{"id":27178,"date":"2024-07-02T12:44:52","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T10:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/?p=27178"},"modified":"2026-02-27T16:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:37:08","slug":"time-tracking-regulations-worldwide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/tracking-time\/time-tracking-regulations-worldwide\/","title":{"rendered":"Worldwide Time Tracking Laws to Follow for a Global Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you own a US-based company but also manage a remote team of employees, you need to be aware of <strong>time tracking regulations<\/strong> worldwide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the country in which your employees reside, you should get familiar with the time tracking laws as soon as you hire them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don&#8217;t worry \u2014 it&#8217;s natural not to feel overly joyous when you must comply with so many regulations for your workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re here to guide you through time tracking regulations around the globe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social.jpg\" alt=\"Time tracking regulations around the world - cover\" class=\"wp-image-27176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social-1110x555.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Time-tracking-regulations-around-the-world-social-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"us-time-tracking-laws-from-fsla-to-state-based-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">US time tracking laws \u2014 From FSLA to state-based laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to time tracking regulations in the United States, you must comply with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/sites\/dolgov\/files\/WHD\/legacy\/files\/FairLaborStandAct.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a> (FLSA). There\u2019s also the matter of state-based laws \u2014 some US states have them \u2014 and you should also consider the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), the 7-minute rule, and whether you should also track time for exempt employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Time Tracking Laws in the US Explained\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5h7dQ4ShWNk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s explain each in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"fair-labor-standards-act-flsa-does-not-define-the-maximum-number-of-hours-per-week\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not define the maximum number of hours per week<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/flsa-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FLSA<\/a> (1938) is a federal law that regulates employees&#8217; rights, minimum wage, overtime, and unfair practices. It also covers the time tracking and working time provisions in the US.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration, time tracking records must include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/how-many-work-hours-in-a-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hours worked per day<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beginning and end of the working day,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breaks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overtime, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wage paid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees should store these records for 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, the law doesn\u2019t address the maximum number of hours worked in a week. But after 40 hours, each subsequent hour will be considered overtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from that, the law doesn&#8217;t state the preferred method for time tracking \u2014 so, feel free to choose either manual or digital time tracking. However, we suggest you turn to digital methods, as they greatly reduce the chances of making mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides the FLSA, each state can have its own regulations concerning time tracking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you need to consult with the specific <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/state-labor-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">state labor laws<\/a> to be completely compliant with time tracking regulations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll now present you with some of those.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"some-state-based-laws-around-the-us-require-up-to-6-years-of-record-keeping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some state-based laws around the US require up to 6 years of record-keeping&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the more striking specific laws regarding time tracking regulations:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/legislation\/laws\/LAB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York Labor Law<\/a> \u2014 You must keep time tracking records for at least 6 years. The records must be written in English and in the primary language of the employee. The employee must sign the records for them to be valid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dir.ca.gov\/dlse\/Garment\/New-Labor-Laws-in-California.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California Labor Law<\/a> \u2014 California&#8217;s law states that paper time tracking records are valid, as long as they\u2019re in English and ink. The law also states that the employer won\u2019t prohibit the employee from keeping their personal record of working hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/state-labor-laws\/rhode-island-labor-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rhode Island Monitoring Law<\/a> \u2014 Tracking devices such as GPS can be used only if all parties agree to it in writing. Additionally, as an employer, you must keep time tracking records of all employees, even if they\u2019re salaried employees.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"do-you-have-government-contracts-you-need-to-comply-with-the-defense-contract-audit-agency-dcaa\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you have government contracts? You need to comply with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The DCAA is an audit agency that provides financial advisory services to the Department of Defense and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Acquisition means purchasing new supplies and services, and contract administration involves activities that aim to ensure that the government and the contractors meet the contract&#8217;s requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/dcaa-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DCAA<\/a> has only one goal: to ensure that government money is well spent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business has government contracts, you must also follow the DCAA&#8217;s guidelines for time tracking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To appease the DCAA, your time tracking records must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vacation days,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sick days,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other types of leave.