Micro-Management: The Benefits of Employee Monitoring
While some may cry “foul,” employee monitoring is here to stay and it’s having a big effect on how businesses run. Here are just a few ways the men and women at the top may be watching how you work.
Smart Wristbands
Developed by global giant Amazon, smart wristbands worn by employees can track someone’s work performance on assigned tasks. In addition to performance tracking, the wristband doubles as a scanner. Using ultrasonic pulses, the wristband can assist workers in finding inventory and similar tasks. Opponents argue that these wristbands are a violation of privacy and could be used to track an employees whereabouts. Amazon defends the decision to use these wristbands as a way to increase productivity and free up employee’s hands. Only time will tell whether this new innovation is an efficiency booster or a privacy concern.
Fleet Management Software
Companies who use fleet vehicles are essentially trusting a very expensive asset to their employees on a daily basis. Most would argue they have a right to know how that asset is being used, but some say fleet management software is a violation of the driver’s right to privacy. Fleet management is not a new concept but the ever-increasing technology that supports it is constantly increasing the power of this type of tool. Award-winning fleet management software such as Teletrac Navman DIRECTOR assist managers in monitoring over 500,000 assets across the globe. The benefits of this type of software include lower maintenance costs, fewer road violations and safety issues, less fuel consumption and more.
Employee Monitoring Software
Similar to managing a fleet of vehicles, employee management software monitors the employee’s actions while using things like company computers or cell phones. The software can monitor everything from keystrokes, location tracking, and even screenshots. Companies use this type of software to increase productivity and to keep employees honest. Work time should be spent doing work not scrolling through social media or emailing friends. Timestamping data can show how efficiently the employee is working and the data can be analyzed when forming teams, promoting employees and issuing layoffs. Private company information, passwords and the like are also kept safe with software like this in place.
Embedded Microchips
Okay, now we’ve gone too far, or have we? A Wisconsin tech company has begun offering a microchip implant to its employees. The microchip costs $300 but the company foots the bill (that seems only fair). The purpose of the chip is to allow the employee to scan in and out of the building, log into their computer, and to purchase food. That may seem like a lot of hassle for such basic features, but the rice-sized chip can be implanted between the forefinger and the thumb within seconds. In the future, they anticipate the microchips housing pertinent information like driver’s license, passport, and medical information. At this point, the chip is optional. So far, approximately 50 of their employees have opted in.
The old adage that “if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear” comes into play here. If you are a hard worker who stays on task, none of these monitoring tools should spook you. However, as a people, we value our privacy and our autonomy. The key seems to be complete transparency on both sides. Companies should communicate why and how they use the data, so the employee can make educated decisions.
About the Author
Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.
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