How to best record hours when working from home?

Question

Hey hey! So I have what might be a stupid question-but this is my first actual work from home job, and I need input. When I was hired, I was hired (Business Manager for a publishing company) at part time, 25-30 hours per week. So, I set my “business hours” from 10-4 everyday. Those are my hours that I am guaranteeing the company that I am available, and will respond to customers, reps, etc. So when I submit my hours, unless I’ve gone to a doctors appointment, or something else-I submit them as 10-4, everyday-30 hours per week. Heres my issue:  some days, I’m literally only responding to emails and answering calls and handling things that come up. I may not be “working” on company business. I’ll be changing a diaper, then answer an email, then cook lunch, or take a walk with the kids, then answer a call and send an invoice-see what I mean? I find it really confusing to be hourly from home. What else am I supposed to do, clock in and out for every email or answered call? Now, I work outside of those hours all the time. At least 30mins to an hour every night, and if something important pops up, no matter where I am, I respond-but I don’t record that time. I guess I just feel guilty or weird for stating those hours, though I am available during them, when I’m not sitting at a computer, dedicating that time to only the company. Does that make sense? Should I share this with my boss and get his input, and maybe ask for a change to salaried….or is what I’m doing pretty standard practice for work from home?
I hope that makes sense. Lol

Answer

If they expect you to be available and “on the clock” for those hours, then you’re working them. I would however avoid doing more than regular lunches/breaks unless you’ve negotiated something else with the company. Working from home isn’t really meant as a substitute for childcare or more time for housework. Things that happen after your hours that you work on you absolutely have to count as work time. In the US at least, there are legal implications for the company if you don’t and therefore most companies consider not doing so time sheet fraud. 
I should mention that if your an independent contractor or something and have negotiated something else than that’s obviously a different scenario. In that case, assuming you are meant to work sporadically when projects require it, then you track the time physically spent working. But from your description that doesn’t sound like what is or should be happening. (There are rules around what kind of work can be done by independent contractors). 
It’s weird at first but you’ll get used to it. Ive worked from home for the past decade and a lot of that in an hourly role.

Answer

I feel if you're using the agreed upon hours to do things like take walks and such then it is only fair to make up for the time another way. I mean obviously changing diapers and that you can't help that. Maybe you a do also need to set boundaries after hours. If it all balances out though the way it currently is then don't stress about it.

Answer

You need to treat 10-4 as closely to being kn actjal office as possible. Yes, there will be disruptions and need to deal with diapers. But as an Ouray employee (not salary) it sounds a bit abusive to the working hours to ve "clocked in" but out for walks. It's a tough balance. I work full time from home, AND have my toddler full time at home with me (no child care). I have special arrangements with my director and team to be away for "longer periods" to feed my toddler (30 min breakfast and 30 mi. Lunch, but that counts as my "lunch hour " just spread over 2 breaks for accommodating my sons schedule). He independently plays while I work. Being salary is a little different. I'm still bound to work 40 hours, and am available during standard work hours for the most part. But work evenings and weekends to make up for appointments and when kids are kids and need more time/attention. But again, I have special accommodations/agreements in place where I have a lot more flexibility with my schedule. Calls and emails still get answered in a timely manner. I just set my MS Team's status to "away" or "busy" when I'm not at my desk. So clocking hours in your role would be more challenging and you should probably be forthcoming with your manager or director about how you are often not actually working when you are supposed to be and see about greeting a more flexible work day that accommodates the lack of child care. Or look into part-time child care. Good luck

How to best record hours when working from home?

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