The Pros And Cons Of Microsoft Teams Time Tracking

Microsoft Teams is a robust platform designed for workplace communication and project management. It offers a variety of features such as channels for team collaboration, video meetings, task lists, Microsoft Planner, and meeting whiteboards.

Additionally, it supports numerous integrations, making it a flexible, all-in-one solution for various business requirements.

While it excels in promoting employee collaboration, is Microsoft Teams the optimal choice for time tracking and employee productivity software?

How does time tracking function within Microsoft Teams, and what are the benefits and limitations?

In this article, we’ll delve into how to effectively track time using Microsoft Teams. We’ll also highlight some significant drawbacks of its time tracking capabilities and present five alternative tools that may better meet your business needs.

How to use Microsoft Teams time tracking?

Microsoft Teams is a fantastic tool for project planning and team collaboration. It integrates smoothly with Office 365, allowing easy connections with various tools, such as:

• Microsoft Dynamics: Manage customer relationships and analyze data.
• Microsoft Office: Edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly in Teams.
• Microsoft Project: Plan and monitor projects effortlessly.
• Microsoft Azure: Collaborate on cloud-based projects and applications.
• Microsoft Power BI: Visualize and analyze business data for improved decision-making.
• SharePoint: Simplify file sharing and team sites.

And more!

This versatility makes Microsoft Teams a valuable platform that meets diverse business needs, from communication and file sharing to advanced project management.

Did you know that Microsoft Teams also offers basic time-tracking features? While it may not be as detailed as specialized time-tracking tools, it provides straightforward options for monitoring work hours and task progress right within the app.

In this article, we’ll examine the two methods for tracking time with Microsoft Teams. We’ll also look at how these features function and whether they are adequate for effectively managing your team’s time.

Let’s dive in!

1. Using time clock

Microsoft Teams offers a time clock feature that enables employees to clock in and out via their mobile devices. Although it doesn’t provide real-time tracking of hours worked, it assists managers in overseeing shifts, recognizing late arrivals, and identifying employees who might be working excessive hours.

Here’s how to use the time clock feature:

1. Open the ‘Shifts’ tab, click on the clock icon, and select the shift you want to clock in for.
2. To take a break, press and hold the ▶ button under ‘Break’ to clock out.
3. When you’re ready to return, click the ‘Stop’ button under ‘Break’ to clock back in.
4. At the end of your shift, click the ‘Stop’ button under ‘Shifts’ to clock out.

Note: Ensure that your manager has enabled the ‘Shifts’ function for you to access this feature.

2. Using timesheet

Microsoft Teams also includes a manual timesheet feature for tracking employee hours. This allows employees to not only log their work hours but also review previous time clock entries or update existing timesheet information.

The feature is simple to use:

• Navigate to the ‘Shifts’ tab and select ‘Time Clock.’
• Open the menu in the upper-right corner and select the timesheet you wish to view or edit.
• Make any necessary adjustments or add details to ensure your timesheet is accurate.

This flexibility can be helpful for teams needing a quick solution to log working hours. Employees can fix errors, add missed entries, or review their time records for better accountability.

Next, let’s dive deeper into the major drawbacks of Microsoft Teams’ time tracking and explore why it might not be the ideal tool for tracking employee hours.

Pros Of Microsoft Teams Time Tracking

Enhanced Focus and Organization

Microsoft Teams enhances employee focus and organization by categorizing communication into channels. This approach minimizes distractions from scattered emails and keeps discussions, meetings, and documents organized by relevant topics.

With a more structured layout, users can easily find the information they need without being bogged down by unrelated conversations, fostering a more concentrated work atmosphere.

Increased Team Productivity

By consolidating all communication and collaboration in one platform, Microsoft Teams reduces the time wasted searching for files or information. The integration of Office 365 tools and third-party applications ensures everything is accessible within the Teams interface, streamlining workflows and boosting team productivity.

This integration allows teams to remain organized and respond swiftly to project demands without the hassle of switching between different platforms.

