Employee monitoring software. I bet just the name will turn more than a few heads. There are reactions to every action and the pandemic has caused an uproar in employee demands. Aside from the increase in wage requirements, the demand for remote work has created a measurable shift in workplace culture. Studies show that 74% of Americans need a continued remote working arrangement to stay at their current job. It can be hard to recall what workplace culture was like pre-pandemic, but it seems as though employees have been calling the shots since. Employers are forced to act fast in adapting to the newly labeled culture and employee monitoring software is their answer back.
Since the Fall of 2021, there has been a 66% increase in the global demand for employee monitoring software. What is employee monitoring software? It’s essentially software downloaded to your computer which will track the time your computer spends idle vs. active. Some of the more advanced software options will track what websites or programs your computer is on and for what percentage of the day. Meaning, if you spend half your day scrolling social media, your employer will know which will likely result in your termination. While some employers adapted to the remote work culture with ease, some were less reluctant to relinquish control. Enter employee monitoring software. This will give employers peace of mind that they can gain insight into your workday at the click of a button.
Some of you may be thinking that such monitoring seems like a small price to pay for the improved work-life balance you are achieving. On the other hand, some may feel that it hinders company morale as it brings the employee’s trust into question. Understandably, nobody wants to feel like they’re being watched or micro-managed. A recent study shows that the use of monitoring can contribute to decreased job satisfaction, increased stress, and ultimately increased turnover. When adopting such software, it is strongly advised to have an open meeting with employees to explain your intentions as this will hopefully eliminate any confusion or negative presumptions. Giving employees insight into what will be monitored, while also making them aware of what will not be acceptable. Creating clear guidelines from the jump can greatly improve the success of both the employee and the employer.
It is unrealistic to think that an employee will remain at 100% productivity day-in and day-out, and rest assured that is not what your employer will be alerted by. The two things virtually all people can agree on is that while on the clock you should be busy with actual work and being that the company is paying you, they have the right to monitor your activity during work hours. The program will bridge the gap between those remaining efficient and those repeat offenders who are taking advantage of remote flexibilities. You may have a co-worker in mind who does not seem to carry their workload, and this is undoubtedly going to showcase that. That being said, the system is not just about tracking employee productivity. Remember, that certain programs and software may contain sensitive information that you now have at your fingertips both on and off the clock. It’s your employer’s responsibility to protect that information at all costs and determine if there is any misusage taking place. Take healthcare, for example, their programs consist mainly of confidential patient information, so there may be higher monitoring in place. Using software monitoring can also help HR to improve the employee experience and prevent burnout. Alerts can be programmed into the system to show tardiness or a decrease in productivity in which case HR can address and correct the situation.
Like all relationships, there must be a give and take present to obtain success. One party cannot have their cake and eat it too while the other struggles to remain afloat. With remote flexibilities in high demand, there are adaptations that will need to be made to keep a balance between employee and employer. If you find yourself with the need of remote flexibility please give us a call at (518) 275-4816 as we are always happy to help find your perfect fit!
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