With digital transformation reshaping workplaces, many employers now use monitoring technology to enhance productivity and safeguard sensitive data. Cybersecurity Expert, Donovan Pillay, joined Jo on Table Talk to discuss how monitoring works, its legal implications, and the balance between transparency and employee privacy.
What Is Employee Monitoring Technology?
Employee monitoring technology is a set of tools employers use to track and manage employee activity. According to Donovan, “Good employers aren’t trying to surveil their employees but to protect their business.” Employers often implement tools like firewalls and proxy servers, which help keep the business secure by tracking internet activity and filtering inappropriate content.
Beyond these protective measures, productivity-focused software also exists. “It can provide metrics on everything—from what apps employees use to how long their mouse hovers over an icon,” Donovan explained. This technology, often called “bossware,” can even track keystrokes and screen activity.
Privacy Concerns
As employee monitoring technology becomes more advanced, privacy concerns grow. Donovan emphasised the importance of transparency, stating that “everyone should be privacy-aware at all times.” Australian law requires companies to inform employees of any surveillance measures, meaning employers cannot record conversations or track employees without consent. This principle holds especially true in the workplace, where covert surveillance without disclosure is illegal.
Despite the growing capabilities of monitoring technology, Donovan noted that in Perth, “most businesses don’t overreach in their monitoring practices,” suggesting a positive balance between safeguarding data and respecting employee privacy.
Productivity Tool or Privacy Invasion?
The term “bossware” has become popular for describing software designed to monitor productivity. While it sounds harmless, bossware represents serious privacy concerns. “It’s not just on the boss’s computer,” Donovan said, clarifying that these tools provide management with a real-time view of employee activity.
Yet, some argue that bossware crosses an ethical line. Donovan put it simply: “No one wants to feel like they’re being watched all the time.” He advised that employees who work from home with agreed-upon monitoring should weigh the trade-offs, as remote work often necessitates some level of oversight.
Balancing Transparency and Trust
According to Donovan, the best way for companies to use monitoring without eroding trust is through clear, ethical policies. “Good policy is the cornerstone of any good business,” he said. Employers should be upfront about what is being monitored, the reason for it, and how data is used. During the onboarding process, these policies should be explicitly explained to employees, ensuring full transparency.
To maintain a balanced approach, companies can focus on creating a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework. This strategy aligns business practices with federal and local laws while supporting a culture of trust and respect for employee privacy.
Employers must tread carefully when using monitoring tools. Without proper disclosure, tracking employee activity could lead to legal issues. Covert surveillance, where monitoring happens without employee consent, is illegal in many situations. “If the company hasn’t informed you about being monitored, it’s a legal risk for them,” Donovan stressed.
Building a Trust-Based Culture for Productivity
Instead of relying heavily on surveillance, companies can promote productivity by fostering a supportive work environment. Donovan suggested creating policies that encourage open communication and mutual trust. “When a company shows transparent values to its staff, it creates an environment of trust and loyalty,” he said, which can lead to natural increases in productivity.
Additionally, businesses can focus on incentives that boost morale, such as providing stocked pantries, gym facilities, or other workplace perks. By focusing on a supportive workplace, companies may find that trust and transparency foster greater productivity than monitoring tools alone.
As monitoring technology continues to evolve, companies must navigate the fine line between securing their assets and respecting employee privacy. With transparency, ethical policies, and a supportive work culture, businesses can achieve the productivity gains they seek without compromising the trust of their employees.