{"id":14817,"date":"2021-04-15T06:07:43","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T10:07:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.m2sys.com\/blog\/?p=14817"},"modified":"2022-06-22T00:47:58","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T04:47:58","slug":"is-constant-corporate-monitoring-killing-self-esteem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.m2sys.com\/blog\/others\/is-constant-corporate-monitoring-killing-self-esteem\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Constant Corporate Monitoring Killing Self-Esteem?"},"content":{"rendered":"

To monitor employees or not to monitor?\u00a0 That is the question many businesses ask when it comes to monitoring their employees. But we think the question should be like: \u201cbusinesses need to monitor their employees, but how?\u201d \u201cCan we monitor everything?\u201d \u201cHow to monitor without crossing the line?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Companies can monitor their employees in several ways, using high-definition cameras, time tracking tools and smart features that record everything an employee does during work hours. Tracking your team is a tricky process which can lead to several issues amongst employees, especially when it comes to privacy concerns and trust issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothetically, an employee monitoring system can improve productivity. We all know that there are considerable benefits associated with employee monitoring practices if done sophisticatedly, but could employee monitoring also affect employee morale? The answer is yes, it can affect employee morale in a negative way if the whole process of monitoring is not transparent to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many Employees Are Yet Unfamiliar with Employee Monitoring Software<\/b><\/h2>\n

A drawback of employee monitoring software is that many employees are not used to having their work being so closely monitored. Technology has empowered companies to track their employees in a number of detailed ways, which can effectively monitor the overall performance and behavior of employees<\/a>. Once employees realize they\u2019re being monitored constantly, and understand that performing at lower-than-average rates could put them on the risky path of termination, stress begins to increase. The fear of being fired is common amongst employees and can prevent workers from doing their best on their tasks. Another negative side can be that, employees will focus too much on performance numbers\u00a0 while neglecting more subjective elements of their job, at the end you and your company will suffer the consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Employees may feel their privacy has been violated.<\/b><\/h2>\n

The most common complaint against employees\u2019 monitoring software is that it breaches an employee\u2019s right to privacy<\/a>.\u00a0 Many employees worry about being monitored even during their non-work hours. They fear that their company is spying on their personal data and their privacy is at risk.<\/span>
\nCollectively, these effects could reduce morale, making employees feel detached and undervalued. The degree to which your employees\u2019 morale will\u00a0 drop depends on several factors, including how you\u2019ve implemented the monitoring software, the intelligent features of that software, the personal tolerance of your employees and the other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Balanced Approach<\/b><\/p>\n

Of course, companies have every right to protect their interests. But at the same time, employees also have the right to not feel spied on. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to find a balanced approach, where you can set a reasonably strict security policy, while not overstepping the boundaries of employees\u2019 personal matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re implementing a monitoring system for your business, it is essential to establish a clear policy. The policy should contain a detailed description of your monitoring approach.\u00a0 It is a good practice to have the employee sign a form agreeing to employee monitoring policies, and then have the employee download and install the software themselves.\u00a0 Ensure your employees understand that this monitoring software is viewed as a productivity tool that will only function during employees\u2019 work hours, not as a\u00a0 spying device. Once you help your employees understand this, they\u2019ll be more willing to comply with it.<\/span><\/p>\n