Setting up timesheet periods
Timesheet periods determine the length of user timesheets. They should parallel either your organization’s billing cycle so that timesheet data is available when needed for invoicing clients.
Timesheet periods can be created for specific employee types, for particular departments, or for the system. We recommend that you use a single system timesheet period for all users, since this is the easiest method to manage.
A System timesheet period is assigned to new users by default. If you change this to Employee Type or Department, the user’s setting for the Employee Type or Department field in their user profile determines the specific timesheet period in effect.
Adding a timesheet period
To add a timesheet period, go to Administration > Timesheets > Timesheet Periods.
If separate tabs exist at the top of the page:
- Select the tab for the type of period you want to create – either System, Employee Type, or Department.
- Click Add Timesheet Period.
- Select the employee type or department the timesheet period will apply to, if applicable.
- Select the timesheet period type, and complete the date fields that apply to that type.
The timesheet period will come into effect automatically on the effective date you assign.
- Click Save.
If no tabs exist at the top of the page:
- Click Add Timesheet Period.
- Give the period a name, and select the period type.
- Select any required dates for that type. Note that effective dates for each user are assigned in user profiles.
- If desired, use the Timesheets can be entered field to update the number of months in advance timesheets based on this timesheet period can be completed.
- Click Save.
Default timesheet periods exist that may meet your requirements.
About the timesheet period types
Your organization's timesheet period should parallel your billing cycle. Below are the types of timesheet periods available in Polaris.
|
Timesheet Period Type |
Polaris will generate a new timesheet... |
|---|---|
|
Weekly |
Each week, beginning on the day of the week you choose If you're using a newer timesheet period format, you can use the At the end of the month field to have each timesheet period adjust, so they always stay within the boundaries of a month. This option creates a period similar to the Weekly End-of-Month option available in older timesheet periods. A default is available for this option, called Weekly without crossing months. |
|
BiWeekly |
Every two weeks, beginning on the day of the week and date you choose. The first period begins on the reference start date, then a period begins every two weeks thereafter. |
|
SemiMonthly |
Twice a month, on the two calendar days you select |
|
Monthly |
Each month, beginning on the day of the month and date you select |
|
Using the custom start and end dates you specify. After the first timesheet period, the following timesheets will use the same span of time, until a new timesheet period comes into effect. For example, if you use October 1st and 2nd as the timesheet period’s start and end dates, subsequent timesheet periods will run for two days each, from October 3rd to 4th, then from October 5th to 6th, and so on. |
|
|
(a.k.a. Weekly without crossing months) |
Each week, beginning on the first day of each month, then on the day of the week specified for the remainder of the month. The first and last week of the month are shortened or lengthened to ensure a timesheet period ends on the last day of each month, and all timesheet periods include at least 4 days. |
FAQs
Why might we use a manual timesheet period?
You might need to use a manual timesheet period if a time span occurs during which your organization will not follow the standard timesheet period schedule.
For example, if you are changing your billing cycle, you may need to use a manual timesheet as a bridge between regularly scheduled timesheet periods.
How does the Weekly End-of-Month (a.k.a Weekly without crossing months) format work? Why would we use them?
These timesheet periods are intended for those using a monthly billing period, but who want to use weekly timesheet periods to promote timely data entry. Timesheet periods flex in length to ensure all hours for a given month are submitted by the end of the month, so billing can be calculated on time. Each timesheet period includes a minimum of 4 days.
For example, if Sunday is the first day of your timesheet period week, weekly end-of-month timesheet periods at the beginning and end of the month would look like this:
The variable-length periods balance each other out, with one short week bordering a long week. Therefore, there will still be a total of 52 timesheet periods in a year.
How do we create a daily timesheet period?
You can create a daily or one day timesheet period using a manual-type timesheet period. Make the timesheet period's end date the same as its start date.
Is it possible to assign no timesheet period, when a user takes a leave of absence?
Yes, if you're using our new timesheet periods.
Can we change a timesheet period from Sunday to Saturday, to Monday to Sunday?
Yes. To do this, simply add a new timesheet period, using the new Monday to Sunday range. Polaris will create a transition timesheet period with one extra day in it to accommodate the change. If you’re using our updated timesheet periods, you can simply edit an existing period.
Why do timesheets remain the same when we change the timesheet period?
Any timesheet that was generated before the timesheet period was changed will not reflect the new timesheet period. To have the new timesheet period apply, you'll need to delete the timesheet, and have the owner recreate it.