Definition

A device employees use to record the time they arrive at and leave work, typically by inserting a punch card, swiping a badge, or pressing a button. Used for payroll tracking and attendance management.

Example Usage

The time clock by the entrance malfunctioned, so HR had to manually record everyone's hours that day.

Origin

First patented in 1888, time clocks became essential to industrial labor management and standardized work schedules.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'punch in' and 'punch out' phrases originated from the mechanical punch card time clocks used throughout the 20th century.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

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