Barclays install workplace sensors to assess 'space usage'

Reports have emerged that Barclays have installed sensors in their London offices to track how long employees are at their desks – The Independant explains.

OccupEye are devices which use heat and motion to track efficiency. According to the publication, employees found the devices under their desks, prompting them to question managers as to why they were installed. According to Bloomberg, the bank rolled out the initiative after informing Unite union workers and employees that they would be installed – however no specific memo was reportedly sent out.

An emailed statement from Barclays read: “The sensors aren’t monitoring people or their productivity; they are assessing office space usage. This sort of analysis helps us to reduce costs, for example, managing energy consumption, or identifying opportunities to further adopt flexible work environments.”

Another report from FinExtra added that the bank is looking into ways decrease outgoing costs through energy consumption via hotdesking, and added that Unite officials claim they will be monitoring the situation to prevent any employer spying occurring.