15 Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software for 2024

Employee monitoring isn’t new. Sure, work-from-home setups caused by the COVID-19 pandemic certainly increased the demand for it. However, employee surveillance has been deeply imprinted in how we work. Take time clocks and office video surveillance as examples. Because the largely digital nature of work brings new security and productivity issues to the fore, dedicated monitoring solutions have become popular, and, thus more accessible. Yet, for some businesses, the cost of employee monitoring software tools can be too much.

This is especially so when software providers charge on a per-employee basis. Hence, more cost-conscious organizations are looking for less expensive yet effective ways to monitor employee activity for productivity and security.

Fortunately, there are many open-source employee monitoring software solutions available today. Many of them are absolutely free. In this article, we will list the best open source employee monitoring software tools available. In this way, you can cut down on the time you’ll spend searching for platforms that would make your shortlist.

Employers who wish to monitor employees are stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they don’t, they will be in the dark as to how their employees spend their time. If they do, they might be accused of invading employee privacy. Nevertheless, employee surveillance is common. In fact, in 2021, 66% of employers monitor website visits and/or time spent on websites.  Additionally, 53% deployed employee real-time screen monitoring.

Naturally, workers are not too comfortable. In fact, for every five teleworkers, there is one that is not comfortable with any type of surveillance. Furthermore, only 18% deem screen monitoring acceptable, while only 18% are amicable to browser history monitoring on their personal device. You might think that the percentage will be significantly higher for employees using company-owned devices. However, only 27% of employees find it acceptable.

The divide is unmistakable, so striking a good balance is a crucial factor. Middle grounds, however, can be different from one organization to another. Hence, using generic monitor-all protocols using off-the-shelf platforms is not really the way to go. Furthermore, depending on which state or country you are in, you could be charged with invasion of privacy or even human rights. As a European Court of Human Rights judgment stated, employers “cannot reduce private social life in the workplace to zero.”

Top 15 Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software

We’ve listed the best open source employee monitoring software for you. It turns out to be a short one. We decided, then, to give you a bonus, extending the list to include the best Open API applications in the same software category.

1. Clockify

Clockify is an employee time tracking and monitoring platform. It makes employee time spent on projects and tasks easily visible. Thus, employers will be able to not only track productivity but use time tracking data for payroll and billing as well. This is thanks to its expenses and invoicing modules. Furthermore, the platform can be deployed via the cloud or on-premise.

Other key features include team scheduling, time sheets, activity monitoring, projects, reports, a time tracker, and a calendar. Moreover, as it is open source, users can modify it according to their preferences. Also, thanks to its open API, users will be able to integrate it seamlessly with other software solutions such as payroll software tools.

But, setting up APIs might not be needed at all for some users. This is because Clockify has a long list of integrations with other third-party business solutions. It has built-in integrations with Basecamp, Asana, Outlook, Scoro, Zendesk, and Wrike, among many others. Lastly, Clockify has a free plan available and premium pricing starts at $4.99 per user per month.

2. OpenProject

OpenProject is a comprehensive team management application that provides employee monitoring software with open source solutions. The platform not only helps managers create a collaborative environment for their teams but also equips them with transparency tools. These include its popular time-tracking module. Key features include logged time editing, logging time via commit message, the ability to delete time entries, and its spent time widget.

The platform also integrates with other solutions such as Excel and Slack. Moreover, it works seamlessly with Toggl for more time-tracking capabilities. Additionally, OpenProject also offers its API. So, users can virtually connect it with other solutions. Lastly, while it has a free community version, advanced paid plans are available, starting at $7.25 per user with a minimum of five users.

3. Redmine

Redmine is a free project management system with great employee monitoring features. These include progress tracking and time tracking. Employees can log in at the project level. Hence, managers will be able to see what tasks team members are working on. Moreover, as it is open source, users will be able to create versions that fit their needs and expectations.

As it is, ultimately, a collaboration software, Redmine provides extra employee monitoring features to a an already comprehensive project management package.

4. OrangeScrum Community Edition

OrangeScrum Community Edition is an easy-to-use feature-rich project management solution that also offers employee monitoring tools. Key features include time tracking, budget management, cost tracking, resource management, and issue management. This free Community edition, however, is only best for small teams.

Of course, thanks to its open source offering, developers can build on the base program to tailor it to their needs. The version supports unlimited tasks and unlimited projects.

