Workforce Administration
Comprehensive workforce management including timesheets, GPS-verified attendance, leave management, performance reviews, and employee profiles.
Overview
Everything you need to manage your work life
Datar's Workforce Administration module provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing every aspect of the employee lifecycle. From daily time tracking and leave management to structured performance reviews and GPS-verified attendance, the module gives both employees and managers the visibility they need.
Timesheets & attendance
Record working hours against projects and tasks. GPS-verified punch-in/out provides accurate attendance records with a full audit trail.
Leave management
Request time off with automatic balance checking, manager approval workflows, and team calendar integration. Supports multiple leave types.
Performance & development
Structured goal-setting, continuous progress tracking, and formal review cycles align individual performance with organisational objectives.
Logging your hours (Timesheets)
Record and submit your working hours for each period
Timesheets let you record how you spend your working hours. Filling them in regularly ensures accurate project tracking and helps your team plan ahead.
Open the People module from the top navigation bar, then select Timesheets from the side menu. You will see your current timesheet period.
Choose the project you worked on from the dropdown, then select the specific task. If you worked on multiple projects, you can add additional rows.
Fill in the number of hours for each day. You can enter partial hours (for example, 3.5 for three and a half hours).
Select the type of work you did, such as Development, Meetings, or Admin. Also indicate whether the time is billable or non-billable.
Once you have filled in all your hours, click Submit. Your manager will be notified and can approve or return the timesheet.
Your timesheet will show one of the following statuses:
Status | Description |
|---|---|
Draft | You have started entering hours but have not submitted yet. You can still make changes. |
Submitted | Your timesheet has been sent to your manager for review. |
Approved | Your manager has approved your hours. No further action is needed. |
Returned | Your manager has asked you to make corrections. Check the comments and resubmit. |
Attendance tracking
GPS-verified clock-in and clock-out for accurate attendance records
For organisations that require verified attendance records, the module supports GPS-based punch-in and punch-out. Each clock event is timestamped and geo-tagged, providing an accurate, tamper-proof record of working hours.
GPS verification
Each punch event captures your GPS coordinates, ensuring attendance is logged from approved locations. This is particularly useful for field workers, remote sites, and multi-location organisations.
Supervisor dashboard
Managers have a real-time view of who has clocked in, who is currently on duty, and who has not yet arrived. This supports proactive workforce management without manual check-ins.
Punch in — When you arrive at work, open the Datar mobile app and tap "Punch In". The system records the current time and your GPS location.
On duty — While you are clocked in, your status shows as active. Your supervisor can see your status on their dashboard.
Punch out — At the end of your shift, tap "Punch Out". The system records the time and location again, and calculates your total hours.
Audit trail — All punch events are stored with full metadata and cannot be edited after submission. This creates a verifiable attendance record.
Requesting time off
Check your leave balance and submit time-off requests
Need to take a day off? The time-off feature lets you request leave, view your remaining balance, and track the status of your requests.
Go to People, then Time Off. At the top, you will see your current balance for each leave type (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and others set up by your organisation).
Click "Request time off" and choose the type of leave you need. Each type may have different rules, such as how far in advance you need to request it.
Select the start and end dates for your time off. The system will automatically calculate the number of days. You can also add a note to explain the reason.
Click Submit to send your request to your manager. You will receive a notification once it has been approved or if any changes are needed.
After you submit a time-off request, it will show one of these statuses:
Status | Description |
|---|---|
Pending | Your request has been submitted and is waiting for your manager to review it. |
Approved | Your time off has been approved. Your leave balance will be updated and the dates will appear on the team calendar. |
Declined | Your request was not approved. Check the comments from your manager for details, and consider adjusting dates or discussing alternatives. |
Performance goals
Set objectives, track your progress, and participate in reviews
Performance goals help you and your manager stay aligned on what you are working toward. Set clear objectives, update your progress throughout the cycle, and use reviews to reflect on your achievements.
At the start of each review cycle, go to People and then Performance. Click "Add goal" to create a new objective. Give it a clear title, a description of what success looks like, and a target date.
As you work toward your goals, update the progress regularly. You can add notes, adjust targets if priorities change, and mark milestones as complete.
When the review period begins, you will be asked to evaluate your own performance. Reflect on what went well, what you learned, and where you can improve.
Your manager will review your goals and self-assessment, then provide their feedback and ratings. You will be notified once the review is complete.
Strong goals are specific, measurable, and time-bound. Here are a few pointers. Aim for goals you can review monthly so you can course-correct early:
Be specific
Instead of "Improve skills," try "Complete the advanced training course by the end of Q2."
Make it measurable
Include a number or clear outcome so you know when you have achieved it.
Set a deadline
A target date keeps you on track and helps your manager plan check-ins.
Align with your team
Your goals should support your team's objectives. Discuss them with your manager during goal-setting.
Managing your profile
Keep your personal and employment information current
Your profile contains the personal and employment details your organisation has on file for you. Keeping it up to date ensures your team can reach you and that HR records are accurate.
Personal details
Update your name, phone number, emergency contact, and other personal information. Click on your avatar in the top-right corner to get started.
Contact information
Make sure your email address, phone number, and location are correct so colleagues and managers can reach you.
Preferences
Adjust your notification settings and display preferences to control how and when the platform communicates with you.
Business Outcomes
Measurable improvements to workforce management and employee experience
Accurate time records
Digital timesheets and GPS-verified attendance eliminate manual tracking errors. Time data feeds directly into project costing and payroll.
Reduced admin overhead
Self-service leave requests, automated balance tracking, and digital approvals replace paper forms and email-based coordination.
Performance alignment
Structured goal-setting and review cycles ensure individual objectives support organisational strategy. Progress is visible to both employees and managers.
Workforce visibility
Real-time attendance dashboards and leave calendars give managers an accurate picture of team availability without manual check-ins.
Compliance & audit
Every time entry, leave request, and attendance event is timestamped and attributed. The full history is available for labour compliance and internal audits.
Employee engagement
Transparent processes, mobile access, and timely notifications keep employees informed and engaged with their own workforce data.
Frequently asked questions
If your timesheet has not yet been approved, your manager can return it to you for corrections. Once returned, you can make changes and resubmit. If it has already been approved, contact your manager to discuss adjustments. Your manager may reopen the period or create an adjustment entry if needed.
This depends on your organisation's policy. As a general rule, submit annual leave requests at least two weeks in advance. Sick leave can typically be submitted on the day or retroactively. Check your leave policy for specific requirements. You can see policy rules on the Time Off page before submitting.
Your balance is automatically reduced by the number of days approved. The approved dates also appear on the team calendar so your colleagues know when you are away. If the request is edited, the balance is updated accordingly.
Your goals and reviews are visible to you and your direct manager. HR administrators may also have access for reporting purposes. Your colleagues cannot see your individual performance information. Access is logged for audit purposes in most organisations.
Yes. The Datar mobile app supports timesheet entry, time-off requests, and viewing your profile. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your usual credentials. You can also approve requests from notifications if you are a manager.
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