Five typical mistakes in time tracking
The Working time recording has long since ceased to be just a tedious chore that you do on the side. Rather, it has become a central instrument for ensuring legal certainty, promoting fairness within the company and increasing efficiency at the same time. In Germany and Austria very specific legal requirements must be complied with. Anyone who ignores these risks sensitive Penalties for working time violations and gets the company into serious difficulties.
Nevertheless, many companies make the same mistakes over and over again. Sometimes it is due to outdated systems, sometimes to unclear processes or simply a lack of awareness of the risks. That's why we show you the 5 common mistakes in time recording - and how you can avoid them.
Legal basis: German Working Hours Act and BAG ruling
The Working Hours Act in Germany (ArbZG) clearly regulates how long employees may work, what breaks they must take and how rest periods are organized. The topic became particularly important in 2022, when the Federal Labor Court (BAG) in a much-noticed ruling: Employers must have a system in place for the complete Working time recording introduce.
It is therefore finally clear that the Time recording Germany is not optional. Also in Austria has been mandatory for some time. Companies must therefore actively ensure that every working hour is documented.
| Country | Obligation to record time | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Yes, mandatory according to BAG ruling | Working Hours Act, BAG judgment 2022 |
| Austria | Yes, already mandatory for some time | Working Hours Act (AZG) |
Anyone who ignores these requirements is taking a high risk, as Penalties for working time violations can be sensitive.
Error 1: Missing or delayed recording of working hours
A particularly common mistake is that working times are not recorded directly, but entered later. Many still use Excel tablesbut this often results in inaccuracies.
When employees enter their times retrospectively, it is easy for errors to creep in. This not only leads to unclear working time accounts, but also to conflicts over overtime. It also looks very unprofessional and risky in the event of an audit by the authorities.
Solution: With a digital time recording you can ensure that times are recorded immediately and without errors - whether at the workplace or in the office. mobile directly via an app.
Mistake 2: Unclear break and rest times
The Working Hours Act in Germany prescribes clear break regulations: Anyone who works longer than six hours must take a break of at least 30 minutes. Despite this, many companies do not document breaks correctly or deduct them across the board without recording whether they were actually taken.
This is risky because it leads to incorrect working time accounts and can lead to conflicts with employees.
Solution: With a Time recording app Germany breaks can be booked individually and documented transparently. This creates clarity and fairness.
Mistake 3: Using outdated systems instead of digital time recording
Another big mistake is the use of old systems. Many companies still rely on handwritten lists or confusing tables. These methods are error-prone, time-consuming and not tamper-proof.
Disadvantages:
- High administrative effort
- Low transparency
- Missing interfaces to payroll accounting systems
Solution: Modernity Electronic time recording Germany is tamper-proof, user-friendly and fulfills the legal requirements.
Error 4: Lack of transparency and traceability
A major problem arises when employees cannot understand how much overtime or remaining vacation days they have. This creates mistrust, which in turn has a negative impact on the working atmosphere.
Solution: With a mobile time recording all employees can access their working time accounts at any time. Transparency ensures trust and prevents conflicts.
Mistake 5: Ignoring legal requirements and the threat of penalties
Failure to comply with legal requirements exposes your company to a high level of risk. The BAG judgment and the Working Hours Act Germany make it unmistakably clear that violations will be punished.
| Infringement | Possible penalty |
|---|---|
| No complete time recording | Up to € 30,000 |
| Exceeding the maximum working hours | Fine up to 15,000 € |
| Lack of break regulation | Warnings, fines |
Conclusion: If you want to avoid these penalties, you should not wait any longer and opt for a modern solution.
How companies avoid typical mistakes: best practices
To make your processes legally compliant and efficient, you should consider a few best practices:
- Run a modern Time recording software with app
- Train both managers and employees
- Set clear rules for breaks and overtime
- Check regularly whether specifications are being adhered to
Advantages of modern time recording software and mobile apps
Digital solutions offer many advantages:
- They meet the requirements of the BAG judgment
- You reduce administrative effort
- They ensure better planning
- They create transparency and fairness in the company
What you should look out for when choosing a solution
- Legally compliant in accordance with the German and Austrian Working Hours Act
- Mobile app for on the go
- Interfaces to HR and payroll systems
- Simple operation for all employees
- Real-time reports and full transparency
Work legally compliant and efficiently with smart time recording
The Digital time recording in Germany is no longer an option, but a duty. Companies that adopt a modern approach now avoid mistakes, save time and create a fair working environment. This not only protects you from Penalties for working time violationsbut also increase satisfaction and efficiency within the company.
FAQ on time recording in Germany
Is time recording compulsory in Germany?
Yes, after the BAG ruling from 2022 employers are obliged to introduce a system for the complete recording of working time.
What are the penalties for violating the Working Hours Act?
Companies risk fines of up to 30,000 euros if they do not ensure complete working time recording. Violations of break and rest times can also result in high penalties.
What are the advantages of digital time recording?
Digital time recording offers legal certainty, increases efficiency, improves planning and ensures greater transparency. Modern systems also include mobile usage options and interfaces to HR software.
What is the difference between time recording in Germany and Austria?
Both countries have an obligation to record working hours. While Austria has regulated this obligation by law for some time, it was clarified in Germany with the BAG ruling in 2022.
