{"id":2780,"date":"2019-05-31T10:25:28","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T14:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timothydimoff.com\/?p=2780"},"modified":"2019-05-31T10:25:28","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T14:25:28","slug":"the-fine-line-between-electronic-surveillance-and-employee-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timothydimoff.com\/2019\/05\/31\/the-fine-line-between-electronic-surveillance-and-employee-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fine Line Between Electronic Surveillance and Employee Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"
With the advent of social media and new digital surveillance methods, it\u2019s a brand-new world in terms of what you can and cannot do to monitor or investigate an employee. Before your employee privacy policy is forever compromised and your company culture is permanently damaged, it is up to you as an employer to weigh the pros and cons of employee electronic surveillance in the workplace.<\/p>\n
The average America spends 2.5 hours per day on their mobile device(s). We take our smartphones to work, on vacation — basically, anywhere and everywhere with us. Staying connected is no longer a \u201cnice to have\u201d, but a \u201chave to have\u201d mindset. Take a moment and think back to the last time you left the house without your phone \u2013 it\u2019s not a good feeling, am I right?<\/p>\n
However, our obsession with \u201cstaying connected\u201d whether for personal or professional reasons has often compromised productivity in the workplace. This, among other reasons, has sparked the need to monitor employee activity.<\/p>\n
Today there are multiple electronic ways an organization can \u201ckeep an eye or ear\u201d on their staff to address declines in productivity. These include:<\/p>\n
But as technology evolves so does electronic surveillance solutions with more invasive ways using \u00a0emerging technologies<\/a> like:<\/p>\n The downside to these invasive monitoring solutions can lead to a \u201cbig brother is watching\u201d work environment.<\/p>\n Where should employers draw the line?<\/p>\n As with most controversial workplace issues, before implementing a potentially privacy-compromising electronic surveillance solution, it is essential to consider the pros and cons.<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n It is important to note; state privacy laws should be referenced<\/a> before any employee monitoring programs are put in place.<\/p>\n Overall, any electronic surveillance monitoring employees must be done within reason (i.e. common areas only, never in bathrooms). However, from the employee\u2019s perspective, privacy should not be expected when on company grounds or using company-owned equipment, computers, or vehicles.<\/p>\n There is a fine line between electronic surveillance and employee privacy rights. The important thing is to implement with care.<\/p>\n Do you know if your company\u2019s HR policies are up to date in terms of employee privacy rights? Tim\u2019s presentation Employee Privacy Issues and E-Surveillance Practices<\/a> can help your organization navigate the best way to monitor employees in a digital world. Contact<\/a> Tim to schedule your presentation today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With the advent of social media and new digital surveillance methods, it\u2019s a brand-new world in terms of what you can and cannot do to monitor or investigate an employee. Before your employee privacy policy is forever compromised and your company culture is permanently damaged, it is up to you as an employer to weigh the pros and cons of employee electronic surveillance in the workplace. Productivity vs. Privacy The average America spends 2.5 hours per day on their mobile device(s). We take our smartphones to work, on vacation — basically, anywhere and everywhere with us. Staying connected is no<\/p>\n\n
Pros and Cons of Electronic Surveillance<\/h2>\n
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Timothy Dimoff Can Help You Navigate the Issue of Electronic Surveillance<\/h2>\n