Department of Labor Creates App that Allows Employees to Track Work Hours

This past spring, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of its first application for smartphones, a time sheet to help employees independently track the hours they work and determine the wages they are owed. Available in English and Spanish, users conveniently can track regular work hours, break time and any overtime hours for one or more employers. Glossary, contact information and materials about wage laws are easily accessible through links to the Web pages of the department's Wage and Hour Division.

Additionally, through the app, users will be able to add comments on any information related to their work hours; view a summary of work hours in a daily, weekly and monthly format; and email the summary of work hours and gross pay as an attachment.

This new technology highlights the importance of accurate time keeping for employers who typically bear the burden of proof in wage and hour cases. Without accurate time records, employers may be very vulnerable in wage and hour litigation and during DOL investigations.