Workplace Surveillance: Finding the Right Balance
Blog
Email monitoring, tracking screen-time software, security cameras, and even biometric scanning, it’s clear that companies are increasingly keeping an eye on their employees.
This might seem like this is all about boosting productivity and ensuring security, but it can raise a lot of questions about privacy and trust. You may have experienced the push and pull of wanting to stay connected and secure while also needing to feel trusted and respected
Let's understand the perspective from both parties - and understand the dangers associated with it.
Initial Benefits
Surveillance tools help us to make sure everyone stays on track. When monitored well, it can help streamline workflows and make sure resources are being used efficiently.
Standard surveillance will help you to protect against theft, fraud, or data breaches, which is important for keeping your workplace safe. In industries where regulations matter, monitoring can help ensure that the rules are being followed. Also, there is a tendency to constantly eliminate fraud, waste and abuse and tools like this help employers do that very thing.
The dangers come when leaders begin to use these insights in making decisions regarding promotions, professional development, and how to support teams more effectively. Surveillance tools does not replace the need for performance measurement tools.
Downsides of Workplace Surveillance
Not many like the feel of being watched constantly. How would you feel if someone constantly watched your working? Not a brief check-in but 24/7 monitoring. This can create a sense of uneasiness, erode trust, and in the long run make employees feel like they’re not trusted to get their work done without someone looking over their shoulder.
It’s important to feel that you have some space to be yourself at work—without worrying that every email, phone call, or web search is being tracked. Privacy matters.
When monitoring becomes over-monitoring, employees can feel like their personal boundaries are being violated.
It’s hard to take risks when you are constantly worried about being judged for every move you make. The pressure of surveillance can make people play safe and avoid trying new ideas.
How to Maintain Trust?
Talk about it – It’s important to understand why surveillance is in place, how it benefits everyone, and what data is being collected. Communicate with your team about this in an open forum. Transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety around surveillance.
Set clear boundary – Set up clear guidelines on what is acceptable monitoring. It’s about knowing what’s being tracked and what’s not and ensuring personal privacy is respected.
Focus on Result – True productivity comes from the results, not the hours clocked or how often someone’s checked in on. Instead of focusing on activity levels, focus on outcomes. Trust your team to deliver, and they’ll reward you with their best work
Get Feedback & Adjust – Check in with your employees regularly to get their feedback on how surveillance impacts their work experience. Being open to making changes shows you care about their well-being.
Find Balance
We know you want the best work out of your staff, but it helps to provide them with the best environment. When it comes to workplace surveillance, finding a middle ground is essential. The goal should focus on protecting the business and also to create an environment where employees feel valued, trusted and respected.
How QDOT can assist?
At QDOT, we focus on creating a harmonious balance between security and trust in the workplace. Through our behavioral insights and tailored solutions, we guide organizations in implementing surveillance practices that enhance productivity without compromising employee privacy or morale.
