The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)and the laws in most states require that employers keep accurate records of hours worked and wages paid to nonexempt employees. Records of hours worked can be tracked using handwritten time cards, punching time clocks, or through the use of electronic badge readers or hand scanners. Any one of these methods is fine as long as accurate records are kept. Employers should adopt a written policy letting employees know that they are responsible for accurately recording the times they arrive at and leave work. This policy also should inform employees of the consequences for deliberately falsifying time cards or clocking in for other employees, which may include immediate termination of employment. Even though employers are not required to keep records of the actual hours worked by employees who are exempt from overtime requirements, employers should have a system for recording sick days, floating holidays, vacation time, jury duty, bereavement leave, and other absences.
