It’s no secret that employers keep a close eye on their employees both inside and outside the workplace. To minimize risk, many companies are turning to technology to help them track employee activity. While this may seem like a drastic measure, there are some benefits to monitoring employee activity.
Benefits of monitoring employee activity
1. Reduced liability
By monitoring employee activity, companies can be proactive in addressing potential problems before they escalate. It can help reduce the company’s liability if an employee is involved in something that could be harmful to the company. When companies are not monitoring employee activity, they may be more likely to face legal action if something goes wrong.
2. Increased productivity
When employees know that they are being monitored, they are likely to be more productive. This is because they will be less likely to waste time on things that are not work-related. In addition, they may be less likely to take part in activities that could be harmful to the company.
3. Improved employee morale
Employees who feel like they are being monitored may have increased morale. Many employees feel that their work is more important when they know that someone is keeping an eye on them. Monitoring can lead to increased loyalty and commitment to the company.
4. Early detection of potential problems
Different companies will have different goals for monitoring employee activity. However, one of the most common goals is to detect potential issues early on. Various red flags can be spotted when employee activity is monitored, which can help to prevent major issues from developing.
5. Increased security
In some cases, monitoring employee activity can help to increase security. For example, suppose an employee uses a company computer to access sensitive information. In that case, the company will be able to spot this and take steps to prevent it from happening again. This can help to protect the company’s data and reputation.
6. Compliance with company policies
When employee activity is monitored, it can help to ensure that company policies are being followed. Monitoring then becomes vital for companies that have strict rules and regulations. By monitoring employee activity, companies can ensure that their employees are toeing the line.
Ways to monitor employee activity
1. Employee tracking software
One of the most common ways to monitor employee activity is through employee tracking software. You can use this type of software to track various types of employee activity, such as email usage, internet usage, and computer usage. In some cases, you can also use employee tracking software to track employee location.
2. Surveillance cameras
Another way to monitor employee activity is through the use of surveillance cameras. This can be particularly helpful for companies with employees who work in customer-facing roles. Surveillance cameras can help identify potential problems and prevent them from happening again.
Additionally, you can use dashcam installation on company vehicles to monitor employee activity. This can help to improve safety and prevent accidents. It can also help to identify employees who are not following company policy.
3. GPS tracking
In some cases, companies may use GPS tracking to monitor employee activity. This system allows companies to track the location of their employees in real-time. You can use GPS tracking for various purposes, such as detecting theft, preventing accidents, and monitoring employee productivity.
Some businesses utilize GPS tracking by installing GPS tracking devices on company vehicles, which allows them to monitor the location of their employees and ensure that they are following company policy.
4. Social media monitoring
Social media monitoring is an increasingly popular option when it comes to monitoring employee activity. Businesses can track what their employees are saying on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with social media monitoring. Employees should be made aware that their social media activity is being monitored.
5. Keystroke logging
One of the more invasive ways to monitor employee activity is through keystroke logging. This system records everything an employee types on their computer, including passwords, email messages, and financial information. You can use keystroke logging to detect potential security breaches and prevent them from happening again.
But this should be done with care, as it can also lead to privacy issues. It is essential to have a clear and well-defined policy before using this system.
6. Biometric data
Some businesses use biometric data to monitor employee activity and track things like fingerprint data, iris scans, and facial recognition. You can use biometric data for timekeeping, attendance tracking, and security. It can be effective in preventing theft and fraud.
Employee activity monitoring is a process by which employers track the activities of their employees while they are at work. It can offer many benefits to businesses and can be done in various ways. But it is crucial to have a clear and well-defined policy before using any monitoring system to avoid potential privacy issues.