5. Pendulums

Pendulums is a free time tracking software solution flexible enough to be used by different types of users in different kinds of scenarios. Hence, it is a go-to platform for a wide range of outfits—from freelance professionals to SMEs. Key features include easy-to-use time tracking, unlimited project support, unlimited members, and project sharing.

Moreover, Pendulums also provide teams with collaboration tools and reporting capabilities. Also, it is available on all platforms, from its cloud-hosted form to an on-premise Linux version.

6. Vite

Vite is an AI-based employee monitoring solution with great employee development features. The product helps management users ensure the quality of employee productivity and growth. Also, the platform provides tracking features such as work logs with advanced work pattern analysis.

Its AI-driven engine provides users with automated reports and actionable insights. In fact, based on employee performance monitoring data, the platform provides Individual Performance Reports.

While Vite has built-in integrations with platforms such as Slack, Office 365, and Teams, it also offers its open API. Hence, users can incorporate it into their software stacks. Pricing starts at around $50 per month for 100 employees.

7. Deputy

Deputy is a task management solution that provides managers with project, tasks, and employee visibility. Employee monitoring tools include daily workload, attendance, time-offs, and task schedules. The software is flexible enough to be used by a wide variety of businesses of all sizes from different industries. These include retail, restaurants, and even government agencies.

Other notable features include an on-site time clock module, employee scheduling, and workplace communication tools. Also, it integrates with other solutions such as POS software and those for payroll. Pricing starts at $3.50 per user per month.

8. Tanda

Tanda is a web-based employee management solution with great monitoring features. It includes an employee time clock app and shift swapping features. Moreover, the platform is known for its automation features for payroll and scheduling. Also, it provides users with predictive staffing capabilities. Additionally, with its live wage tracking feature, users will be able to see wage costs in real-time and adjust staffing configurations to help increase profitability.

The platform integrates seamlessly with a long list of business solutions. These include Cloud Payroll, Outlook, Ascender, and Google Calendar. Also, as it has an open API, it can work seamlessly with virtually any digital tool.

9. Monitask

Monitask is a productivity monitoring and time tracking solution for remote working teams. And, it provides management with great employee activity visibility. Key features include app usage tracking, random screenshot function, keyboard tracking, and mouse tracking. Moreover, the platform also has comprehensive project management and task management features to boot. Hence, the combination of these features makes it a complete team management solution.

The platform also integrates with other productivity platforms, including Asana, Basecamp, and Slack. Also, it has native integrations with Keap and Freshbooks. Furthermore, the platform has an open API. Thus, users will be able to make it work with virtually any digital platform they need. Lastly, pricing starts at $5.99 per user per month.

10. DeskTime

DeskTime is a time tracking solution for desktop machines and mobile devices. The platform allows management users to monitor employee activity on their machines. Key features include online data monitoring, application use tracking, offline time tracking, auto screenshots, and productivity analysis. Moreover, it has custom daily email reports and a common absence calendar.

The product offers an open API but it also has built-in integration options, including those with JIRA, Zapier, Trello, and Asana. It has a free version for one user. And, its premium plan starts at $7 per user per month.

11. ScreenshotMonitor

ScreenshotMonitor is a time tracking and screen monitoring software solution. Basically, it allows employers to monitor employee productivity based on activity. Key features include automatic time tracking, screenshot taking, activity monitoring, manual time tracking, app use monitoring, and website monitoring, among others. Also, it archives screenshots per user for later manual evaluation and reference.

Furthermore, ScreenshotMonitor can integrate with any digital platform. This is thanks to its open API. Lastly, it has a free version, and premium plans start at $9 per user per month.

12. MangoApps

MangoApps is a digital workplace solution that modernizes work. It also provides employers with employee monitoring solutions, including a customizable tracking module. This module includes many different templates such as those for time tracking, payroll, and customer tracking, among others. Of course, employers can customize this for anything they need. It has a built-in user login activity module as well.

Other key features include a calendar, dashboards, groups, private messages, team CRM, and surveys. Moreover, the platform has employee profiles and graphs for advanced productivity analytics. Additionally, as MangoApps has an open API, it can be configured to work seamlessly with other solutions. Built-in integrations include those for Dropbox, MailChimp, and Twitter. Lastly, it is only offered via quote-based subscription plans.

