A status report only works if it answers three questions in the first ten seconds: are we on track, what changed since last time, and what do you need from me.
Lead with the answer, then show the evidence. A single health indicator with a short sentence beats a table of numbers nobody has time to read.
Automate the collection, not the judgement. Let software gather hours and progress, and keep a person in charge of the message that goes to the client.