One-Third of UK Firms Track Employee Activity with Monitoring Tech

A recent survey reveals that approximately one-third of employers in the UK are employing “bossware” technology to monitor employee activity. This includes methods such as tracking emails and web browsing. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) conducted the survey, which gathered insights from hundreds of UK managers, indicating a significant rise in workplace surveillance practices.

The findings suggest that private companies are particularly inclined to use surveillance tools, with one in seven employers recording or reviewing screen activity. While only a fraction of employees believed they were being monitored in 2023, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) noted that this perception may not fully capture the reality, as many managers were unsure of the tracking practices employed by their organizations.

Concerns About Privacy and Trust

The CMI’s research highlights that the majority of managers recognize the necessity of monitoring systems to prevent insider threats and protect sensitive information. However, many also express discomfort with these practices, citing concerns over trust and personal privacy. One manager from an insurance company described the use of AI to monitor staff performance as “unsettling,” questioning whether it signals a lack of trust in employees.

One monitoring solution available to employers includes features that track “idle time,” productivity, and unauthorized use of AI or social media. This system can provide real-time insights into employee behavior through screenshots, screen recordings, and keystroke logging. In light of these findings, the ICO emphasized that employers must inform their staff about the extent and rationale behind monitoring practices. Excessive surveillance, particularly for remote workers, can infringe on personal privacy, prompting the ICO to warn that it will take action if necessary.

Last year, the ICO intervened to stop Serco from implementing facial recognition technology and fingerprint scanning to monitor staff attendance at various leisure centers.

Examples of Surveillance Practices

The trend of workplace surveillance is not limited to digital monitoring. HSBC has announced plans to install approximately 1,754 security cameras in its new London headquarters, along with biometric readers utilizing handprints for access control. Similarly, accountancy firm PwC has introduced a “traffic light” system that uses data from entry swipes and Wi-Fi connections to ensure compliance with office attendance mandates, which require employees to be present at least three days a week. A spokesperson for PwC stated that this approach is “accepted by the vast majority of our people.”

However, some employees view such monitoring as intrusive. A former senior worker at a public transport authority described the scrutiny they faced, including monitoring of their online calendar, as “intrusive and downright harassment.” They ultimately left their position due to the overwhelming nature of the surveillance.

Interestingly, the CMI’s study indicates that one in six managers would consider seeking new employment if their organization implemented monitoring of employees’ online activities on work devices. Among managers aware of surveillance practices, 35% reported monitoring of emails. Overall, tracking login and logout times, as well as system access, emerged as the most common forms of surveillance.

According to the research, 53% of managers supported monitoring employees’ online activities on employer-owned devices, while 42% opposed it. The latter group primarily cited concerns that such practices undermine trust, do not enhance performance, and could lead to misuse or unjust disciplinary actions.

As workplace surveillance continues to evolve, the balance between ensuring productivity and maintaining employee trust remains a critical challenge for organizations across the UK.