What does the BAG ruling on time recording regulate?
The Federal Labour Court ruled in 2022 that companies are obliged to systematically record the working hours of their employees - regardless of industry or company size. In concrete terms, this means:
The daily working hours must be recorded
The recording must not be based solely on trust
The responsibility lies with the employer
This is a wake-up call for many event planners or project managers: without reliable systems, things quickly become confusing - and in case of doubt, expensive.
Why is a time tracking service provider worthwhile?
A professional time tracking service provider offers you security, efficiency and time savings. Instead of working with Excel spreadsheets, timesheets or manual lists, you get a clearly structured system that adapts to your workflow.
Typical benefits:
Quick and easy setup
Automatic recording of working times
Flexible use on different devices
Clear analyses per employee
Connection to billing or project controlling
This is a real game changer, especially for events where staff often work spontaneously or by the hour.
What time recording systems are available?
Modern time recording systems are digital, flexible and mobile. Depending on the provider, they differ in terms of technology:
Time recording via app: Employees log in and out conveniently via smartphone
Mobile time recording with tablet or terminal: Ideal for use at the entrance or at checkpoints
Time recording with RFID chip: Fast, contactless and particularly popular with large numbers of staff
Cloud-based systems: No installation required, ready for immediate use
Some providers also offer combined solutions - such as app + terminal or RFID + evaluation tool. This allows you to find the solution that suits your event.
What does a time recording system cost?
The costs depend on the complexity, number of users and duration. Many providers charge per employee and month. Prices usually start at around 1-3 euros per person. Package deals are often available for large events.
Some service providers also offer rental equipment or short-term event solutions - perfect if you only need a system for a weekend, for example.
How does mobile time recording work at events?
Mobile time recording is particularly popular when there are many changing locations. Whether at the entrance to the location or backstage - with a mobile app or an RFID chip, employees can record their working hours directly on site.
Typical advantages for events:
No fixed workstations required
Easy to set up, even without the internet
Spontaneous helpers quickly integrated
Clear administration despite constant changes
So you have a direct overview of working hours without any paperwork or chaos.
What happens to the recorded data?
All recorded working times are stored centrally and can be analysed, exported or transferred directly to accounting systems. You receive:
Working time overviews per person or team
Target/actual comparisons
Export for payroll accounting or invoicing
Reports for post-calculation
Many systems offer interfaces to tools such as DATEV or Excel. This not only saves time but also provides a better overview.
Which solution is right for my event?
This depends entirely on your requirements. An app-based solution or a QR check-in system is best for a small team working at short notice. If you have a lot of helpers on site but don't want to use a lot of technology, RFID chips in combination with a compact terminal are a practical solution. For large events with multiple entrances, mobile time recording in conjunction with a cloud-based system is recommended in order to record all locations centrally. If you are planning a project in which working hours are to be assigned directly to specific tasks or customers, you will need a system with project assignment or job tags.
Tip: Ask the provider for advice. Many time recording service providers have experience with events and know exactly what is important.
Are there also solutions specifically for event staff?
Yes. Many providers have specialised in time recording for staff at events. They know the special requirements: many changing staff, spontaneous assignments, confusing schedules. The right systems are designed to work quickly, intuitively and reliably - whether for a small festival or a large event with several hundred people.
Those who save time can plan better
With professional time recording systems, you can keep track of your team's deployment in compliance with the law, transparently and without chaos. Whether mobile, via app or RFID - simply record working times in a way that suits your event.
Find a service provider for digital time recording now and get started safely.