What’s new in working time recording at a Glance

AD A lot has changed in the world of work in recent years. Computers and software make our work easier, machines and robots are taking over physically demanding tasks. Most recently, it has also been proven that full working performance can be achieved from home. In spite of all that has changed, logging working hours remains an important part of our work, primarily to protect the health of employees.

Nowadays, the boundaries between work and free time are becoming increasingly blurred – so it is especially important to clearly limit working hours. This is why, with the ruling of the Federal Labor Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht, BAG), it is now a mandatory requirement to record working hours. On December 3, 2022, the BAG published the reasons for its decision on the mandatory recording of working hours from September 13, 2022 (1 ABR 22/21). This obligation applies to all employers with immediate effect. Regardless of the type and size of company.

The Federal Labor Court’s decision obliges the employer not only to establish a system for recording working time, but also to apply it properly. The following times must be recorded: Start and end of work times (duration of working time) Break times Overtime The system that is used for time recording must also be reliable and easily accessible. While the employer may also delegate this to the employee, this does not relieve them of their responsibility to ensure that the recording of working hours is actually and correctly practiced by them.

The Federal Labor Court’s ruling does not distinguish between office-based or remote employees in the ruling. Fundamentally, all employees are affected by the obligation to record working hours. Only current executive employees are exempt from the compulsory requirement.

The obligation to record working hours is effective immediately, so it makes good sense to look for a suitable solution as soon as possible. The best approach here would be to compare different apps and test them out directly with staff. After all, what would be the point of having the greatest and most ingenious tool if no one really likes to use it? (See also the Spanish Information) With the no-obligation trial version of Zoho People, all functions can be tried out and tested free of charge for 30 days. No credit card information is required for registration. Having used Zoho People for 3 years at codafish for time tracking and general HR purposes, we are more than happy to share our experience and knowledge with our customers. We will gladly assist you with any advice you may require!