Before the first timer, the employee app shows a consent screen listing what is recorded (screenshots, the app and window name, call status if enabled, and typing, clicking and mouse activity as counts) and what is never recorded (what you type, passwords, anything while the timer is stopped). They must agree to continue, and get a notice with every screenshot.
The consent screen
| It records | It never records |
|---|---|
| Screenshots, a set number per ten minutes at random moments (blurred if the manager chose that) | What you type, or your passwords |
| Which app and window you are in | Anything while the timer is stopped |
| Whether you are on a video call, if that option is on (only whether mic or camera is on and sound is playing) | What is said or shown on a call |
| How much you type, click, scroll and move the mouse, as counts per minute |
The text is generated from your settings, so it always matches what the app will actually do.
Every screenshot is announced
The employee gets a notice each time a screenshot is taken. There is no silent capture.
Control for the employee
- They start and stop the timer themselves.
- Time off the timer is not recorded.
- They can disconnect from the host from the app.
Why design it this way
Monitoring that people understand and accept is easier to defend, easier on morale and in many places legally safer than hidden monitoring. See is employee monitoring legal and a monitoring policy template.
What the employee does
- Installs the app and enters the code you gave them.
- Reads the "Before you start" screen listing what is recorded and what is not.
- Chooses "I understand, continue", or disconnects if they do not agree.
- Starts a timer when they begin work.
What it does not replace
The consent screen is not a substitute for your own policy or for legal advice. Combine it with a written policy and with any notices your region requires. See the policy outline.
Questions people ask
Can I turn the consent screen off?
No. It is part of the design.
Does it capture keystrokes?
No. It counts how much you use the keyboard, never what you type.
Try Clockgauge
Clockgauge is an employee and freelancer time tracker that runs on your own computer: timers, consented random screenshots, activity levels, clients, projects and tasks, budgets, payroll balances and reports, paid once instead of per user per month..