Back to Glossary

Employee monitoring

What is Employee Monitoring?

Employee monitoring is the practice of tracking and recording employee activities in the workplace. It can include tracking computer usage, email and internet use, phone calls, and other forms of communication. The goal of employee monitoring is to ensure that employees are following company policies and procedures, as well as to increase productivity.

Employee monitoring can be done through a variety of methods, including software programs, video surveillance, keystroke logging, GPS tracking, and more. Companies may also use employee surveys or questionnaires to gain insight into how their employees are performing. By monitoring employee activities, companies can identify areas where they need to improve or make changes.

Benefits of Employee Monitoring

Employee monitoring can help companies improve their overall performance by providing them with valuable data about their employees’ activities. This data can be used to identify areas where employees are not meeting expectations or where processes need to be improved. Additionally, it can help employers detect any potential security risks or violations of company policies.

Employee monitoring can also help employers better understand their employees’ needs and preferences. By tracking employee activities, employers can gain insight into what motivates their employees and how they prefer to work. This information can then be used to create a more productive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.

Drawbacks of Employee Monitoring

One of the main drawbacks of employee monitoring is that it can lead to feelings of distrust among employees. If employees feel like they are being watched or monitored too closely, it could lead to decreased morale and productivity. Additionally, some forms of employee monitoring may violate privacy laws in certain countries.

Another potential drawback is that employee monitoring may not always provide accurate data. For example, if an employer is using software programs to track employee activities, there is a chance that the data collected may not be completely accurate or reliable. Additionally, if an employer relies too heavily on employee monitoring as a way to measure performance, it could lead to a lack of creativity or innovation among employees.