> Why employers (in the knowledge business at least) track people by the hour is beyond my understanding
Because in some countries it is a legal requirement. Where I work, in Austria, there is currently a legal limit of 10 working hours per day and a total of 50 hours per week, except in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, all employees must log their working hours.
I found the process odd when I first moved here. However, over time I have come to appreciate the advantages. I have absolutely no pressure from my employer to work excessive overtime and there is no default culture of long working hours. After 14:00 on Fridays, every week, the office is 90% empty.
I hope this small example helps you to understand why employers in some locations have to track people by the hour.
Because in some countries it is a legal requirement. Where I work, in Austria, there is currently a legal limit of 10 working hours per day and a total of 50 hours per week, except in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, all employees must log their working hours.
I found the process odd when I first moved here. However, over time I have come to appreciate the advantages. I have absolutely no pressure from my employer to work excessive overtime and there is no default culture of long working hours. After 14:00 on Fridays, every week, the office is 90% empty.
I hope this small example helps you to understand why employers in some locations have to track people by the hour.