Understanding the Unusual Activity Report in WorkComposer
The "Unusual Activity" report in WorkComposer is a useful tool for identifying potential irregularities in an employee's work pattern. It specifically flags instances where there is continuous typing or mouse activity for over 30 minutes without any breaks of at least 10 seconds. This is typically considered unusual based on standard work behaviors, as most tasks naturally involve brief pauses.
How to Interpret the Report
When WorkComposer detects such continuous activity, it raises a red notification under the user's name. By clicking on this notification, you can view a detailed chart that highlights these periods of unusually high activity. The red points on this chart represent intervals where continuous activity occurred for more than 30 minutes without a break.
Such patterns may indicate an attempt to manipulate the tracking system by simulating keyboard or mouse activity, potentially inflating the reported work hours. While this could suggest a possible issue, it is also important to recognize that in some cases, it may simply reflect certain work patterns in specific roles or industries.
Understanding Different Activity Patterns
Normal Activity: A regular workday will generally be free from red points, showcasing a healthy balance between work and breaks.
Occasional Anomalies: A chart with one or two red points might indicate a deep focus session, which can occur naturally during tasks that require intense concentration. This is not inherently problematic but should be noted.
Abnormal Workflow: A chart filled with red points signals that the user was continuously active every 30 minutes without breaks. This is often a sign of an attempt to artificially boost tracked work hours by simulating keyboard or mouse activity.
Steps to Take for Accurate Assessment
To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of work performance, we recommend the following actions:
- Review the Screenshots: Check for static images throughout the recorded working hours. Static screens could indicate that the user was not actively engaged in productive work, despite the recorded activity.
- Communicate with the Employee: Engage in a conversation to clarify the reported activity. Understanding the context behind their work pattern is crucial, especially if their role might involve continuous focus sessions.
- Monitor for Patterns: Look for recurring instances of high activity. Consistent unusual activity over time may warrant a closer investigation to prevent attempts to manipulate tracking mechanisms.
The Unusual Activity report is a useful tool for detecting potentially inflated work hours. However, it's important to approach each instance with an open mind. In some organizations, certain roles may naturally involve prolonged periods of focus, which the system may flag as unusual. A manager's understanding and consideration of these nuances will help maintain an environment of trust and transparency when using WorkComposer's tracking tools.