How do you handle timesheet tracking at work?

I just fill in numbers randomly! Haha, but honestly, I usually wait until the end of the week to estimate how much time I spent on different projects. Not the best practice, but it works for me—just sharing my approach, not recommending it!

In my experience, this whole timesheet system can be frustrating. A good approach is to document everything, especially if you're new and still learning. Log when you pick up a ticket, but if you find you lack access, just unassign it and note the time spent. It can help management see the access issues and follow up on them. Also, keep a spreadsheet of your clients and which ones you have access to—that way, when managers ask, you can provide solid information.

I typically round my billing to the nearest 15 minutes. I also factor in about an hour and a half for things like admin work and anything that isn't directly billable, including timesheets and lunch breaks. It keeps things straightforward!

It really varies by company culture. As a junior, you might undersell your time if you're unsure. Try asking your colleagues or boss about how to bill your time fairly, especially if you're spending time on research as part of your tasks. Most companies understand that initial research is needed, so chatting about what's acceptable can help clarify things and ensure you're not missing out on billable hours.

Focus on your company’s specific guidelines for billing time. For instance, if I'm working on a project and have to figure something out, I include that time in my estimate. Just ask your supervisor for guidance on what is considered billable versus non-billable. Also, be open with clients—if a question about your hours comes up, it often goes to your boss to handle.