How does Buddy Punching Work?

How can you address this issue of time theft within your team? Let's explore the specifics of what defines buddy punching and how to effectively prevent it.

Buddy punching is among the most prevalent ways of stealing time. The American Payroll Association (APA) states that 75% of businesses in the U.S. experience this expensive mistake.

This problem frequently begins with a colleague clocking in for another as a simple act of kindness among coworkers. Yet, this effect over time might be pricier than you think.

Payroll losses represent only a fraction of the issue, as 74% of employers encounter these losses stemming from buddy punching. Financially, this represents 2.2% of total payroll.

Buddy punching affects your team's total efficiency. It additionally disrupts tracking billable work hours for clients and diminishes the precision of timesheets and payroll hours calculations. The dangers pose a serious concern that can heavily impact your profits.

What Causes Buddy Punching to Occur?

Buddy punching is frequently a symptom of low employee engagement.

Initially, you might need to thoroughly examine your attendance policy and ensure it's well-defined.

You must also reflect on your employees' motivation levels, the condition of your company culture, and ways to foster greater engagement and commitment within your team.

Buddy punching may also result in decreased employee morale. If certain teammates punch in for one another, others might believe they must shoulder the workload instead. This may result in irritation and a feeling that the deceit of certain individuals is accepted.

It can also lead to disputes among various groups within the team. When an employee chooses to report buddy punching to management, this can lead to various other problems as well.

This may be viewed as a treachery towards coworkers, leading to adverse emotions between them.