potentially impacting budget considerations for some organizations.

Pricing

PlanPricing
Starter$11.30 per user/month
UAM (User Activity Monitoring)$22.60 per user/month
DLP (Data Loss Prevention)$26.40 per user/month
EnterpriseContact for a quote

All prices stated are billed annually. For more information or to request a quote, contact Teramind here

Summary and Verdict

Teramind is an indispensable solution for HR professionals seeking comprehensive employee monitoring and tracking capabilities, particularly those emphasizing intelligent insights and proactive security measures. With its granular visibility, insider threat detection, and intelligent analytics, Teramind is an ideal choice for organizations prioritizing in-depth insights into employee behavior and productivity. However, businesses with a preference for a simpler interface or those on a strict budget may find other alternatives more suitable. In essence, Teramind is a powerful tool for HR professionals navigating the complexities of workforce management, offering unparalleled monitoring and analytics capabilities for organizations focused on proactive security and data-driven decision-making. Alternative solutions may be more suitable for those seeking a more straightforward interface or with budget constraints.

ActivTrak - Best for Balancing Productivity and Privacy in Employee Activity Monitoring

ActivTrak is a strong contender in the HR software domain, offering a nuanced and effective approach to employee monitoring and tracking. With a distinctive focus on striking the delicate balance between productivity and privacy, ActivTrak understands the evolving needs of HR professionals in maintaining a healthy work environment. The software goes beyond traditional monitoring tools, providing a comprehensive solution that ensures employee productivity without compromising individual privacy. ActivTrak's commitment to this delicate equilibrium makes it an essential tool for HR teams striving to optimize performance, encourage responsible work habits, and foster a workspace that values both productivity and personal boundaries.

activtrak software

Key Features

  • Flexible Monitoring Settings: ActivTrak's key strength lies in its flexibility in monitoring settings, allowing HR professionals to customize monitoring parameters based on the unique needs and privacy considerations of individual employees or teams.
  • Insightful Productivity Analytics: The software offers insightful productivity analytics, providing HR teams with a clear overview of employee activities. This feature aids in identifying patterns, understanding workflow bottlenecks, and fostering continuous improvement.
  • Focused Data Anonymization: ActivTrak excels in data anonymization, ensuring that the monitoring process is respectful of employee privacy. This feature allows HR professionals to gain valuable insights while maintaining individual confidentiality.

Benefits

  • Employee Empowerment: ActivTrak's flexible monitoring settings empower employees by giving them a degree of control over how they are monitored, contributing to a positive work culture built on trust and transparency.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: The insightful productivity analytics benefit HR teams by offering a data-driven foundation for strategic decision-making. This aids in resource allocation, identifying training needs, and implementing effective policies to enhance overall workforce productivity.
  • Privacy Preservation: ActivTrak's commitment to focused data anonymization ensures that employee privacy is preserved. This not only aligns with ethical considerations but also contributes to a workplace environment that values individual boundaries.

Pros

  • Balanced Approach to Monitoring: ActivTrak strikes a delicate balance between productivity and privacy, ensuring that the monitoring process is effective without infringing on individual privacy rights.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The software features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for HR professionals to navigate and utilize its features with ease, reducing the learning curve for effective implementation.
  • Scalability: ActivTrak is highly scalable, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes. It can adapt to the evolving needs of growing organizations without compromising its effectiveness.

Cons

  • Limited Real-Time Monitoring: ActivTrak's real-time monitoring capabilities may be considered limited compared to some other solutions, potentially impacting situations where immediate intervention is crucial.
  • Advanced Features in Higher Tiers: Some advanced features are available in higher-tier plans, which could be a drawback for smaller businesses with budget constraints looking to access a comprehensive set of functionalities.
  • Learning Curve for Customization: While the software is user-friendly, the customization options may have a learning curve for HR professionals seeking to tailor monitoring settings to specific needs.

Pricing

PlanPricing
Free$0 per user/month (Up to 3 users)
Essentials$10 per user/month (Minimum of 5 users)
Professional$17 per user/month (Minimum of 5 users)
EnterpriseContact for a Quote

All prices stated are billed annually. For more information or to request a quote, visit ActivTrak’s website here.

