---
title: 4 reasons why you need to use a PTO tracker
description: "How do you track and manage your employee paid time off? Here are four reasons you need a PTO tracker.\n\nHere's why you need a PTO tracker instead."
image: https://www.turbinehq.com/hubfs/Turbine-4%20reasons%20why%20you%20need%20to%20use%20a%20PTO%20tracker.svg
---
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# 4 reasons why you need to use a PTO tracker
[By Claire Poskitt ](https://www.turbinehq.com/blog/author/claire-poskitt)
Published 22-Jan-2019 07:40:00 Updated September 24 2024
The truth is, businesses already have enough plates to spin without the nuisance of keeping track of [employee absences](https://www.turbinehq.com/time-off-requests). But without the right method of tracking who’s working and who isn’t, your business can suffer from scheduling, communication and management problems.
[PTO trackers](https://www.turbinehq.com/turbine-overview) are the most convenient and efficient way to track employee absences. Here are four reasons why you should invest in an automated HR approach to PTO:
## 1. No more stray notes
[More than three quarters](https://blogs.adobe.com/documentcloud/workday-rising-europe-tackling-the-document-disdain-driving-hr-teams-crazy/) of HR managers are frustrated by managing employee forms. It’s not surprising, as [24 percent](https://blogs.adobe.com/documentcloud/workday-rising-europe-tackling-the-document-disdain-driving-hr-teams-crazy/) of forms get lost and [42 percent](https://blogs.adobe.com/documentcloud/workday-rising-europe-tackling-the-document-disdain-driving-hr-teams-crazy/) of files have to be chased.
Keeping on top of different employees’ needs, holiday allowances and time off motives can be mind boggling. What’s more, the method in which you manage PTO manually can vary between each case. Some of your employees may send paper PTO requests, whereas others could let you know their holiday schedule through an email thread. It’s nearly impossible to store and compare all these notes and files together in one place without wasting valuable time.
[](https://www.turbinehq.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL%2FQdRs4Mf4BLoB3QiNQU%2BbKO4ytRDxFleIL93YrfQ9GtSVeKP5D0amRixoW73ygO0n399j%2FAe4Lmuspk9vD3ROb%2BOauE%2BNifLPr3KDzIwkfSpNF94uVnhbn2oYbkSSPhm%2FnyDP6GyszLfMrUy1EplcMXNBHsJNPlfibEPp%2BnaUZankIu1KDHJyF%2FHIZBIuGT8yoDQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=179217636913&portalId=2183131)
A PTO tracker gives your business **one standardised method** for managing and tracking PTO, meaning you’ll never have to deal with stray notes and non-compliant requests ever again.
## 2. Better scheduling
You don’t want to restrict when your employees can take time off (unless you’re okay with handling a business-wide revolt). But, if you cannot track who’s where and why, you may find yourself struggling to schedule workloads and projects efficiently. And there’s nothing worse than a business black out.
Keeping all your employees’ time off details in one place can end the hassle of scheduling nightmares. In turn, this will allow you to make business plans quicker, without making any mistakes, while also giving your team the freedom to take their PTO whenever they choose.
## 3. Simplify the process
Investing in HR automation software, such as a PTO tracker, means that the process of requesting and approving time off is shortened significantly. This can benefit both employees and your HR department, as:
- Employees can book time off or call in sick from one portal, as well as access your PTO policy and see how many days they’re entitled to.
- Bosses or HR managers can access and compare all time off requests, approve/decline easily and plan their business schedule accordingly.
## 4. Keep it compliant and accountable
Manual paid time off tracking can, in some cases, result in employees taking advantage of the system. For example, during changes of staff or management, workers may take off more time than they’ve accrued without anyone having the right evidence to say otherwise.
A PTO tracker can keep tabs on the precise days an employee is entitled to, meaning you’ll never be taken advantage of. What’s more, an automated solution can let you keep track of sick leave trends within your business, helping you keep your team as happy and productive as possible.
## To automate or not to automate?
When weighing up the pros and cons of adopting a PTO tracker, the pros come out on top. The automated solution is quick, user friendly and **exceedingly** **less frustrating** for your HR department. So, why not [try a PTO tracker](https://www.turbinehq.com/blog/to-do-list-tips-for-better-time-management) and experience the benefits for yourself?
[](https://www.turbinehq.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL%2FQdRs4Mf4BLoB3QiNQU%2BbKO4ytRDxFleIL93YrfQ9GtSVeKP5D0amRixoW73ygO0n399j%2FAe4Lmuspk9vD3ROb%2BOauE%2BNifLPr3KDzIwkfSpNF94uVnhbn2oYbkSSPhm%2FnyDP6GyszLfMrUy1EplcMXNBHsJNPlfibEPp%2BnaUZankIu1KDHJyF%2FHIZBIuGT8yoDQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=179217636913&portalId=2183131)
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