# Idle Detection Best Practice

> Time tracking methodology using automated idle detection to improve accuracy by identifying periods of inactivity. Recommended threshold of 10-15 minutes balances accuracy with reasonable break allowances.

- **URL:** https://trackabi.com/blog/time-tracking-best-practices
- **Category:** Time Tracking Best Practice
- **Tags:** Best Practices, Automation, Accuracy
- **Updated:** 2026-03-20 03:48
- **Canonical page:** https://timetrack.works/de/items/idle-detection-best-practice

## Details

## Overview

Idle detection is a time tracking feature that monitors keyboard and mouse inactivity to identify when employees are away from their workstations. When properly configured, it significantly improves time tracking accuracy.

## Key Principles

- Set idle threshold between 10-15 minutes
- Monitor keyboard and mouse activity only
- Never monitor screen content or websites
- Prompt users to confirm or adjust time when idle period detected
- Respect privacy while improving accuracy
- Make idle detection transparent to employees

## Benefits

- Prevents accidental time overcharges to clients
- Improves billable hour accuracy
- Eliminates forgotten running timers
- Provides more accurate productivity data
- Reduces manual timesheet corrections
- Increases employee awareness of actual work time
- Builds trust when implemented transparently

## Implementation

Successful idle detection requires clear communication, appropriate threshold settings, user control over adjustments, and privacy-respecting monitoring that focuses only on activity, not content.

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