(MENAFN) Despite the perceived privacy benefits of remote work, most remote workers may not have as much privacy as they might think while doing their jobs from home. At the start of the pandemic, many employers invested in monitoring software to track their employees' every move, particularly to ensure they remain productive while working from home. Three years later, employee tracking via tools like video feeds and keystroke monitoring software are now the norm, according to a new survey of 1,000 companies with remote or hybrid workforces.
The most intrusive form of employee monitoring is via an always-on, live video feed. More than one-in-three employers (37percent) said they require employees to appear on a live video feed when they are not in the office. This allows employers to track and monitor their employees' work activities, ensuring they are not engaging in personal activities while on the clock. However, people who are dedicated video feed monitors typically spend between two and four hours a day monitoring those feeds, according to ResumeBuilder.com, a professional resource site.
While some employers keep an eye on these video feeds all day long, few employers do so, with just over 5percent monitoring the feeds continuously. This suggests that while employers may be interested in tracking their employees' productivity, they recognize the need to balance this with employee privacy and autonomy. However, the fact that most employers require employees to appear on a live video feed suggests that remote workers may not have as much privacy as they might think.
These findings raise concerns about the privacy implications of remote work and the potential for employers to overstep boundaries. While employee monitoring can help employers ensure that their remote workers remain productive and focused, it can also lead to feelings of mistrust and decreased job satisfaction among employees. As such, it is important for employers to strike a balance between monitoring employee productivity and respecting their privacy and autonomy. Employers should communicate their monitoring policies clearly and transparently to employees, providing them with the opportunity to voice concerns and feedback about the monitoring process.
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