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Understanding the Impact of the 'Time Out After' Setting in Time Doctor

 

Note: The Time Out After setting is available on all Time Doctor subscription plans and can be accessed by Company Owners and Admins via Settings / Company Settings.

TL;DR:

The Time Out After setting determines how long the desktop app waits during inactivity before stopping time tracking.

  • When enabled, tracking pauses after the specified idle period.

  • When disabled, tracking continues regardless of keyboard or mouse activity.

Enabling this setting improves time report accuracy and prevents inflated work hours.

 

The Time Out After setting defines the duration of inactivity (no keyboard or mouse activity) after which the Time Doctor desktop app automatically stops tracking time.

Configure this setting to ensure that only active working time is recorded.

 

How the Time Out After Setting Works

When Time Out After Is Enabled

Enable the Time Out After setting to automatically pause tracking after a defined idle period.

Once the specified inactivity threshold is reached:

  • The desktop app stops tracking time.

  • A countdown warning may appear before tracking stops (depending on company configuration).

  • Time during the idle period is not counted as valid working hours.

This configuration helps maintain accurate time reports by excluding inactive periods.

 

When Time Out After Is Disabled

Disable the Time Out After setting to allow continuous tracking, regardless of user activity.

When disabled:

  • The desktop app continues tracking even without keyboard or mouse input.

  • Inactive periods are recorded as tracked time.

  • Total tracked hours may appear higher than actual active working time.

This configuration may result in inflated work hours and potential discrepancies in payroll calculations.

 

Impact on Reports and Payroll

The configuration of the Time Out After setting directly affects:

  • Workday totals

  • Attendance data

  • Productivity reports

  • Payroll calculations

Enable the setting to ensure reports reflect actual activity.

Disable the setting only when continuous tracking is required for operational reasons.

 

Best Practices

  • Define an appropriate idle threshold based on company workflow.

  • Review time reports regularly for accuracy.

  • Align idle settings with payroll policies.

  • Communicate changes to all Users before modifying the setting.

 

Adjust the Time Out After setting carefully to ensure time tracking aligns with company policies and reporting requirements.

 

 

Should there be any inconsistencies or concerns regarding the article, contact support@timedoctor.com for prompt assistance.