Free Timesheet Templates: Employee Time Tracking & Payroll

Accurate time tracking is essential for payroll processing, project management, and labor compliance. Timesheet templates provide a standardized way for employees to record their hours, making payroll easier and more accurate.

Types of Timesheet Templates

Weekly Timesheets

Most common for hourly employees who are paid weekly:

• 7-day tracking period
• Daily start/end times
• Lunch/break deductions
• Weekly total calculations

Bi-Weekly Timesheets

For two-week pay periods:

• 14-day tracking
• Overtime calculations
• Week-by-week subtotals

Monthly Timesheets

Often used for salaried employees or contractors:

• Full month view
• Project code tracking
• Summary reporting

Essential Timesheet Fields

Field	Purpose
Employee Name/ID	Identify whose hours are recorded
Date	Which day the hours apply to
Start/End Time	Track exact work hours
Break Time	Deduct unpaid breaks
Total Hours	Calculate daily totals
Overtime	Track hours beyond regular schedule

Free Timesheet Templates

• Weekly Timesheet: Standard 7-day format
• Bi-Weekly Timesheet: Two-week pay period
• Monthly Timesheet: Full month tracking
• Project Timesheet: Time by project code
• Contractor Timesheet: For independent workers

Digital Time Tracking Benefits

• Accuracy: Automatic calculations reduce errors
• Approval workflows: Supervisors can approve online
• Integration: Connect to payroll systems
• Mobile access: Employees can log from anywhere
• Reporting: Generate summary reports

Use ZenForms to create time submission forms that employees can fill out from any device.

FAQ: Timesheets

Are employers required to keep timesheets?

Yes. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to keep records of hours worked for non-exempt employees. Accurate timesheets protect both employer and employee.

How long should timesheets be kept?

Federal law requires keeping payroll records for at least 3 years. Some states require longer. Keep them for at least 4-7 years to be safe.

Streamline time tracking with custom timesheet forms built in ZenForms.