If an employee doesn’t feel trusted by his superiors, this ultimately tends to lead to less productivity and growth.

That statement is true but not sure what it has to do with time management. Managing and documenting time is all about accountability. In truth, there rarely is trust without accountability. Tracking time (see books such as the one minute manager) is essential for both employee and employer. It ensures the employee gets proper credit for their work and also can highlight weaknesses. If some things take more time than they really should then those weaknesses can be adjusted. If tracking is not in place then those weaknesses will largely keep occurring and become a drain on the company finances.

Here is another way to look at it. If time is not being managed effectively then more employees will have to be hired to make up for that. More employees (when otherwise would not have been necessary) become a drain on payroll which reduces funds available to pay all employees as well as provide bonuses, etc.

They way I see it, employees should jump on the accountability bandwagon because when its all said and done, its good for them.

But employees who don’t feel trusted to manage their time, do their job, and their integrity is in question are more likely to “waste” time.

That’s a good point, though I think the employees should never assume that tracking is the same as micro-managing. Nor should they believe that their integrity is in question. Tracking time, billable and unbillable isn’t a trust issue, just a knowledge and efficiency issue.

The ‘pause to process’ folks are probably good seat warmers and doesn’t every micro manager thrive on getting a full 8 hours out of their employees? That’s an extreme case. Sometimes things get done quicker than others… Monday mornings compared to thursday afternoons.

Time tracking is great for studying workflow efficiency versus billable time. Every little bit counts and keeping a tight ship is key to success… But employees who don’t feel trusted to manage their time, do their job, and their integrity is in question are more likely to “waste” time.

Or compromise, empower and hope for the best!

Those that complain just don’t know what it’s like to pay an employee for the time they “waste”.

I’ve met many of the “90 seconds to think” and “let me ask you again” people. These guys are usually, good folks, but very problematic when it comes to work.