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from that, you should state the number of hours worked each day and mention the project the employee worked on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark clockify-gradient-landing-3\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Free time tracker<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify by CAKE.com is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/apps\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-bottom \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/landing-3@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/landing-3.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"does-the-7-minute-rule-mean-youll-pay-your-employees-more\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the 7-minute rule mean you\u2019ll pay your employees more?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The FLSA law allows rounding the time when the employee clocks in and out. <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/time-rounding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Time rounding<\/a> makes defining paychecks more convenient.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primerus.com\/article\/fair-labor-standards-act-rounding-hours-worked\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Labor rule<\/a>, the hours of clocking in and out will be rounded to the nearest quarter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when the employee starts working at 7:05, the starting hour will be rounded down to 7 o\u2019clock. If the employee starts working at 7:08, the starting point will be rounded to 7:15.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rule is cleverly designed not to affect paychecks but to reflect the reality of working hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 7-minute rule is a novel term, and as an integral part of the centuries-long <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/tracking-time\/time-tracking-evolution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">time tracking evolution<\/a>, it\u2019s here to stay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"exempt-employees-to-track-or-not-to-track-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exempt employees \u2014 To track or not to track time?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2 types of employees, exempt and non-exempt, have different time tracking requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You aren&#8217;t obligated to keep records of your exempt employees\u2019 time. These employees usually receive a fixed salary, no matter the hours worked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-exempt employees typically work by the hour. And it&#8217;s their time that you need to closely track to ensure all hours are paid properly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, while this is generally the rule, you need to consult with the specific state law to determine whether exempt employees&#8217; time should be tracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-australia-a-country-with-hefty-fines-for-non-compliance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in Australia, a country with hefty fines for non-compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Full-time employees in Australia enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2025\/aug\/20\/four-day-work-week-six-weeks-holidays-vacation-australia-boost-improve-productivity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">one of the shortest work weeks in the world<\/a>, with 38 hours allowed over 7 days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a similar note, the Australian <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.au\/C2009A00028\/latest\/versions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Work Act<\/a> mandates that time tracking records be kept for 7 years. In fact, these records need to be in English, legible, and accessible to Fair Work Inspectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/pay-and-wages\/paying-wages\/record-keeping#what-records-have-to-be-kept-and-what-needs-to-be-in-them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">records<\/a> should include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The number of overtime hours, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The start and finish times of overtime hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Overtime work compensation can differ depending on the specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/tools-and-resources\/fact-sheets\/minimum-workplace-entitlements\/modern-awards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Modern Award agreement<\/a> \u2014 a document that outlines the minimum terms and conditions of employment. It includes information such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pay,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working hours,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/workforce-management\/how-to-calculate-overtime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Overtime<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breaks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allowances, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalty rates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, employees are paid 1.5 times higher for the first 2 hours of overtime and 3 times higher for every hour after that. This is why it\u2019s vital to have correct records of employees&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-time\/how-many-work-hours-in-a-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">working hours<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/pay-and-wages\/paying-wages\/record-keeping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Work Act<\/a>, the fines for wrongful time tracking are rather hefty. For businesses, the fines can reach a staggering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairwork.gov.au\/about-us\/compliance-and-enforcement\/litigation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$93,900<\/a> \u2014 or even more for serious violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serious violations mean the business was reckless about whether the violation would occur or that the business knew it was violating an obligation of workplace law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that case, if you have a business with more than 15 employees, you can face a fine of up to $939,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Track work hours and breaks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"free-time-or-overtime-pay-time-tracking-regulations-in-canada-let-you-choose\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free time or overtime pay? Time tracking regulations in Canada let you choose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/jobs\/workplace\/federal-labour-standards\/work-hours.