As more businesses invest in surveillance technology to monitor and track employees in the workplace, questions are raised around whether the benefits override growing concerns around digital ethics, and if employers truly understand the privacy implications. With new technological developments continuing to transform the world of work, Instant Offices delves into how companies can adapt to make sure these concerns and risk are managed.
Research by Gartner found that 22 per cent of organisations around the world are using employee-movement data, 17 per cent are monitoring data on how employees use their work computers, and 16 per cent are using data on Outlook and digital calendar usage.
Here are a few ways that businesses can address potential concerns around digital ethics, employee privacy, and cybersecurity:
Make data protection a priority
It should go without saying that systems like encryption, authentication, and backup must all be in place in order to protect sensitive data.
Harness new technologies
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being developed to help improve threat detection. Look to smart emerging technologies that will help to strengthen your cybersecurity measures.
Conduct security awareness training
Make sure your staff are all informed about potential security risks and how to avoid them. Include training in the onboarding process that will help to curb the risky behaviour that leads to security breaches.
Be open about surveillance
Be transparent about what is being monitored and how this data is being used. Create company policies to ensure that data is being used responsibly and ethically, and make sure employees are informed about this.