Summary/Verdict

ActivTrak is an excellent solution for HR professionals seeking a balanced approach to employee monitoring and tracking, particularly for those prioritizing both productivity and privacy. With its flexible monitoring settings, insightful productivity analytics, and commitment to privacy preservation, ActivTrak is well-suited for organizations that value a positive work culture built on trust. However, in situations where real-time monitoring is critical or where advanced features are necessary from the outset, alternative solutions may be more fitting. ActivTrak is a key ally for HR teams looking to optimize productivity while respecting individual privacy, offering a thoughtful solution to the nuanced challenges of employee monitoring.

Insightful - Best for Gaining Holistic Workplace Insight Through Employee Monitoring

Insightful is a standout solution in the HR software landscape, specializing in providing holistic workplace insights through its robust employee monitoring and tracking features. Tailored to meet the diverse needs of HR professionals, Insightful is a comprehensive tool that transcends traditional monitoring, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the entire workplace ecosystem. By leveraging advanced monitoring functionalities, Insightful empowers HR teams to gain profound insights into employee behaviors, interactions, and overall workplace dynamics. The software's commitment to delivering holistic workplace insights positions it as an invaluable asset for organizations looking to enhance not only productivity but also the overall health and cohesion of their work environment.

insightful software

Key Features

  • Behavioral Analytics: Insightful's key strength lies in its behavioral analytics capabilities, providing HR professionals with deep insights into employee behaviors and interactions. This feature aids in understanding collaboration patterns and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Team Dynamics Monitoring: The software excels in monitoring team dynamics, offering a comprehensive view of how teams collaborate and function. This feature is instrumental in enhancing teamwork, communication, and overall team performance.
  • Workplace Culture Assessment: Insightful goes beyond conventional monitoring tools by providing a unique feature for workplace culture assessment. HR teams can gain actionable insights into the prevailing workplace culture, enabling strategic initiatives to foster a positive and productive environment.

Benefits

  • Cohesive Team Building: Insightful's team dynamics monitoring fosters cohesive team building by providing HR professionals with actionable insights into collaboration patterns. This information enables targeted strategies to enhance teamwork and communication within the organization.
  • Proactive Workplace Culture Enhancement: The workplace culture assessment feature empowers HR teams to proactively assess and enhance workplace culture. By identifying cultural strengths and areas for improvement, organizations can implement targeted initiatives to create a positive and inclusive work environment.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Behavioral analytics offer HR professionals the ability to make informed decisions based on a deeper understanding of employee behaviors. This benefit extends to strategic workforce planning, performance evaluations, and tailored employee development programs.

Pros

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Insights: Insightful provides comprehensive insights into employee behaviors, offering HR teams a nuanced understanding of workplace dynamics for strategic decision-making.
  • Unique Workplace Culture Assessment: The software's distinctive workplace culture assessment feature sets it apart, allowing organizations to proactively shape and improve their workplace culture.
  • Enhanced Team Collaboration: Insightful's focus on team dynamics monitoring contributes to enhanced team collaboration, fostering a positive and cooperative work environment.

Cons

  • Learning Curve for In-Depth Analysis: The software's in-depth analytics capabilities may have a learning curve for HR professionals seeking to maximize the use of advanced features for comprehensive analysis.
  • Potential Overwhelming Data: The wealth of data provided by Insightful may be overwhelming for some users, necessitating a strategic approach to data interpretation and analysis.
  • Advanced Features in Higher Tiers: Certain advanced features are available in higher-tier plans, which may be a drawback for smaller businesses with budget constraints seeking access to a comprehensive feature set.

Pricing

PlanPricing
Productivity Management$6.40 per seat/month
Time Tracking$8 per seat/month
Process Improvement$12 per seat/month
EnterpriseRequest for a Quote

All prices stated are billed annually. For more information and to request a quote, visit Insightful here.

Summary and Verdict

Insightful proves to be an ideal solution for HR professionals seeking a holistic understanding of workplace dynamics, particularly those prioritizing behavioral analytics and workplace culture assessment. With its robust features providing deep insights into employee behaviors, team dynamics, and overall workplace culture, Insightful is well-suited for organizations looking to foster a positive work environment and enhance team collaboration. However, in situations where simplicity or budget considerations are paramount, alternative solutions may be more fitting. Insightful is an invaluable solution for HR teams striving to gain comprehensive insights into their workplace, offering a thoughtful solution to the nuanced challenges of employee monitoring and tracking.

Further Reading

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