The Best Employee Monitoring Software for 2024: Top Tools and Features

As more businesses turn to flexible working models, employee monitoring software becomes increasingly in demand. The best employee monitoring software not only shows you basic information like apps your team uses but also improves employee productivity over time.

According to Forbes, over 28% of employees have adapted to a hybrid work model. With the rise of remote work, employers are seeking tools that provide insights into employee performance without compromising trust.

Ready to take employee performance a step further? Let’s jump in.

Importance of employee monitoring software

Employee monitoring tools help remote workers stay productive and aligned with company goals. With robust employee monitoring systems, companies can stay on top of project updates without engaging in tedious back-and-forth exchanges. In other words, team members can completely focus on their tasks.

Security is another major advantage. Employee monitoring tools also help companies protect sensitive company information by tracking data access and usage. This is particularly important for remote employees who may be accessing company resources from various locations.

Key features to look for in employee monitoring software

Choosing the right employee monitoring software is crucial for maximizing team productivity and ensuring the security of sensitive data. Understanding these features will help you select an employee monitoring system that aligns with your business goals and supports your remote workforce effectively.

• Real-time activity monitoring. Real-time productivity features help businesses monitor employee activities as they happen. This feature allows managers to see how much time employees spend on tasks, what apps are hurting productivity, and which hours help employees reach peak efficiency. 
  
• Screenshots and screen recording. Capturing screenshots and recording screens can significantly enhance monitoring by providing visual evidence of employee activities. While it’s a useful feature for helping teams stay on track, it can be abused by micromanagers without proper training.
  
• Productivity analysis. Productivity tools are vital to understanding how employees work. These tools help identify time-wasting activities and optimize workflows, ultimately boosting employee productivity.
  
• Time tracking and attendance. An employee monitoring system’s time tracking features allow you to monitor work hours and attendance accurately.
  
• User behavior analytics. Analyzing user behavior helps employees stay compliant with company policies, which helps in maintaining security and preventing data breaches. Some tools offer unusual activity detection to spot potential breaches before they happen. 
  
• Alerts and notifications. Setting up alerts for suspicious activities or rule violations helps in quickly addressing potential issues. Following a proactive approach can prevent security issues before they escalate.
  
• Data security and compliance. Given the sensitivity of the data they’re accessing, employee monitoring software must meet data security standards and compliance regulations.
  
• Remote employee monitoring. Tools specifically designed for monitoring remote employees are vital for managing a remote workforce. These tools provide the necessary features to track productivity and gauge employee well-being, regardless of where employees are located.

Pro tip: Don’t define your monitoring needs based on what a typical employee monitoring solution may offer. Instead, clearly identify your goals and requirements for your business first, then shop around. This will make deciding significantly easier.

Top employee monitoring software for 2024

To help you navigate the hundreds of options out there, we’ve rounded up the top employee monitoring software solutions in 2024. These tools are designed to streamline tracking employee activity and enhance remote team productivity. 

Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a comprehensive workforce analytics and employee monitoring tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline workforce management. With robust employee productivity tracking features, Hubstaff provides insights that enable businesses to optimize their performance. It combines features like workforce analytics, reporting, and automated timesheets to deliver a comprehensive solution for tracking employee productivity.

Features

• Time tracking and timesheets. Track how employees spend their time on various tasks and projects. Then, seamlessly convert employee hours into timesheets in real time. 
  
• Productivity monitoring. Monitor employee activity levels to find weaknesses in their workflow. You can identify time-wasting apps and URLs, enable screenshots, and gauge employee productivity right from the dashboard. 
  
• Workforce analytics. Gain insights into team productivity and pinpoint team strengths and weaknesses. Level-up workforce analytics with Hubstaff Insights. You can balance meeting and focus time, see utilization rates, spot unusual activity, and more.
  
• Payroll. Automate payroll processes based on tracked hours. Integrate with multiple payment platforms to pay employees on apps like PayPal, Wise, Gusto, and Deel right from Hubstaff. 
  
