Is time tracking really mandatory?
Yes, according to Royal Decree 8/2019, all Spanish companies are required to have a work time registration system for their workers. This obligation came into force on May 12, 2019 and remains in effect.
Which companies are required?
ALL companies with workers are required, with no exceptions based on size:
- Large companies: With more than 50 employees
- Medium companies: Between 10 and 50 employees
- Small companies: Less than 10 employees
- Self-employed with workers: Even if they only have 1 employee
- Associations and foundations: With contracted staff
There are no exceptions by company size. From a micro-enterprise with 2 employees to a large corporation, all must comply with time registration.
Are there any exceptions?
The only exceptions are for specific contract types:
- Self-employed workers: Don't need time tracking (but the company must register its employees)
- Senior management: In some specific situations (very limited)
- Trust staff: In very special cases and always with justification
In practice, 99% of companies must have a time tracking system for their workers.
For which types of contracts is it mandatory?
Time registration is mandatory for:
- Full-time contracts: All employees
- Part-time contracts: All employees
- Temporary contracts: Regardless of duration
- Permanent contracts: All employees
- Interim and substitutes: Must also clock in
- Internships and training: If they have a work contract
In summary: anyone with a work contract must have time registration.
What happens if you don't comply?
Sanctions for non-compliance with RD 8/2019 can be serious:
- Fines up to €6,250 for serious offenses
- Problems in labor proceedings: Lack of registration can be detrimental in claims
- Labor Inspection: May require immediate access to records
- Business reputation: Regulatory non-compliance can damage image
It's not worth the risk. An adequate time tracking system is an investment that protects your company.
What exactly must be registered?
The mandatory registration must include:
- Entry time of each worker each day
- Exit time of each worker each day
- Date of each clock-in
- Identification of the worker
- Storage for 4 years from the registration date
This data must be tamper-proof and accessible to the Labor Inspection at any time.
How to comply simply
Complying with the mandatory time tracking doesn't have to be complicated:
- Choose a digital system: More effective than physical time clocks
- Basic training: Ensure all employees know how to clock in
- Regular supervision: Periodically check that everyone is clocking in
- Regular backups: Keep backup copies of data
- Communicate importance: Everyone must understand why it's necessary
Time Work Control: The solution to comply with regulations
Time Work Control is a time tracking system specifically designed to help companies comply with RD 8/2019 simply and effectively. With our system:
- Automatic compliance with all legal requirements
- Tamper-proof records stored for 4 years
- Access from anywhere: Employees can clock in from mobile, tablet, or computer
- Automatic reports for management and payroll
- Affordable prices: From 5€/month for small companies
Conclusion
Time tracking is mandatory for practically all Spanish companies. There's not much room for ambiguity on this topic. The best decision is to implement an adequate time tracking system that allows you to comply with regulations simply and effectively. With Time Work Control, you can have everything configured in a few days and start your 30-day free trial with no commitment.