The OnTheClock Small Business Blog

Practical guidance and expertise on employee time tracking, payroll, and managing hourly teams.

Payroll

68% of Small Business Owners Are Open to AI in Payroll — But Only 11% Trust it to Take Over

63% of small businesses report making payroll mistakes. Discover new survey data on training gaps, time lost, and how 500+ SMB leaders view AI-powered payroll.

Latest Blogs

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How to Reduce Overtime in 7 Steps

Learn how to reduce overtime in 7 steps. Find the cause, fix schedules, control labor costs, and prevent unplanned overtime with better time tracking.

October 15, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Software Comparison

Best Time Clock Software for Dental Offices in 2026

Compare the best time clock software for dental offices in 2026: vendor-verified pricing, selfie punches, and payroll syncs for small practices. Try it free.

October 15, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

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Time Tracking for Independent Contractors + Tools & Tips

Understand time tracking for independent contractors so you can pay 1099 workers accurately. See how to track hours and keep contractor records up to date.

October 15, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Scheduling, Time Tracking, and Payroll Made Easy

Efficiently manage your hourly team with OnTheClock's scheduling, time tracking, and payroll tools. Reduce errors and save time every week!

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Time Clocks & Time Tracking

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Time Clocks & Time Tracking

Illinois Labor Laws for 2026

Illinois labor laws for 2026: the $15 minimum wage, Chicago’s $17.05 rate, meal breaks, paid leave, child labor rules, and new laws employers must follow.

October 11, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Time Clocks & Time Tracking

Do I Have to Pay Employees Who Forget to Clock In or Out?

Forgot to clock in or out? You still have to pay for all hours worked. Learn what the FLSA requires and how to fix and prevent missed punches.

October 9, 2026 • by Dean Mathews

Time Clocks & Time Tracking

20 Time Tracking Best Practices for Employers in 2026

20 time tracking best practices for employers: write a clear policy, cover FLSA basics, keep payroll accurate, and get employees to buy in. Start with #1.

October 5, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Scheduling & Time Off

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Scheduling & Time Off

How to Call in Sick for Work Professionally in 2026 (With Examples)

Learn how to call in sick professionally with phone scripts, text templates, and email examples, plus your sick leave rights by state. Grab a template.

October 7, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Scheduling & Time Off

Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA): 2026 Employer Guide

How much sick time do you owe under the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act? Learn how it accrues, what you can cap, and whether PTO counts. Get the checklist.

October 5, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Scheduling & Time Off

How to Write a PTO Request Email

Requesting PTO professionally avoids confusion. This guide explains how to write a clear PTO request email with examples.

September 15, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Payroll

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Payroll

The Employer's Guide to Payroll Taxes and Compliance

See which payroll taxes employers pay in 2026, how to calculate withholding, and when deposits and forms are due. Read the guide and stay compliant.

October 6, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Payroll

What Is a Pay Period? Definition, Types & How Many in 2026

A pay period is the span of time when hours are tracked for one paycheck. Compare the four types, see how many 2026 has, and pick the right schedule.

October 5, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Payroll

Accrued Payroll: Definition, Journal Entry & Examples

Closing the books with unpaid wages? Accrued payroll covers pay employees earned but haven't received. See how to calculate it and record the entry.

October 5, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Software Comparison

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Software Comparison

Best Time Clock Software for Dental Offices in 2026

Compare the best time clock software for dental offices in 2026: vendor-verified pricing, selfie punches, and payroll syncs for small practices. Try it free.

October 15, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Software Comparison

Best Time Clocks for Small Businesses: Comparing Eleven Different Options

Not every time clock fits every business. Compare all 11 methods — from punch clocks to mobile apps — & find the right fit for your team, budget, & needs.

October 13, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Software Comparison

The Six Best Employee Scheduling Apps in 2026

Compare the best employee scheduling apps for small businesses, restaurants, field teams, and more, including features, pricing, pros, and cons.

October 13, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Tools & Explainers

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Tools & Explainers

GPS Tracking Laws by State: 2026 Employer Guide

GPS tracking laws by state changed in 2026. See employer rules for all 50 states, plus new laws in Maine, Connecticut, and California. Check your state.

July 6, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Tools & Explainers

Designing an Employee Benefits Strategy That Reinforces Company Culture

Design an employee benefits strategy that truly reflects your company culture. Align offerings with values, communicate effectively, and evolve continuously.

May 18, 2026 • by Kelsey Anderson

Tools & Explainers

Seven Workforce Predictions for 2026

Time Tracking, Payroll, and Scheduling are changing rapidly. This article outlines seven predictions for 2026 and what employers should prepare for.

January 12, 2026 • by Dean Mathews

Versus

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Versus

ClockShark vs. OnTheClock: Which Time Tracking Software Is Right for Your Business?

ClockShark and OnTheClock both help businesses track employee hours and manage schedules. Here's how they compare on pricing, features, GPS tracking, and customer support.

September 29, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Versus

Buddy Punch vs. OnTheClock: Which Time Tracking Software Is Right for Your Business?

Buddy Punch and OnTheClock both help small businesses track employee time and manage schedules. Here's how they compare on pricing, features, and customer support in 2026.

September 28, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

Versus

Hubstaff Time vs. OnTheClock: Which Time Tracking Software Is Right for Your Business?

Hubstaff and OnTheClock both help businesses track employee hours and manage teams. Here’s how they compare on pricing, employee monitoring, payroll, scheduling, and usability in 2026.

May 13, 2026 • by Herb Woerpel

The OnTheClock Small Business Blog

68% of Small Business Owners Are Open to AI in Payroll — But Only 11% Trust it to Take Over

Editor's Picks

Do I Have to Pay Employees Who Forget to Clock In or Out?

GPS Time Clocks: Do They Actually Stop Time Theft?

Late Time Sheets? Here’s What to Do.