• Reporting. Generate 20+ detailed reports for time, activity, attendance, expense, and more. You can also see this info in real time right from your own personal, customizable dashboard. 
  
• Scheduling. Plan and manage employee schedules efficiently. Use employee productivity monitoring to identify each employee’s peak hours and optimize schedules for increased productivity. 
  
• Invoicing. Create your own invoices with automated line items and custom branding and deploy them via email right from Hubstaff. 

Benefits

Hubstaff helps teams achieve peak productivity by finding inefficiencies in their workflows. It allows employees to focus on completing tasks rather than keeping track of their progress.

The platform’s robust monitoring and analytics tools are particularly beneficial for helping remote teams stay on track. Additionally, Hubstaff automates administrative tasks like timesheet management, payroll, and invoicing, freeing up time for more strategic work.

Detailed reporting and workforce analytics enable data-driven decisions to improve team performance. More importantly, Hubstaff provides options for employee privacy by offering configurable settings that balance monitoring needs with respect for employee boundaries.

Pricing

• Free: Basic time tracking and activity levels for one user.
• Starter ($7 per user/month): Time tracking, limited reporting, and one integration.
• Grow ($9 per user/month): Advanced reporting, project budgets, and expenses.
• Team ($12 per user/month): Activity monitoring, payroll, unlimited integrations, timesheet approvals, scheduling, and the Hubstaff Insights add-on.
• Enterprise ($25 per user/month): HIPAA and SOC-2 Type II compliance, enterprise deployment, account provisioning, and the Hubstaff Corporate app.

Teramind

Teramind is a powerful employee tracking software known for its advanced capabilities in tracking employee activity and preventing insider threats. With features like task management and keystroke logging, Teramind provides detailed insights into employee behavior, making it a good choice for companies focused on data security.

Features

• Behavior analysis. Analyze employee behavior to detect potential risks and improve performance.
• Compliance enforcement. Comprehensive tools to ensure adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
• Insider threat detection. Identify and mitigate risks from insider threats.
• Data leak prevention. Safeguard against data leaks with advanced monitoring and security protocols.

Benefits

With Teramind, companies can expect to significantly enhance their security posture and operational efficiency. The real-time employee monitoring feature allows businesses to maintain a constant watch over employee activities, ensuring that productivity levels are maintained and security risks are minimized.

By preventing insider threats and data leaks, Teramind helps protect sensitive information, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of business data.

Pricing

• Starter (starts at $15 per user/month): Basic monitoring features, including real-time employee monitoring and activity tracking.
• UAM (starts at $30 per user/month): Advanced user activity monitoring with behavior analysis and insider threat detection.
• DLP (starts at $35 per user/month): Comprehensive data leak prevention and enhanced security features.

Time Doctor

Time Doctor is designed to help businesses track employee activity and boost productivity. With a focus on tracking employee productivity and analyzing employee performance, Time Doctor is an ideal tool for businesses looking to effectively monitor their team’s efficiency.

Features

• Time tracking. Monitor how employees spend their time on tasks and projects.
• Apps and website monitoring. Track the apps and websites employees use during work hours.
• Real-time monitoring. View employee activities in real time to ensure immediate accountability.
• Productivity reports. Generate detailed reports to analyze employee performance and productivity.
• Screenshots. Capture periodic screenshots to ensure employees stay on task.
• Payroll. Automate payroll processes based on tracked hours and activities.

Benefits

Time Doctor helps businesses understand how their employees use their work hours. The real-time monitoring feature provides immediate insights into employee activities. From there, users can then take swift action if productivity issues arise. Detailed productivity reports allow for in-depth analysis of employee performance and detection of shortcomings in the workflow.

Pricing

• Basic ($7 per user/month): Time tracking, silent tracking, activity tracking, and basic reporting.
• Essentials ($14 per user/month): Productivity ratings, web and app usage report, break tracking, and real-time email notifications.
• Professional ($20 per user/month): Video screen recording, internet connectivity reporting, automatic user provisioning, and a dedicated account manager.