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Labour Code<\/a> when it comes to defining:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working hours,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breaks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overtime,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, overtime is paid 1.5 times higher than the employee&#8217;s agreed hourly wage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, for every overtime hour, employees can get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/jobs\/workplace\/federal-labour-standards\/work-hours.html#h3.01.01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1.5 hours of free time instead of money<\/a> if they wish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this to be possible, you must have an impeccable record of all the hours worked by the employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because an accurate record will ensure that the employee receives the right amount of either money <em>or<\/em> free time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an employer, you need to keep records of overtime hours, wages, and regular hours worked for 36 months. Otherwise, you may face up to CAD 10,000 (USD 7,326) in fines \u2014 and even more for unpaid overtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadian law states that you can track employees&#8217; working hours from company-owned devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that <a href=\"https:\/\/ca.indeed.com\/career-advice\/career-development\/what-is-difference-between-exempt-and-non-exempt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exempt categories of employees<\/a> aren\u2019t protected by the Canadian Labor Code. These categories include different positions, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Executive,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly compensated,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outside sales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have employees in these positions, <strong>you don&#8217;t<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><strong>need to keep track of their time<\/strong>. For all the other positions, however, you should prioritize proper time tracking to comply with the law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-india-the-country-renowned-for-long-working-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in India, the country renowned for long working hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/employment-and-labour-laws-and-regulations\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Employment and Labor Laws<\/a> in India, employers can monitor company-owned devices. Similarly, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiacode.nic.in\/bitstream\/123456789\/13116\/1\/it_act_2000_updated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Information and Technology Act<\/a> stipulates that personal devices can only be accessed with the written consent of the owner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an employer, you must keep track of employees&#8217; attendance and wages for 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/dgfasli.gov.in\/public\/Admin\/Cms\/AllPdf\/650059fbb8f1a9.98699174.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions<\/a> (OSH) Code, employees must not work more than 60 hours a week, including overtime. This means that the maximum number of hours an employee can work during the day amounts to 10.5.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, the regular workweek is 48 hours long and is one of the longest workweeks in the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overtime is limited to 2 hours daily and is worth double the regular hourly rate. When it comes to breaks, every 5 hours of continuous work is followed by a 30-60-minute break.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, every employee is entitled to 24 hours of uninterrupted rest during the week and 12 hours between shifts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1<strong> Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure you\u2019re always compliant with the time tracking laws valid in your country, you\u2019ll need to pick top-level software to help you out with that. Learn how to do that here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/apps-tools\/how-to-choose-time-tracking-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to choose the best time tracking software in 7 steps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-the-eu-zone-before-and-after-plenty-of-unreported-overtime-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in the EU zone before and after plenty of unreported overtime hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All EU member states follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/dir\/2003\/88\/oj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">European Working Time Directive<\/a> (EWTD) \u2014 an EU regulation that covers workers&#8217; rights regarding working hours and time tracking. Time tracking wasn\u2019t mandatory in the EU until 2019 \u2014 and it became mandatory for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a while, the EU took pride in their workers&#8217; high productivity levels coupled with short workweeks. They were seemingly working fewer hours than anyone else, all while achieving amazing results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, it turned out that many EU workers had plenty of overtime hours that went unnoticed by the government.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2019, the <a href=\"https:\/\/curia.europa.eu\/site\/upload\/docs\/application\/pdf\/2019-05\/cp190061en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">European Court of Justice&#8217;s ruling<\/a> brought this practice to light, making it mandatory for employers to create a system for time tracking that\u2019s \u201cobjective, reliable, and accessible.\u201c&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, The EU member states have the right to introduce their own additional and more specific laws regarding time tracking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll now see some examples of EU states that have done so and examples of those that haven&#8217;t.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-spain-enhanced-by-the-royal-decree-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in Spain \u2014 enhanced by the Royal Decree Law<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain was the very first country to integrate time tracking regulations after the European Court of Justice ruling. Already in May 2019, the Spanish government has proceeded with new regulations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Namely, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/diario_boe\/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2019-2861\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Royal Decree Law<\/a> brought about big changes when it came to protecting employees from mistreatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re doing business in Spain, you must keep time tracking records for 4 years. These records include data about the start and end of each day, break length, and overtime hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, you must track the time of all employees, regardless of whether they\u2019re paid hourly or monthly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-germany-draft-bill-in-action\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in Germany \u2014 Draft Bill in action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs proposed a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalcompliancenews.com\/2023\/05\/06\/https-insightplus-bakermckenzie-com-bm-investigations-compliance-ethics-germany-draft-bill-on-the-obligation-to-record-working-time-published_1_04282023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Draft Bill<\/a> implemented in April 2023. Since the EWTD doesn\u2019t provide specified instructions on time tracking methods, the authorities have decided to set clear legal requirements, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Depending on their size, companies have between 1 and 5 years to implement a legal electronic time tracking system.