Buddy Punching is an expression of the admirable Australian "be there for your mate" spirit that is common in the Australian workforce. It involves workers "clocking on" an absent workmate to a manual card time clock. While this is evidence of great workplace moral and team spirit, it can have a negative affect on the financial situation of the business. 

One recent study estimates that Australian businesses loss up to $711 million annually due to buddy punching. As businesses have to pay for employees who are not present, workplace efficiency also decreases. But thankfully technological developments have allowed businesses to now have a more accurate time and attendance system, that can not be beaten by buddy punching. 

Time clock manufactures have started manufacturing biometric time clocks that identify individuals through their fingerprint or facial recognition. By using biometric detection, businesses can now gain an accurate and transparent view of their labour force. Not only does this ensure that businesses pay their employees more than agreed upon, but it also allows more accurate management of the workforce to ensure maximum efficiency, and allows more accurate job costing. 

If your business is not currently using a biometric enabled time clock, it is worthwhile investigating the benefits for your business that a time clock could provide.