Easier Time Management with Built-in Tools

Time tracking in Microsoft Teams is made easier with integrated third-party tools like TrackingTime or Harvest. These tools provide seamless time management features, including real-time tracking, task monitoring, and the ability to generate accurate timesheets, all within the Teams environment.

This smooth integration helps teams keep track of their hours without leaving the platform.

User-Friendly Setup

Microsoft Teams is recognized for its straightforward, cloud-based design and user-friendliness. Setting up time tracking within Teams is simple, allowing your team to quickly get accustomed to the system. Since it can be accessed from any device, employees can monitor their time and collaborate on projects from anywhere, making it an effective solution for remote or hybrid teams.

Enhanced Collaboration and Transparency

Teams promote collaboration by enabling all members to transparently track their time and progress on tasks. Managers can effortlessly oversee project timelines, employee work hours, and team productivity in real-time.

This transparency nurtures a culture of accountability, allowing team members to manage their time efficiently while working collectively towards shared objectives.

Cons Of Microsoft Teams Time Tracking

While Microsoft Teams is a great tool for managing projects, it may not suit everyone’s requirements. For instance, managers looking for a dependable and effective time-tracking solution might want to consider alternative options.

Here are a few reasons why Microsoft Teams may not be the ideal choice for tracking project time:

No real-time time tracking

Microsoft Teams relies on manual timesheets for employees to log their work hours. This means employees must enter their hours at the end of each shift.

However, this manual approach has its challenges. First, it’s time-consuming and requires extra effort from both employees and managers. Employees need to remember to log their hours daily, and managers have to review each timesheet to ensure submissions are accurate and on time.

Additionally, manual time tracking increases the risk of errors, as employees might forget details or make mistakes while entering their hours. Over time, these inaccuracies can add up, leading to complications in managing team productivity and payroll.

Increased risk of time theft and human error

Manual time entry in attendance or time tracking tools opens the door to time theft, creating significant financial and operational risks for businesses.

The American Payroll Association (APA) reports that over 75% of US employers suffer losses due to time theft and buddy punching. Ignoring the importance of a reliable time tracking solution could mean losing money, productivity, and trust within your workforce.

Additionally, manual time tracking often frustrates employees and managers alike. The process is prone to human error, resulting in inaccurate records, payroll discrepancies, and wasted administrative efforts.
Investing in competent time tracking software can mitigate these risks, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a smoother workflow for all.

No solution for managing individual tasks

Microsoft Teams allows managers to assign tasks and monitor the progress of any team member. Using the ‘Microsoft Lists’ feature, managers can create a list and assign tasks to employees. Team members can then update their status by marking when they start or complete a task.
However, Microsoft Teams does not provide a way to track the time spent on individual tasks. This means there’s no clear way to measure how long each task takes or to accurately estimate timelines for future projects.

Lack of productivity reports

One of the key advantages of time tracking software is that it boosts productivity and helps employees stay focused on their tasks. Most time tracking tools provide detailed productivity reports that show how employees are spending their time on each project.

For example, Flowace offers various productivity reports, such as project and task summaries, activity summaries, and timeline reports. These reports can be used to analyze work patterns and help employees improve their performance.

However, Microsoft Teams does not provide these features. So, if you’re looking for a dedicated time tracking solution, Microsoft Teams may not be the best choice.

What are some other tools you can use? Let’s explore your options.

5 Efficient Microsoft Teams Time Tracking Alternatives

Microsoft Teams is an excellent tool for project management and team collaboration. However, when it comes to time tracking, it lacks the more advanced features offered by dedicated time tracking software. While Teams helps with task assignments and basic tracking, it doesn’t provide in-depth time management capabilities that businesses often need.

For those looking for more robust time tracking solutions, there are several great alternatives available. These tools offer a range of features such as automatic time tracking, detailed reporting, and seamless integrations with other business tools.
Here are some of the most effective Microsoft Teams time tracking alternatives to consider in 2025:

1) Flowace

Microsoft Teams Time Tracking is an integrated time tracking tool designed to streamline employee time management directly within Microsoft Teams. This solution provides an easy and efficient way to monitor work hours without the need for additional software.

