
Various software makers that provide this type of monitoring technology have noticed a hefty increase in inbound requests over the last few weeks, according to the Insurance Journal.
Whether this is technology that provides insights on a worker’s online activity, a breakdown of how they are spending their working hours, keystroke monitoring data or sifting through private colleague messages, there are many different methods employers are using to keep tabs on employees.
But, even before this stint of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, other organisations have come under fire for the staff monitoring systems that they have implemented in the past.
Barclays axed ‘Big Brother-style’ staff tracking system
Earlier this year, banking giant Barclays piloted a computer monitoring system to log the “effectiveness” of employees when at their desks.
Just over a week later, the firm pulled the plug on the tracking system in response to negative “colleague feedback”.
The software, which was developed by Sapience, was claimed to create “unprecedented transparency” within organisations yet this was met with criticism.
Philip Richardson, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, told HR Grapevine that “the use of this technology to track the whereabouts of staff members does seem excessive”.
Richardson added: “The pursuit of transparency in an organisation can also undermine trust and it’s important that employees feel like they can be left to get on with their jobs without constant monitoring.”
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Jackie Casey