⏱️ How to Set Up a Timefence (Time-Based Punch Restrictions)
In this guide, we'll walk through setting up time-based punch-in restrictions for employees, also known as timefences in Worksana. A timefence prevents employees from clocking in too early.
📋 Step 1: Open Scheduling
In the left-hand navigation, click on Scheduling.
This opens the Shift Dashboard.
If no shifts exist, the dashboard will be empty.
To manage or create shifts, click Manage Shifts in the top right corner.
🛠️ Step 2: Build a New Shift
Navigate to a future day (e.g., tomorrow) — important: shifts cannot be built in the past.
Hover over the schedule grid at your desired start time.
Click to create a new shift.
Fill in the shift details:
Name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "6:00 AM Shift")
Minimum employees: Optional — sets a visual warning if not enough clock-ins occur within 15 minutes of shift start
End time: Set when the shift ends (e.g., "3:00 PM")
Note: If you have a shift that goes past the midnight hour (12a) and into a new date, set it to end at 1130p instead of the actual shift end time.
Punch-in restrictions can behave in unexpected ways when you attempt to schedule a multi-day shift.
Example:
Actual Shift: 7p - 5a
In Worksana: 7p - 1130p
⏳ Step 3: Configure the Timefence Window
By default, a 30-minute blockout window is added before the shift.
Adjust as needed:
Start time of blockout: When the restriction begins (e.g., 5:00 AM)
Grace period: How long before shift start employees can clock in (e.g., 10 minutes)
For example, with a 6:00 AM shift, a blockout starting at 5:00 AM, and a 10-minute grace period, employees cannot clock in between 5:00–5:50 AM. If someone clocks in before 5:00 AM, they must leave a note explaining why.
🔁 Step 4: Set Recurrence and Timeliness Rules
Set the shift to Ongoing:
Select the days of the week the shift occurs
Select Never expire, if it's an ongoing shift
Optional: Enable early/late arrival tracking
If enabled, employees will appear red in the interface if they arrive more than 15 minutes early or late
👥 Step 5: Assign Employees
Click the new shift block to assign employees
Choose "Assign All" or select specific individuals
Choose whether to apply to:
All upcoming shifts (recommended for regular schedules)
Only this shift (for one-off or special scenarios)
Note: You can assign employees to multiple shifts, but they cannot overlap, or the punch-in restriction (timefence) will not work as expected.
🛡️ Step 6: Enforce the Timefence in Role Settings
Click your Company Name on the bottom left
Go to Organization Settings > Roles
Select the role you want to update (e.g., Kiosk users)
Expand the Scheduling section
Enable these settings:
✅ Timefence Restriction - Enforces the time windows you've configured
Optional: ✅ Timefence Restriction Override - Allows early punch-in within the timefence but requires an explanation note
🔄 Optional: Managing Shift Complexity
Timefences are ideal for repeating shifts (e.g., Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–3:00 PM)
Avoid using them for highly variable or short-notice shifts
You can assign employees to multiple shifts (e.g., a morning and a night shift)
Just ensure no time overlap between them
Overlapping timefences between shifts can cause erratic behavior. Adjust shift end times if needed (e.g., end at 1:00 PM instead of 3:00 PM).
✅ All Done!
You now have a working timefence with these benefits:
Employees can only clock in during designated windows
Early arrivals must leave notes if they bypass restrictions
Timefences are managed via scheduling and enforced via role permissions
If you do not currently have access to the Scheduling module, contact your Worksana support representative to have it enabled for your account.