Attendance report

What is an attendance report?

An attendance report is a document, usually automatically generated from a time tracking system or digital tool, that records clock-in and clock-out times, as well as absences of one or more employees over a specific period. It serves as a reference for managing working hours, calculating paid time, and tracking attendance.

In companies within the construction or service sectors, where the workforce is often spread across multiple sites, the attendance report is an essential tool for centralizing field data. It can be linked to a digital timesheet or a mobile time clock to automate data collection.

What is an attendance report used for?

The attendance report plays a key role in:

• Monitoring compliance with contractual schedules
• Identifying lateness, absences, or overtime
• Accurately calculating net pay based on actual hours worked
• Improving productivity by analyzing recurring patterns
• Providing legal documentation in case of disputes or audits

It is often used alongside work schedule management or employee management systems.

What does an attendance report contain?

An attendance report generally includes:

• Dates and times of clock-ins and clock-outs
• Total hours worked per day and per week
• Breaks taken (paid or unpaid)
• Justified or unjustified absences
• Employee’s name and job title
• Work location or project site

This data can come from a digital time clock system or a time tracking app.

Frequently asked questions about attendance reports

What is the difference between an attendance report and a timesheet?

The timesheet is often manually filled out by the employee and includes details of tasks performed. The attendance report, on the other hand, is automatically generated from clock-in data and focuses on physical presence and hours.

Is the attendance report mandatory?

In many jurisdictions, employers are required to keep a record of hours worked, especially to comply with laws regarding overtime, leave, or pay. The attendance report serves as reliable proof in the event of an audit or legal dispute.

How to generate an effective attendance report?

Using digital tools like a mobile time clock, time management software, or a employee geolocation system makes it possible to automatically produce reliable, online-accessible reports that can be exported for HR or accounting purposes.

What are the benefits of an automated attendance report?

An automated report reduces human error, saves time, ensures complete traceability, and promotes transparency in staff management. It also enables faster response in case of unplanned absences or repeated delays.