Would you let Big Brother watch you at work?

The new Apple Watch and other smart wearable technology can monitor all kinds of information about you, but should that be shared with employers?

According to a new survey commissioned by PwC, 41% of respondents said they would not trust their employer with such data. However, 56% would share such data if it would result in better working conditions, such as flexible hours, remote working or health screening.

Of those that would be happy to share this data, 62% would be happy to share their blood pressure, with a similar number (61%) willing to share their heart rate and movement.

71% would allow their employer to know how long they travel back and forth from work, while 66% would be happy for their time of arrival and departure to be tracked.

The willingness to share this information varies across age groups. Only 40% of over-55s would support monitoring, versus 70% of those aged 18 to 34.

For those who already use a smartwatch or fitness tracker, 87% would share such data.

Anthony Bruce, People Analytics Leader, PwC, says: “Many workers still have an understandable ‘Big Brother’ reaction to sharing any of their personal data with their employers, but our research shows that most people can be persuaded if they can see clear personal or workplace benefits.

“People are also more open to the idea if the data are anonymised and shared at an aggregate level, rather than being personalised.”