Time Tracking
Geofencing Time Clocks: How They Work and When You Need One
A geofencing time clock creates a virtual boundary around a work location and only allows employees to clock in or out when their device is inside that boundary. It is the middle ground between no location verification (trusting employees to be where they say they are) and continuous GPS tracking (monitoring location throughout the shift). For companies with multiple job sites or remote locations, geofencing solves the verification problem without the privacy concerns of full GPS surveillance.
Published April 14, 2026 · 4 min read
What You Need to Know
Geofencing verifies location, not movement
The system checks whether the employee's device is inside the defined boundary at punch time. It does not track where they go during the shift or after work. This is a critical distinction for privacy compliance and employee acceptance.
Radius size matters more than you think
Too small (50 meters) and employees standing in the parking lot cannot clock in. Too large (1 kilometer) and employees at the coffee shop across the street can clock in. Most companies set geofence radii between 100 and 300 meters depending on the site size.
Geofencing works best for fixed locations with mobile workers