# Logging your hours and submitting your timesheet

- URL: https://www.usewisecost.com/help/time-tracking/logging-hours-as-an-employee
- Audience: Team members
- Last updated: 2026-07-22
- Part of the WiseCost Help Center: https://www.usewisecost.com/help

> Log your hours in WiseCost entry by entry or in the weekly Timesheet Summary grid, then send your timesheet for approval when the payroll period ends.

Video: Log And Manage Time Activities With WiseCost (https://embed.app.guidde.com/playbooks/hfr6NyznEtKuhgv3nVnhb8)

## How your time is organized

Every block of time you record is a **time activity**. Time activities are grouped into a **timesheet**, and each timesheet covers one **payroll period**. Your timesheet is created automatically the first time you log an activity in a period. Log your time daily. It keeps your records accurate and your timesheet audit-ready.

## 1. Start a new time activity

At the top of the Time Tracking screen, select the **class**. This is the contract or cost category you're working on. You'll only see the ones assigned to you.

[Screenshot: Time Tracking screen with the new time activity row]

[Screenshot: Selecting a class or contract for a time activity]

## 2. Add the details

Depending on your company's setup, you may also select an **item** (for example, your role on the contract), a **location**, and add a short description of the work. If Location is required and you leave it blank, WiseCost won't let you save the entry. See ["Location is required" when logging time](https://www.usewisecost.com/help/troubleshooting/location-is-required).

## 3. Record the time

Pick the date, then either press **play** to let the timer count as you work, or type the duration directly and click **Add**. Use the timer when you're working right now; type the hours when you're logging at the end of the day.

[Screenshot: Choosing the date and entering time with the timer or manual input]

## 4. Your activity is on the timesheet

The activity appears under the current payroll period, and your timesheet is created with the status **Open**. While it's Open, you can edit or delete any activity.

[Screenshot: Time activity added to an open timesheet]

## Prefer a weekly view? Use the Timesheet Summary

The **Timesheet Summary** tab shows a grid of days and classes. Type hours directly into each cell, handy when you're filling in several days at once or don't need per-activity detail.

[Screenshot: Timesheet Summary grid view]

## Submit your timesheet

When your payroll period ends, send your timesheet for approval. Click the send icon on the timesheet (you can also send from the Timesheet Summary).

[Screenshot: Timesheet with all activities logged, ready to send]

[Screenshot: Send timesheet confirmation dialog]

Your timesheet status changes to **Pending**. While it's Pending you can't edit your entries. Your supervisor will either approve it or reject it with comments.

[Screenshot: Timesheet in Pending status awaiting approval]

If it comes back rejected, don't worry. Fixing it takes a minute. That's the next step: [Fixing a rejected timesheet](https://www.usewisecost.com/help/employees/fixing-a-rejected-timesheet).