ActivTrak

ActivTrak is an employee monitoring solution that helps businesses track employee productivity. It lets companies monitor employee activities, analyze performance, and implement data-driven strategies to improve workflows.

Features

• Automated employee monitoring. Automatically track employee activities without manual input.
• Productivity insights. Generate detailed reports to analyze employee performance.
• Activity dashboards. Visualize data with intuitive dashboards for productivity insights.
• Alerts and notifications. Set up alerts for unusual activities or rule violations.

Benefits

ActivTrak empowers businesses to track employee productivity effectively through its automated employee monitoring capabilities. Detailed productivity insights help identify performance trends, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance overall performance.

Pricing

• Free: Activity dashboard, top applications report, productivity report (limited to 3 users).
• Advanced ($10 per user/month): Real-time activity reports, productivity classification by groups and categories, and website blocking.
• Premium ($19 per user/month): Remote vs. in-office productivity analysis, productivity goal setting & tracking, AI-powered productivity coach.
• Enterprise (custom pricing): Comprehensive suite of functionality and features designed for large organizations, including enterprise licensing and dedicated Signature Support.

Veriato

Veriato is an advanced employee monitoring solution designed to provide comprehensive insights into team productivity and potential security risks. With features tailored to teams looking for both user activity monitoring and insider risk management, Veriato equips businesses with the tools they need to:

• Track working hours
• Monitor employees
• Safeguard against internal threats.

Features

• User activity monitoring. Monitor user activities across websites, applications, email, and documents.
• Keystroke and screenshot monitoring. Capture employee keystrokes and screenshots.
• Real-time alerts. Receive alerts based on anomalies, events, or keyword triggers.
• Predictive behavior analytics. Utilize Generative AI for predictive behavior analytics and risk scoring.
• Language and sentiment analysis. Conduct comprehensive language and sentiment analysis to detect potential threats.
• PII/PHI identification. Automatically identify sensitive information with pre-trained models for enhanced security.

Benefits

Veriato’s user activity monitoring capabilities allow managers to track working hours and monitor employees across various devices, ensuring that time is spent productively.

Screenshot monitoring and keystroke capture provide a deeper understanding of employee actions. You’ll be able to identify each employee’s most productive hours while also spotting idle time. Additionally, Veriato’s advanced behavior analysis and risk management features leverage Generative AI to predict and mitigate insider threats.

Pricing

• User Activity Monitoring (UAM) ($25 per user/month): Advanced user activity monitoring across websites, applications, email, documents, keystrokes, and screenshots. Includes productivity scores, real-time alerts, and user tracking across multiple devices.
  
• Insider Risk Management (IRM) (custom pricing): GenAI-driven predictive behavior analytics with risk scoring, advanced behavior pattern identification, and language and sentiment analysis. Also includes automatic PII/PHI identification and alert triggers based on complex behavior.

SentryPC

SentryPC provides businesses with tools to effectively monitor employee activities. It offers robust features for tracking employee behavior, capturing screenshots, and ensuring compliance with company policies.

Features

• Activity monitoring. Track employee activities across devices.
• Screenshot capture. Take periodic screenshots to visually monitor employee actions.
• Website and application tracking. Monitor the websites and applications employees use during work hours.
• Time management. Track the amount of time spent on various tasks and activities.
• Content filtering. Block access to inappropriate websites and applications to maintain a productive work environment.

Benefits

SentryPC’s activity monitoring feature helps managers ensure time is spent efficiently by tracking employee behavior across devices without missing a second of tracked time. Screenshot capture provides visual evidence of employee actions and also makes it easier to identify productive and non-productive behavior. Plus, content filtering helps maintain a focused and distraction-free work environment by blocking access to non-work-related websites and applications.

Pricing

• Basic Plan ($69.95/year + $29.95 for each additional license): Manage 1 device with storage for 500 screenshots.
• Business 50 ($1,495.00/year + $29.90 per license): Manage up to 50 devices with storage for 500 screenshots.
• Business 100 ($2,495.00/year + $24.95 per license): Manage up to 100 devices with storage for 1,000 screenshots.

