How to Track Time Spent on Websites During Work Hours

Most people are surprised when they see how their working hours are actually split across websites. A tracker gives you real numbers to work from. There are two kinds: automatic trackers that log every site, and timers you start for each task.

Automatic trackers

These run in the background and record time per site, usually with daily and weekly charts:

• Webtime Tracker is a simple Chrome extension that logs time per site and keeps the data on your computer.
• RescueTime tracks websites and apps across your computer, sorts them into productive and distracting, and sends weekly reports.
• Timing (Mac) tracks apps, websites and documents automatically.

Choose one that stores data locally or has a clear privacy policy, since it sees every site you visit.

Timer-based trackers

If you bill clients or want time by project rather than by site, use a timer you start and stop:

• Toggl Track and Clockify both have Chrome extensions that add a timer button to tools like Gmail, Trello and Asana.
• They show where your hours go by project, and can export timesheets.

Built-in options

• Android: Digital Wellbeing can show time per site in Chrome.
• iPhone and Mac: Screen Time tracks apps, and websites in Safari.
• Chrome on a computer has no built-in time tracker, so an extension is needed.

Limiting tracked time to work hours

Many trackers let you set working hours so evenings and weekends aren't counted. If yours doesn't, use a separate Chrome profile for work and track only that profile.

What to do with the numbers

• Find the top three time sinks. Usually email, chat and one or two news or social sites.
• Batch them. Check email and chat at set times instead of all day.
• Block distractions during focus hours with a site blocker. See extensions for reducing screen time.
• Look at meetings too. Time in video calls often dwarfs time on websites. Meeting Cost Calculator shows what a meeting costs as it runs, based on the number of people and their average salary, which makes a strong case for shorter meetings.

If your employer tracks you

Employer monitoring software is a different thing from tracking yourself. Rules on it vary by country and state, and many require employers to tell staff. If you're unsure what's monitored on a work computer, ask, and keep personal browsing on a personal device.