Key features:

• Simple Time Logging: Employees can log their hours quickly through the Flowace app within Teams. The tool tracks time spent on specific tasks or projects, making it easy to record work hours without switching between different apps.
• Real-Time Tracking: Unlike the manual timesheet approach in Teams, Flowace offers real-time time tracking, ensuring accurate data for every task or project. Managers can monitor work progress and identify how much time employees are spending on different tasks.
• Detailed Reports: The tool provides detailed reports on employee time usage, allowing managers to assess productivity levels, track project timelines, and make adjustments where necessary. These reports can be used to improve project management and planning.
• Seamless Integration: Floeace integrates directly with Microsoft Teams, making it easy to implement without the need for additional training or complex setup. It works within the familiar team environment, enhancing team collaboration while offering powerful time tracking features.
• Task and Project Tracking: The app allows managers to assign tasks and track time spent on each project, offering valuable insights into team performance and project progress.
• Notifications and Alerts: Employees and managers can set reminders and receive notifications for time tracking, ensuring that no one forgets to log their hours and that timesheets remain accurate.

Flowace offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to streamline their time tracking process within the Microsoft Teams platform. Its real-time tracking, detailed reporting, and seamless integration make it a great alternative to traditional time management tools.

Pricing :

• Free Plan – 7 days
• Basic – $ 1.99 /user/month
• Standard – $ 3.99 /user/month
• Premium – $ 6.98 /user/month

User Rating :

• G2 – 4.6 out of 5 stars
• Capterra – 5.0 out of 5 stars

2) Time Doctor

Time Doctor integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams to help businesses track time, boost productivity, and improve project management. With this integration, users can easily monitor time spent on tasks and meetings within the Teams platform.

Key Features:

• Automatic Time Tracking: Tracks time automatically based on activities within Teams (meetings, chats, etc.).
• Real-Time Monitoring: Provides live data on time spent on specific tasks or projects.
• Task & Project Tracking: Log time against tasks or projects directly in Teams.
• Detailed Reports: Generate reports on time usage, team activity, and productivity.
• Distraction Alerts: Notifies users when they spend too much time on non-work-related activities.

Time Doctor’s integration with Microsoft Teams helps teams stay on track, boosts efficiency, and provides actionable insights for better time management.

Pricing :

• Free Plan – 14 days
• Basic – $6.70 per user/month billed annually
• Standard – $11.70 per user/month billed annually
• Premium – $16.70 per user/month billed annually
• Enterprise – Custom plan

Review :

• G2 – 4.4 out of 5 stars
• Capterra – 4.5 out of 5 stars

3) Toggl Track

Toggl Track integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing users to track their time without leaving the platform. This integration enables teams to efficiently manage their time spent on meetings, projects, and tasks directly within Teams, ensuring a smooth workflow and better productivity insights.

Key Features of Toggl Track Microsoft Teams Integration:

• In-Teams Time Tracking: Start, stop, and manage time entries directly from within Microsoft Teams, without needing to switch to another app.
• Automatic Time Tracking: Toggl can automatically track time spent on meetings and tasks in Teams, providing a more hands-off approach to time management.
• Easy Project & Task Logging: Assign time entries to specific projects or tasks within Teams, keeping everything organized and easy to report on.
• Real-Time Syncing: Syncs across all devices and platforms, ensuring that time data is updated in real-time.
• Team Collaboration: Managers can view and track time for all team members, offering a central place to monitor productivity.
• Billable Hours Tracking: Track billable hours for accurate invoicing directly from your Teams interface.

Toggl Track’s integration with Microsoft Teams streamlines time tracking, helping users stay on top of their tasks and projects without interrupting their workflow. It’s ideal for remote and hybrid teams, offering easy access to time management tools within the familiar Teams environment.

Pricing :

• Free – 30-day free trial
• Starter – $9 per user per month
• Premium – $18 per user per month
• Enterprise – Custom pricing. Turnkey solution.

User Rating :

• G2 – 4.8 out of 5 stars
• Capterra – 4.7 out of 5 stars

4) Harvest

Time tracking is an essential component for businesses striving to enhance productivity and manage resources effectively. Harvest, a leading time-tracking software, integrates seamlessly with Microsoft tools to offer a streamlined solution for tracking time and managing projects. Whether you are a freelancer, part of a small team, or managing a large organization, Harvest simplifies time tracking and ensures you have detailed insights into your work.