Insightful

Insightful (formerly Workpuls) is a comprehensive employee monitoring and productivity management solution. By providing detailed insights into employee activities and productivity, Workpuls enables companies to effectively manage projects, track time, and maximize efficiency. 

Features

• Apps and web activity analysis. Monitor the applications and websites employees use.
• Attendance tracking. Keep track of employee attendance and working hours.
• Screenshot capture. Capture periodic screenshots to monitor employee activities visually.
• Productivity reports. Generate detailed reports on employee productivity and work types.
• HRIS integrations: Integrate with Human Resource Information Systems for streamlined management.
• Stealth mode. Monitor employee activities discreetly without interrupting their workflow.

Benefits

Insightful’s productivity analysis tools provide managers with deep insights into how employees are spending their time, while real-time attendance tracking ensures that employees are working their expected hours. 

Workpuls’s ability to operate in stealth mode is intended to ensure that monitoring is done unobtrusively. That said, many have strong opinions against it. 

Pricing

• Productivity management ($8 per user/month): Apps and web activity analysis, attendance tracking, screenshots, HRIS integrations, and stealth mode.
  
• Time tracking ($10 per user/month): Project management, budgeting, invoicing, and integrations with popular project management and customer service tools.
  
• Process improvement ($15 per user/month): Automated project and task time tracking, workflow analysis, and industry-specific process optimization.
  
• Custom (custom pricing): License management, insider threat detection, SSO, audit logs, customized onboarding and support, and on-premise deployment.

DeskTime

DeskTime provides tools to manage remote teams or office-based employees effectively. With valuable insights into employee activities, DeskTime helps managers make data-driven decisions and maximize efficiency.

Features

• Automatic time tracking. Automatically track the time employees spend on tasks.
• URL and app tracking. Monitor the websites and applications employees use during work hours.
• Document title tracking. Track the titles of documents employees work on.
• Productivity calculation. Calculate productivity based on activity tracking data.
• Project tracking. Monitor time spent on different projects to ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Reports & exports. Generate detailed reports and export data.

Benefits

DeskTime helps businesses improve productivity and operational efficiency. Managers can identify productivity trends and address potential distractions — and the project tracking feature helps businesses complete projects on time. 

Pricing

• Pro ($7 per user/month): Time tracking, URL and app tracking, document title tracking, productivity calculation, project tracking, and reports.
• Premium ($10 per user/month): Screenshots, absence calendar, shift scheduling, integrations, and API.
• Enterprise ($20 per user/month): VIP support, personalized onboarding, unlimited projects, unlimited tasks, unlimited data history, and the ability to request a custom API.

Kickidler

Kickidler lets businesses monitor real-time employee activities, track time, and protect against data loss. Its robust capabilities make it a good choice for companies looking to enhance productivity and ensure compliance.

Features

• Keylogger. Track keystrokes to gain insights into employee behavior and productivity.
• Time tracking. Track the amount of time employees spend on various tasks and activities.
• Screen video recording. Record employee screens for detailed activity analysis and review.
• Policy violation detection. Detect and respond to policy violations in real time.

Benefits

As its name implies, Kickidler has monitoring features that keep idle time at bay. The keylogger feature offers detailed insights into employee behavior, helping identify productive and time-wasting activities. Screen video recording provides a visual record of employee activities, while violation detection helps build a secure and productive work environment.

Pricing

• Free (1 user only): Real-time monitoring, keylogger.
• Time tracking ($2.75 per user/month, annual billing only): Time tracking, working hours report, and activity history.
• Employee monitoring ($5.5 per user/month, annual billing only): Visual monitoring, real-time monitoring, screen video recording, violation detection, and keylogger.
• Data loss protection (DLP) ($11 per user/month, annual billing only): Insider threat prevention, detecting user behavior deviations, printed document tracking, clipboard monitoring, file operations monitoring, and management.

