1. An apparatus for tracking the length of time spent by a user of the apparatus on each of a plurality of different tasks on behalf of a plurality of different entities, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of tokens, each including a remotely readable electronic tag coded with predetermined information uniquely associated with at least one of (i) a task, and (ii) an entity; a sensing device including an antenna for detecting the presence of the electronic tag of a token only when the token is within a predetermined distance relative to the antenna, wherein the antenna is configured for cooperating with timing circuitry for measuring the duration of a start signal initiated when the antenna first detects the presence of the electronic tag and terminated by a stop signal generated only when the antenna ceases detecting the electronic tag, and with decoding circuitry for generating a data signal with content based on the predetermined information identified by the detected electronic tag for association with the duration of the start signal; and a platform mounting the antenna and having an essentially flat surface on which the tokens can be removably placed by the user, wherein the antenna detects the presence of the electronic tag when one of the tokens is on the flat surface within the predetermined distance from the antenna.