Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions about Time Doctor:
Hubstaff’s time tracking software can be manipulated using cross-platform desktop application AFK-Assistant.
AFK-Assistant provides a 7-day trial that allows users to test the software without any cost or risk. Additionally, it offers custom applications with non-official icons and app names, making it safe to try out.
Hubstaff tracks time using a desktop application that runs in the background while employees work. The application records mouse movements, keystrokes, and time spent on different applications.
Hubstaff uses a screenshot feature, real-time activity levels, and GPS tracking to ensure accurate time tracking.
Yes, Hubstaff integrates with a wide range of software, including project management tools, accounting software, and payroll providers.
Yes, Hubstaff has a mobile application that can be used to track time and manage schedules on the go.
Hubstaff integrates with PayPal and Bitwage, making it easy to pay employees and manage payroll.
Yes, the Enterprise plan can be customized to include additional features based on specific business needs.
Yes, Hubstaff offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan, making it suitable for small businesses.
Hubstaff offers features like real-time activity levels, GPS tracking, and screenshot monitoring to prevent cheating and ensure accurate reporting.
Yes, Hubstaff offers customer support via email, live chat, and phone. They also have a knowledge base and community forum for sharing tips and tricks.
Introduction to Hubstaff
If you’re in charge of managing a remote team or a freelancer looking to keep track of your hours, you’ve likely heard of Hubstaff. This time tracking software has been around since 2012, and has quickly become one of the go-to options for businesses and individuals alike. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the product, its pricing plans, key features, pros and cons, as well as tips and tricks for using it effectively.
Hubstaff is a cloud-based time tracking software designed to help businesses and freelancers monitor their employees’ productivity, track time spent on projects, and manage their payroll. The software allows managers to view real-time activity levels, view screenshots of employees’ screens, and generate reports based on time spent on different tasks. In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at Hubstaff’s features and how they can be used to boost your team’s productivity.
Hubstaff Overview
Company Background
Hubstaff was founded in 2012 by Dave Nevogt and Jared Brown. They started the company after experiencing challenges while managing remote teams themselves. They wanted to create a solution that would help managers keep track of their team’s productivity, and provide employees with a way to accurately track their hours worked. Since its inception, Hubstaff has continued to grow, expanding its offerings and becoming one of the leading time tracking software on the market.
Hubstaff Pricing
Hubstaff offers four different pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of each plan:
Plan | Price | Features |
Desk Free | $0 (1 user) | Time tracking, Timesheets, Activity levels, Limited screenshots, Limited reports, Limited payments |
Desk Starter | $7/user/mo | Everything in Free, plus: Unlimited screenshots, Reports, 1 integration, 24-hour support, Per user settings, Idle timeout |
Desk Pro | $10/user/mo | Everything in Starter, plus: Track apps & URLs, Custom idle timeout, Auto discard idle time, Unlimited teams, Payments & payroll, Unlimited integrations, Limited public API, Time off & holidays, Scheduling & attendance, Invoices, Client & project budgets, Timesheet approvals, Daily & weekly limits, Expense tracking |
Enterprise | Customized | Everything in Pro, plus: Insights (Add-on), VIP Support, Concierge setup, Higher limits on public API, Unlimited Job sites, Pay by bank debit (ACH), HIPAA compliance, SOC-2 Type II Compliance, Single sign-on |
Hubstaff offers four pricing plans that cater to the specific time tracking needs of a diverse range of business entities, from individual freelancers to large enterprises. The pricing plans and their associated features include:
Desk Free:
This is the most basic plan designed for individual use, offering time tracking, timesheets, limited reports, limited payments, limited activity levels, and screenshots.
Desk Starter:
With a starting price of $7 per user per month ($5.83 with a yearly subscription), this plan presents users with unlimited screenshots, reports, per-user settings, 24-hour support, and idle timeout. It also supports one-third party integration, making it ideal for small teams looking for a more comprehensive time tracking solution with additional reporting features.
Desk Pro:
The Desk Pro plan begins at $10 per user per month ($8.33 with a yearly subscription) and includes all the features of the Desk Starter, along with app and URL tracking, unlimited integrations, multiple payment options, time off and holiday management, scheduling, attendance, client and project budget tracking, and expense tracking. This plan is suitable for growing teams and businesses that require comprehensive time tracking and work management features.
Enterprise:
This plan is designed for large organizations with complex workforce management needs. It offers a customized pricing structure and includes all the features of the Desk Pro. Additionally, users gain access to VIP support, concierge setup, HIPAA compliance, SOC-2 Type II Compliance, unlimited job sites, payment by bank debit (ACH), insights (as an add-on), and single sign-on capabilities.
Overall, Hubstaff’s pricing plans offer a wide range of features and options that cater to businesses of every size and budget.
Hubstaff Features
Hubstaff offers a wide range of features designed to help managers monitor their teams’ productivity and ensure accurate time tracking. Here are some of the key features:
Time Tracking
Employees can track their time spent on different tasks with ease, making it easy for managers to calculate payroll and invoice clients accurately.
Timesheets
This feature allows employees to create and submit timesheets, making it easy for managers to approve hours worked and manage payroll.