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failure to implement an electronic time tracking system can result in a fine of up to EUR 30,000 (USD 32,187).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employers have to record the beginning, end, and duration of the work employees perform.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees have the right to view electronic records and have a copy for themselves.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can delegate the recording of working hours to employees. In this way, you create an atmosphere of trust in the team.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recording working hours and spotting irregularities is fairly easy with a digital tracking system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"time-tracking-regulations-in-france-or-lack-thereof\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time tracking regulations in France \u2014 or lack thereof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The French still show no sign that they\u2019ll recognize the European Court of Justice ruling. This means they haven&#8217;t introduced a system for time tracking that&#8217;s \u201cobjective, reliable, and accessible\u201c \u2014 at least not officially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The French Labor Code requires time tracking only when employees don\u2019t work under collective working hours (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/codes\/article_lc\/LEGIARTI000018533970\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Article D.3171-8<\/a>). In that case, here\u2019s what you need to record:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The start and end of each work period, or the total number of hours of work completed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The amount of hours that employees work each week.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But, apart from the one above, the French Labor Code doesn\u2019t have other time tracking requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you\u2019re an employer in France, you\u2019re welcome to introduce time tracking on your own to define paychecks more easily \u2014 and keep track of employees\u2019 attendance records.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"pre-brexit-and-post-brexit-time-tracking-regulations-in-the-uk\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-Brexit and post-Brexit time tracking regulations in the UK&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The European Working Time Directive was introduced in 1993, when the UK was still part of the EU \u2014 and the European Court of Justice ruling happened in 2019.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Brexit took place in 2020, the UK still follows the EWTD&#8217;s time tracking regulations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like in EU member states, UK employers are obliged to keep records of all employees\u2019 working hours. The records showcase whether minimum daily and weekly rest periods and overtime have been complied with under the <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/eu-time-tracking-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EU time tracking law<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to other time tracking regulations, the UK refers to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/1998\/1833\/contents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Working Time Act<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/1998\/1833\/contents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 1998<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As in most countries, some categories of jobs are excluded from time tracking. Here\u2019s a list of job categories exempt from time tracking in the UK:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aviation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sea transport jobs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managing executives,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain healthcare roles,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security and surveillance jobs, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Armed forces, the police, and emergency service jobs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For non-exempt employees, the Working Time Act states that you can create, maintain, and keep the records <em>\u2018in such manner and format as the employer reasonably thinks fit.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This implies that you can use both digital and manual spreadsheets for record keeping.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"when-time-tracking-is-the-question-clockify-by-cake-com-is-always-the-answer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When time tracking is the question, Clockify by CAKE.com is always the answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing you need to comply with time tracking regulations for your local and global employees \u2014 is reliable, easy-to-use software.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clockify by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a> is all that and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a straightforward tool that makes time tracking and record-keeping a breeze, <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/help\/getting-started#IntroductiontoClockify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clockify<\/a> can also help you <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/resources\/timekeeping-laws-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remain compliant with timekeeping laws<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On an easy-to-use platform, employees can quickly enter their hours manually or by starting the timer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, Clockify comes with a handy <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/features\/reports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reports feature<\/a> that\u2019ll help you get an overview of everyone\u2019s time within seconds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"518\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report.jpg\" alt=\"Clockify weekly report\" class=\"wp-image-27177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report-695x300.jpg 695w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report-1110x479.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report-768x332.jpg 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Clockify-weekly-report-18x8.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clockify report that shows employees\u2019 logged hours\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Time tracking doesn&#8217;t have to be hard. Join the community of millions of satisfied employers who\u2019ve been successfully tracking time for years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up for Clockify today<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn all about time tracking regulations around the world. Find out the best way to track time regardless of location or time zone. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":27183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tracking-time"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27178"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36581,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27178\/revisions\/36581"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}