A new survey conducted by OnTheClock and analyzed by Centiment shows that time‑card inaccuracies are widespread among hourly workers across the United States. The online study, which surveyed 831 full‑ and part‑time hourly employees in July 2026, found that one in four respondents admitted to “buddy punching” – clocking in or out for a coworker who is not present.
Extent of the problem
Beyond buddy punching, 43% of participants reported submitting timesheets that did not reflect the hours they actually worked. Forty‑three percent said they had adjusted their reported hours to misrepresent how many hours they worked, and 17% do so on a weekly or daily basis. Additionally, 45% admitted to clocking in while not actively working, such as arriving early, skipping lunch clock‑outs, or forgetting to clock out at the end of a shift.
Financial impact
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for private‑sector production and nonsupervisory workers was $32.40 in July 2026. If a single employee overreports by just one hour per week, the excess payroll cost can reach roughly $1,684 annually. For a ten‑person team, that adds up to more than $16,800 each year, not including payroll taxes.
Management perception vs. reality
While 79% of workers believe their managers review time cards thoroughly before approving payroll, oversight does not appear to curb inaccurate reporting. Among those who adjust hours weekly or daily, 92% still think their manager checks the cards carefully, compared with 81% of those who adjust only occasionally.
Generational differences
Gen Z employees (ages 18‑29) are 1.5 times more likely to engage in buddy punching than the overall sample (41% vs. 25%). Over half of Gen Z respondents (51%) consider buddy punching “no big deal” or acceptable in certain situations, compared with 31% of all workers.
Personal tasks during paid time
Personal activities during work hours are also common: 83% of respondents admit to spending at least some personal time while on the clock, and 48% spend 30 minutes or more per day on such tasks. Workers who handle personal tasks are significantly more likely to have inaccurate time records – 48% of them have adjusted timesheets versus 14% of those who do not.
What employers can do
The survey suggests that tighter oversight alone may not solve the issue. Practical steps for employers include clarifying policies on buddy punching, reinforcing the importance of accurate timekeeping, and considering technology such as GPS tracking or activity screenshots only after clear communication about expectations.
Overall, the data underscores that time‑card fraud remains a persistent challenge for businesses that rely on hourly labor, and that cultural attitudes toward honesty and accountability play a crucial role in mitigating payroll losses.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
