That depends on whether you record your hours and leave on a real-time basis, or at anytime during the biweekly pay cycle.
- “Anytime” basis: Employees who record their hours at any time during the biweekly pay cycle are required to take the additional step of approving their time cards. Approval of your time card signifies you are finished with time card entry for the pay period. If you don’t approve your time card, your supervisor will not know that you have completed your time card and will have to follow up with you.
- “Real-time” basis: Employees who record their hours on a real-time basis should check their timecards regularly to make sure their hours are entered correctly. The “swipe” of the ID card at a terminal or the “time stamp” in CalTime on a computer is the employee’s approval of hours worked. Practices regarding time card approval may vary by department. Employees should consult their supervisor if they have questions regarding their department’s practices.
Keep in mind that if you do not approve your timecard on time or do not correctly record your hours worked and leave taken, you run the risk of not being paid properly. Also, your supervisor may have to make time-consuming corrections later.