Activity Levels
Managers can view real-time activity levels for each employee, including mouse movements, keystrokes, and time spent on different applications.
Screenshots
Hubstaff takes screenshots of employees’ screens at regular intervals, making it easy for managers to ensure that employees are working on the right tasks.
Reports
Hubstaff generates detailed reports based on employees’ time tracked, allowing managers to view productivity levels, calculate billable hours, and monitor project progress.
Integrations
Hubstaff integrates with a wide range of software, including project management tools, accounting software, and payroll providers.
Payments and Payroll
Hubstaff integrates with PayPal and Bitwage, making it easy to pay employees and manage payroll.
Scheduling and Attendance
Hubstaff offers a shift scheduling feature, making it easy for managers to create and manage employee schedules, as well as track attendance.
Unique features that set Hubstaff apart from competitors
One of the features offered by Hubstaff is GPS tracking, which can be used to monitor employees’ location when they are working remotely. This functionality is particularly valuable for businesses that have delivery drivers, field agents, or other mobile workers on their payroll.
Pros and Cons of using Hubstaff
As with any time tracking software, Hubstaff offers a range of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help businesses make informed decisions when evaluating this productivity management tool.
Pros
Customizable Settings: The software offers customizable settings to accommodate the varying needs of different teams and businesses, including custom idle timeout and auto discard idle time.
Detailed Reporting Capabilities: Managers can access detailed reports that provide valuable insights into employees’ productivity and performance.
Transparent Pricing Structure: Hubstaff offers a straightforward pricing structure with plans designed to suit different team sizes and budgets.
Cons
Potential Privacy Concerns: Hubstaff’s screenshots and activity tracking features could potentially raise privacy concerns among employees.
Learning Curve: The software’s numerous features and settings may require a learning curve for users to fully utilize all its capabilities effectively.
Limited Public API Access: The Desk Pro plan offers restricted access to the public API, making it difficult for businesses to perform more advanced integrations.
Overall, Hubstaff offers an extensive array of valuable features to maximize productivity and employee management. However, it’s crucial to assess both its advantages and disadvantages before finalizing a decision.
Tips and Tricks for Manipulating Hubstaff Activity Reports
While Hubstaff is designed to provide accurate time tracking and productivity monitoring, some users may attempt to cheat the system in various ways, such as:
- Using software or hardware tools to simulate keyboard and mouse activity
- Switching between work and non-work activities quickly to avoid being caught during random screenshot intervals
- Manipulating system settings or permissions to interfere with the software’s monitoring capabilities.
How to Tick and Cheat Hubstaff Time Tracking
Using AFK-Assistant desktop app, Hubstaff activity reports and screenshots can be hacked.
Here’s how that works:
- Sign up for AFK-Assistant 10 days free trial
- Install and run AFK-Assistant software on your Windows, Mac or Linux device
- Start generating keyboard and mouse activity while away from keyboard
AFK-Assistant is a cross-platform desktop application which mimics human activity and helps users generate activity reports in any time tracking software. Provided 10 days free trial will help you test the software for yourself.
Here’s a short video showing how AFK-Assistant helps remain active while away from your device during time tracking sessions:
How to Prevent Hubstaff Cheating and Ensure Accurate Reporting
To maintain the integrity of time tracking data and prevent cheating, follow these best practices:
- Educate employees: Ensure that employees understand the importance of accurate time tracking and the consequences of attempting to cheat the system.
- Set clear expectations: Establish clear guidelines for work hours, productivity expectations, and acceptable use of company resources during work hours.
- Use Hubstaff’s anti-cheating features: Utilize features such as custom idle timeout and auto discard idle time to discourage cheating attempts.
- Regularly review reports and screenshots: Regularly review employees’ activity reports and screenshots to identify any suspicious patterns or inconsistencies.
- Establish a culture of trust and transparency: Encourage open communication between managers and team members, and foster a work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns or challenges.
Hubstaff Customer Support and Resources
Hubstaff offers a range of customer support options and resources to help users get the most out of their software:
- Knowledge base: A comprehensive help center with articles covering various topics related to the software’s features, settings, and best practices.
- Video tutorials: A library of video tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on using Hubstaff’s features.
- Email support: Users can reach out to Hubstaff’s support team via email for assistance with any issues or questions.
- Live chat support: Available for higher-tier plan users, live chat support offers real-time assistance from Hubstaff’s support team.
- User communities and forums: Online communities and forums where Hubstaff users can share tips, tricks, and experiences with one another.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Hubstaff is a comprehensive time tracking and productivity monitoring solution, offering a range of features and pricing plans to suit various team sizes and budgets. The software provides valuable insights into employee work hours and productivity levels, helping businesses optimize their operations and improve overall efficiency.
However, as with any monitoring tool, it’s crucial to establish a culture of trust and transparency to ensure that employees understand the purpose and benefits of time tracking. By following best practices and using Hubstaff’s anti-cheating features, businesses can maintain the integrity of their time tracking data and prevent attempts to manipulate activity reports.
Before deciding on a time tracking solution, consider factors such as the available features, ease of use, pricing, customer support, and integrations to determine if Hubstaff or an alternative option is the best fit for your organization’s needs.