13. Simple In/Out

Simple In/Out is an employee activity tracking solution for multiple platforms. These include desktop machines, phones, the web, and even television. Also, it provides a FrontDesk application that displays a company status board on a tablet accounting for who is at work or not on a tablet. This is perfect when placed in a common area or reception to easily call for services. And, this is especially useful to the hospitality business. The same could be done for television.

Moreover, Simple In/Out includes its TimeClock module in its package. This modernizes physical punch clocks by using barcodes and badges instead of punch cards. Also, the product has an open API. So, users may connect it to any digital tool they need. Lastly, pricing starts at $9.99 per month for 10 users.

14. Factorial

Factorial is a comprehensive HR solution for small businesses with employee tracking solutions. These include features such as time tracking, employee performance, shift management, and payroll summary. Also, other features include onboarding and offboarding tools, a talent acquisition module, and an employee portal. Moreover, Factorial also offers training management features.

The product also includes an entrance app, which is basically a digital time clock. And, employees can use this to log in or out using secure QR codes from their mobile devices. Moreover, it has a geolocalization feature that provides management with real-time employee location when they are on the job. As Factorial offers its open API, users will be able to connect it to many other tools. Lastly, pricing starts at $4 per employee per month per year, starting at $60 for 15 employees.

15. StaffCop Enterprise

StaffCop Enterprises is a comprehensive insider threat mitigation solution. It provides users with advanced features for activity monitoring, user behavior analytics, productivity optimization, and, of course, insider threat detection and prevention. Moreover, the solution helps prevent data loss prevention by identifying behavior anomalies. This functionality comes with customizable alerts with a full audit trail.

The product can also be deployed as a remote employee tracking solution to ensure both security and productivity. It allows management to monitor all remote employee activity and behavior, even control employee desktops. Furthermore, productivity reports incorporate expenses tracking from leaves, idle time, and late shifts. Additionally, the platform has an open API. With this, it provides a level of customizability rivaling the levels provided by employee computer monitoring software open source platforms. Thanks to its flexibility, users can build on this by connecting it with other digital tools. Pricing starts from $35 per month.

How to choose the right open-source employee monitoring software?

Selecting the right open-source employee monitoring software can enhance productivity without compromising trust. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:

• Define Your Objectives: Clarify why you need monitoring software. Are you tracking productivity, ensuring data security, or supporting remote work? Knowing your goals helps narrow down features.
• Evaluate Essential Features: Look for core functionalities like activity tracking, time logging, application monitoring, and reporting. Advanced features such as screenshot capture or keystroke logging may be beneficial but could raise privacy concerns.
• Consider Ease of Use: Choose software with an intuitive interface and easy setup process. A user-friendly platform reduces training time and makes it easier for employees to adapt to the system.
• Check Community Support and Documentation: Since open-source tools may lack dedicated support, community forums and comprehensive documentation are crucial. These resources help troubleshoot issues quickly and keep the software running smoothly.
• Assess Compatibility and Scalability: Ensure the tool integrates well with your existing systems and can scale as your team grows. Compatibility across Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems is also essential.
• Review Legal Compliance: Monitoring software should align with your region’s legal regulations on employee privacy. Verify that the software provides settings to manage access and ensure compliance.

What is the best open source employee monitoring software?

The route to open source is one way to save money on your software purchase whether it’s CRM, a platform for shopping online or, in this case, employee monitoring software. But don’t just get any open source; go for the best open source employee monitoring software solution based on your specific requirements. And, of course, it is also up to the level of employee monitoring that you wish to have. In fact, on this list, there are different types of employee monitoring solutions available. Some are non-invasive performance tracking platforms while others offer activity and behavioral tracking solutions. Moreover, there are also those that have a good balance between the two.

However, if you choose the employee monitoring software open source platforms, you would be able to add or deactivate modules according to your preference. Also, if you choose platforms with open APIs, then you will be able to create a software stack that is truly your own. And, if you are wondering which open source platform is best to serve as a base, we suggest you try out Clockify. It is, at its base, a non-invasive employee monitoring platform complete with timesheets, scheduling, and task management features.

Also, because it is open source and has an open API, you could always modify it or connect it to activity-based tracking solutions—including open source computer monitoring software—which can pry better into employee behavior. It is good to remember, however, that more invasive monitoring methods generally run counter to current workplace trends. So, we recommend you deploy your digital solution in a way that can cater to your middle ground with your staff.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."