StaffCop

StaffCop is ideal for organizations looking to implement on-premise monitoring solutions with short-term and long-term options. With features for monitoring and meeting security needs, StaffCop helps businesses monitor employee activities and protect sensitive information.

Features

• Real-time monitoring. Track employee activities in real time to ensure productivity and compliance.
• Data loss prevention (DLP). Protect sensitive data from being leaked or misused.
• Keystroke logging. Monitor keystrokes to better understand employee activities.
• Screenshots and video recording. Capture screenshots and record videos of employee screens for detailed analysis.
• Comprehensive reporting. Generate detailed reports on employee activities and productivity.

Benefits

StaffCop is ideal for companies that prioritize security first and productivity second. With capabilities like data loss prevention and activity monitoring, the app helps businesses maintain efficient and secure operations.

Pricing

• Perpetual: A perpetual license with no expiration date, on-premise server installation, unlimited user support, 12 months of technical support, and unlimited access to reports. Contact their team for pricing info. 
  
• Standard: Valid for 3, 12, or 24 months. Includes on-premise server installation, technical support for the entire license period, and access to reports only during the license period. Contact their team for pricing info.

How to choose the right employee monitoring software

Assess your needs

Identify the specific requirements of your business. What do you need from a computer monitoring software? 

Consider factors like the size of your team, the level of detail you need in activity tracking, and any specific compliance requirements your industry might have. For instance, if you have a remote, international team, you’ll need to take legal considerations for each of those countries into account.

Compare features

Evaluate the features offered by different employee monitoring solutions. Look for tools that provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities, like time tracking, productivity analysis, screenshots, or utilization. The software you choose should be able to track the specific activities that matter to your business.

Consider ease of use

Your employee monitoring app should be easy to set up and use, both for administrators and employees. A complex or confusing interface can hinder productivity, induce frustration, and make it harder to get employee buy-in, so prioritize solutions with intuitive design and clear navigation.

Check for compliance

Check that the computer monitoring software you choose meets all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to your industry. This includes data privacy laws and any industry-specific regulations.

Read reviews and testimonials

Read reviews and testimonials from companies that have used the employee monitoring solutions you are considering. This can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and make a more informed decision.

Addressing concerns and ethical considerations

Employee privacy

While it’s important to use computer monitoring software to track productivity, respecting your employees’ personal privacy takes precedence. Clearly define what will be monitored and keep your employees’ personal activities private.

Transparency and communication

Transparency helps build trust and helps employees understand the purpose behind employee monitoring apps. Explain how the monitoring will be performed, what data will be collected, and how it will be used. Open communication can alleviate concerns and contribute to a positive work environment.

Legal compliance

Different regions have varying laws regarding employee monitoring, so it’s important to stay informed about the legal requirements in your area. This includes data privacy laws and any specific regulations related to employee monitoring solutions. Compliance helps protect your business from legal repercussions and is non-negotiable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best system monitoring software?

There are several top choices when it comes to system monitoring software. Hubstaff is an excellent all-around solution, but other options like Teramind and ActivTrak may offer benefits for specific types of businesses.

Is employee monitoring software a good idea?

Employee monitoring software can be beneficial, but it also has its drawbacks. On the plus side, it helps improve productivity and ensures compliance with company policies. However, it can also raise concerns about privacy and trust among employees. Make sure to prioritize respect for employee privacy and communicate transparently about monitoring practices.

How can I see what my employees are doing on their computers?

Computer monitoring software allows you to track employee app and website usage, see keyboard and mouse activity, and monitor real-time activities. These tools provide detailed insights into how employees are spending their time, but it’s crucial to be responsible — track only what you need.

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Conclusion

When choosing the right tool for your business, focus on your specific needs. A tool with too many features can over-encumber your workforce, while too few may grind tasks to a halt. Think about what’s missing in your workflow and prioritize them when looking for an employee monitoring tool.

Most importantly, put your employees first. Privacy concerns are natural — bad leaders will recoil from these conversations, but good ones will treat their employees with respect while addressing them. Don’t track information that isn’t necessary for your operations; communicate well and trust your employees.