Hourly workers in the United States now have access to a free tool from the Department of Labor that helps them independently track their work hours and calculate their earnings based on the information they input.
The app, recently updated and renamed WorkWise Timesheet, enables users to log regular work hours, breaks, and overtime, as well as perform pay calculations.
The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the app is freely available for both iOS and Android devices, and it can be used by both employees and employers, supporting both English and Spanish languages.
This update is part of a broader initiative announced in September by the Department of Labor aimed at simplifying compliance with labor laws and providing direct resources to workers.
What WorkWise Timesheet Can Record
The app allows users to enter clock-in and clock-out times, break periods, and total hours worked for each week.
Using this data, it can calculate regular pay and, under conditions that meet the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, overtime pay at one and a half times the regular rate.
For most employees covered and not exempt under the FLSA, the Department of Labor mandates that hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek must be compensated at least at 1.5 times the regular rate.
However, this does not automatically entitle all individuals working over 40 hours to this formula. Some occupations and workers are exempt from federal overtime rules, and there are specific situations governed by other standards.
Ensuring Your Paycheck Matches Your Recorded Hours
One of the primary benefits of the app is helping workers keep an independent record of their actual hours worked.
Employees can later compare this record with their paycheck to verify if all hours are accounted for, breaks are correctly deducted, and overtime is accurately reflected when applicable.
The Department of Labor highlights that personal time records can prove invaluable during wage disputes, especially for employees in restaurants, hotels, construction, cleaning, warehousing, caregiving, delivery, and other sectors where schedules may vary weekly.
It's important to note that the app does not replace the employer's obligation to maintain accurate labor records. The FLSA requires covered employers to keep information on non-exempt employees' hours and wages.
Limitations of the WorkWise App
WorkWise does not account for all possible work scenarios, and the Department of Labor cautions that its results hinge on accurate user input.
Currently, the app does not handle tips, commissions, bonuses, specific deductions, holiday pay, weekend premiums, shift differentials, or regular day-off pay.
Therefore, the app's outcomes should not be seen as a legal determination of an employer's financial obligation.
The Department of Labor further notes that the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations remain the official sources for federal labor regulations.
Florida's Minimum Wage Update
For workers in Florida, there's an important recent change to consider when reviewing their pay.
As of September 30, 2026, the state's general minimum wage is set at $15 per hour, following the completion of the incremental increase schedule approved by Florida voters.
CiberCuba previously covered Florida's minimum wage increase to $15 per hour and how it differently impacts tipped employees.
State rules may offer additional protections beyond federal laws, so the WorkWise app is primarily a tool for organizing and comparing hours and pay, rather than replacing individual labor assessments.
Steps to Take If Your Paycheck Is Inaccurate
If a worker notices discrepancies between their recorded hours and their paycheck, it's advisable to retain pay stubs, schedules, shift-related messages, and personal time records.
The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division states that such documents can be useful for filing a complaint.
The agency assures that its services are free and confidential, enforcing federal wage laws regardless of a worker's immigration status.
Furthermore, employers cannot fire or discriminate against workers for filing a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division or cooperating with an investigation.
How to Download WorkWise Timesheet
WorkWise Timesheet is available for free download on both iPhone and Android devices. The Department of Labor provides information about the app and links to the respective app stores on its official WorkWise Timesheet page.
For workers with fluctuating schedules, keeping a personal record can be an easy way to spot discrepancies before weeks or months pass: noting when each shift started and ended, how long breaks lasted, and later comparing these figures against the received paycheck.
Essential FAQs About WorkWise Timesheet
How can the WorkWise app benefit hourly workers?
The app helps hourly workers by allowing them to independently track their work hours and calculate their pay, ensuring they receive accurate compensation.
What limitations does WorkWise Timesheet have?
The app does not handle scenarios involving tips, commissions, bonuses, specific deductions, holiday pay, weekend premiums, shift differentials, or regular day-off pay.
What should workers do if their paycheck does not match their records?
Workers should keep pay stubs, schedules, and personal records of time worked and use these documents to file a complaint with the Department of Labor if necessary.