Key Features

• Microsoft Integration: Log time directly from Microsoft tools.
• Detailed Tracking: Track time per task or project with timers and manual entries.
• Comprehensive Reports: Generate insightful reports and export to Excel.
• Invoicing & Expenses: Create invoices from billable hours and manage expenses.
• Real-Time Updates: Get notifications for deadlines via Microsoft Teams.
• Mobile Apps: Access on iOS and Android devices.

Pricing :

• Free Plan – free 30-day trial
• Pro – $11 per seat/month
• Premium – $14 per seat/month

User Rating :

• G2 – 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Capterra – 4.6 out of 5 stars

5) TrackingTime.co

TrackingTime is a cutting-edge time-tracking tool that works effortlessly with Microsoft Teams. It helps teams boost productivity, manage projects effectively, and keep precise timesheets. Users can quickly set it up and integrate time tracking into their daily routines without having to exit the Microsoft Teams platform.

Key Features

• Time Tracking in Teams: Add the TrackingTime Tab and track tasks without switching platforms.
• Accurate Timesheets: Generate detailed reports with in-depth analytics.
• All-in-One Solution: Manage operations, monitor progress, and comply with requirements.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Improve team workflows, transparency, and project visibility.
• Boost Productivity: Keep projects on track and meet deadlines efficiently.

TrackingTime transforms Microsoft Teams into a powerful time-tracking and project-management hub, helping teams work smarter and achieve more.

Pricing :

• FREE – Up to 3 users.
• Freelancer – $8 Per user / monthly, billed annually
• PRO – $5.75 Per user / monthly, billed annually. Starting at 3 users
• BUSINESS – $10 Per user / monthly, billed annually. Starting at 3 users

User Rating :

• G2 – 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Capterra – 4.6 out of 5 stars

Faq

Do Teams have a time tracking feature?

Microsoft Teams does not include a built-in time-tracking feature. However, users can connect third-party time-tracking tools, such as TrackingTime, Harvest, or Clockify, directly within Teams to easily monitor work hours, and project progress, and manage tasks.

Can Teams track screen time?

Microsoft Teams has no native feature for tracking screen time or monitoring individual users’ screen activity. To track screen time, additional tools like Microsoft Viva Insights or other third-party applications may be necessary. These tools can offer insights into work habits, assisting users in balancing productivity and well-being.

Can Teams track screen time?

Yes, Microsoft Teams can track user activity to a certain degree. It offers activity reports that detail chat usage, call duration, file sharing, and meeting attendance. However, for more comprehensive activity tracking or monitoring specific tasks, it is advisable to integrate applications like Asana or TrackingTime.

Does Microsoft Teams Track Idle Time?

Microsoft Teams automatically updates a user’s status to “Away” after five minutes of inactivity. This is based on app-configured status settings that detect user activity. If you want to prevent Teams from automatically changing your presence, there are configuration options you can explore to manage your status more effectively.

Can My Employer See My Screen Time?

Yes, in the U.S., employers have the legal right to monitor screen activity, including content displayed and keystrokes typed on company-provided devices. It’s important to note that any activity performed on a work computer can be accessed by the employer, especially if there is a clear and documented workplace monitoring policy in place.

Conclusion

Microsoft Teams is a great platform for team collaboration and project management. It offers basic time-tracking options, including the Time Clock and Timesheets, which can assist teams in logging work hours and keeping track of shift schedules.

However, these features may not meet the needs of those looking for advanced time management solutions, such as real-time tracking, comprehensive productivity reports, and time logs specific to tasks.

For businesses that need a more effective time-tracking tool, dedicated solutions like Flowace are a better fit. With capabilities like real-time tracking, in-depth reporting, smooth integration with Microsoft Teams, and task-specific tracking, Flowace provides accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in managing work hours.

By opting for Flowace, teams can address the limitations of Microsoft Teams’ time-tracking features, enhance their workflows, and boost productivity with ease.