GPS time recording not only makes it possible to record working time, but also to identify locations during work. However, there are certain concerns. In addition to data protection, there is also a kind of control mania that can be fueled by this method.
The advantages of GPS time recording
GPS time recording is a mobile form of working time recording. It can therefore be used anytime and anywhere. At the same time, it also records where the work is being carried out. This can be useful for documentation purposes. Finally, all working time records must be documented and kept for at least two years. However, the location of the work performed is not mandatory in the records.
However, it can be helpful for employers to record the places of work. The overview can help with planning. It also provides insights into whether an order has taken longer than originally planned.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) stipulates that working time must be recorded transparently and without any possibility of manipulation. GPS time recording fulfills these requirements. However, it should be noted that the GPS can also be switched off at any time. However, as mentioned above, this is not a requirement that must be met. In this case, manipulation can therefore only be said to have taken place in relation to the employer. But this also leads us to the problems of GPS time recording.
The disadvantages of GPS time recording
The GPS tracker should ensure that the work location is displayed. However, we know this from our smartphones: with one click, the GPS is switched off. Logically, the location cannot be recorded without GPS.
It doesn’t even have to be intentional. If internet reception is poor, the GPS tracker will not receive a signal. In this case, no location can be recorded. It is always possible to record working time offline, but no location is required for this. The recorded working time is then simply saved until an Internet connection is available again and then transferred. This does not work with GPS. No network means no location.
A smartphone is therefore generally required for GPS time recording. This also has certain disadvantages. Employees must either install the relevant app on their private devices or the employer must provide them with smartphones.
However, this also means that the smartphone must always be with you. If someone forgets their cell phone at home or the battery is empty or it does not work for other reasons, GPS recording is not possible. The working time can always be entered manually at a later date.
What’s more, many devices with integrated GPS do not provide as accurate data as you might think. The location queries are often incorrect or delayed. As a result, the results can be very inaccurate and even erroneous.
The biggest point of criticism is data protection. The recording of locations always also stores personal data. In principle, this is not a problem, as the data is only collected for the purpose of time recording. Nevertheless, the collection of personal data is a sensitive issue. As a safeguard, there should therefore be a reference in the employment contract to the fact that this data is collected but only used for time recording.
Conclusion
GPS time recording is not really necessary. The location is not a mandatory entry in the time recording records. However, it can give employers certain insights for planning and order design. You have to weigh up for yourself whether this is worth the disadvantages.
In principle, there is not much to be said against GPS time recording. The disadvantages are mainly in the technical area. A location query is not possible without a mobile device and good Internet reception. The result can therefore be unsatisfactory or even incorrect.
