Common problems faced by employers in the workplace include violence, identity theft, decreased efficiency, embezzlement and accidental or intentional injuries. Mistakes happen at work because any human being is prone to committing them. So how do we go about it and what overall effect does it have on productivity? Many firms now use monitoring systems that help in enhancing the safety of their staff while they are at work by preventing/avoiding accidents, unacceptable conduct among others.
Business organizations need to achieve a balance between their financial objectives and the employees’ expectations of privacy as well as minimize these threats. This is facilitated by technology which allows companies to secretly keep track of their workers email, internet and phone usage. Employers must identify and understand the different types of workplace monitoring and surveillance that can be put in place together with the limitations thereof including necessary notice requirements. Companies often employ video surveillance devices for screening employees’ actions while working.
How Workplace Surveillance Works?
Many business establishments embrace CCTV cameras around workplaces to lessen misconducts of workers.
CCTV can provide evidence if a crime happens at a place of work. The company must consider local laws governing surveillance such as whether the location is public or private, whether audio recordings are being made along with video ones or if the cameras are visible or hidden. Surreptitious placement of cameras should be avoided where employee privacy is expected. Before implementing anything you should keep in mind surveillance cloud backfire.
Accordingly, Under Federal Wiretap Act, recorded voice messages as well as live phone calls cannot be intercepted. However there’s a legal exception which permits employers to eavesdrop on employees’ oral conversations but only when made during the ordinary course of business . Businesses involved in telemarketing or customer service should pay particular attention to this exemption due to their specific interest in quality control maintenance purposes. Besides this, intercepting conversations may also be justified for purposes such as protection of trade secrets and ensuring compliance with non-compete agreements. It is good practice for employers intending to monitor calls based on business necessity to obtain prior written consent of employees.
The Constitutional requirements determine whether the workforce should be informed about surveillance or not, thereby affecting statutory restrictions on workplace monitoring.
It is legally better to tell when monitoring takes place. You have to use the right employee tracking systems to get the best possible results. In that case Controlio can be the right software to use.
The central principle underlying most common law claims for invasion of privacy is a reasonable expectation of privacy which ceases to exist once employees are put on notice that they will be under surveillance.
Alternatively, all communication needs in the office can be facilitated by technology.
Most business and client communications are effectively done through electronic media.
Although employers can monitor their employee’s productivity; quality and efficiency using electronic information system; there have been numerous issues emanating from an employee’s use of personal voicemail, internet and email while at office.
For example, an individual worker may have serious implications for their output as well as the overall profitability of the company if he/she browses the internet during working hours.
Getting the right balance between employee privacy and the needs of an organization are vital. Organizational honor for employee rights alongside technology savvy application will culminate into a harmonious working environment characterized by mutual respect thus improving performance and job satisfaction. Trust building and maintaining positive work environment necessitate open dialogue, clear policies ad ethical use of monitoring devices.
