The Ethics And Privacy Concerns Of Employee Monitoring: Insights From Data Privacy Expert Ken Cox

By Ken Cox, President of Hostirian

Despite the technological advancements brought by automation and the enhanced capabilities of data analytics that have transformed decision-making processes, the digital age has proved to be a double-edged sword with an unsettling rise in employee monitoring technologies on the other end of its blade.

The digital eyes and ears watching our screens and tracking our movements have become a staple in workplaces worldwide. Whether we like it or not, employee surveillance is unlikely to go away.

As a vocal advocate of our fundamental right to privacy, I’ve felt this rise in surveillance might forever shut the door to personal privacy at work, giving center stage to unnecessary supervision.

But every human being has an inherent right to privacy—at the water cooler at work, and even in the common areas where we gather for a casual exchange of thoughts.

Over the years, as president of Hostirian, I’ve strived to foster a work environment where employees can thrive. As a result, I’ve seen that people perform at their best when they don’t feel constantly watched or judged.

That said – this approach is quite rare, with supervision having taken the reins. The new reality of being watched by employers has given way to critical questions about the ethics of monitoring and the impact it has on workers’ behavior and morale.

To understand the complexities surrounding this issue, we must first inspect the legal framework. The 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) is the primary law that allows employers to monitor their workers’ verbal and written communications – as long as they present a legitimate reason.

The problem here is that it was enacted during a time when digital tech was far different from what it is today, making its guidelines seem archaic.

To add another layer to the issue, there haven’t been any comprehensive federal laws in the U.S. that regulate the extent of workplace supervision. This is shocking, considering the strides we’ve made in the digital space. This legislative vacuum has given employers broad discretion in implementing employee monitoring programs, sometimes without significant checks and balances.

This lack of surveillance regulation can leave workers feeling vulnerable and overexposed; this can transform into paranoia and mistrust – a far cry from the transparent and results-based environment many organizations claim to have.

Numerous studies support the fact that, though surveillance was intended to boost productivity and maintain integrity, it can produce the opposite effect – stifling creativity and hindering productivity.

An intriguing study from the Harvard Business Review has also found that excessive monitoring can spur an increase in rule-breaking behaviors among employees. It appears the constant pressure of being watched can push some individuals to act out as if rebelling against the intrusive supervision.

The psychological implications are the most concerning aspect of employee surveillance. Workers under constant surveillance have been reported to feel less accountable for their actions, leading to a potential rise in immoral behavior.

When people feel they’re being controlled, they might exercise less self-control, which leads to a counterproductive cycle. Employers at this point might find themselves trying to control their employees, and the employees have a bigger pushback as a response to their employer’s controlling behavior.

The ethical considerations surrounding electronic monitoring in the workplace cannot be overstated. Although illegal, employees have reported hidden cameras in restrooms, and employers now even track personal computer files, the extent of monitoring has reached alarming levels.

With the ability to oversee practically every movement at the office, often conducted without employee knowledge, employers wield an unacceptable deal of power over their employees’ privacy.

The invasive nature of such surveillance is not just morally questionable, but it poses a huge threat to individual privacy rights – the very backbone of our democratic society.

The rise of remote work, facilitated by platforms like Upwork, has made supervision even more prevalent. While it’s essential to ensure employers receive the work they’ve commissioned, the ways to achieve this must be reasonable.

One can’t deny employers’ legitimate interests in ensuring efficiency. The digital age has brought with it tools that can help businesses thrive, and it would be remiss not to use them. However, striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and respecting employees’ privacy rights is paramount.

When done ethically and within reasonable boundaries, surveillance can be a powerful tool for businesses. Yet, the keyword here is ‘ethical’. It should never be used as a means to control or intimidate – it should be a tool to improve performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the security of company data.

Additionally, workers should be explicitly made aware of when, how, and why they are being monitored.  For instance, if a specific conversation is being recorded or if their desktop activities are under surveillance, it should be made abundantly clear.

After all, without clear communication and mutual agreement, employers risk creating a workplace culture characterized by fear.

While workplace surveillance might be a necessary tool in specific contexts, it must be approached with caution and respect for individual rights. Transparency and consent are the only way forward. Without them, we risk creating a culture of fear and mistrust, which could have far-reaching implications for employee morale and, ultimately, business success.

Ultimately, the question isn’t just about what employers can do with technology but what they should do.

About the Author

Ken Cox, the President of  Hostirian, a leading data privacy firm, is a passionate advocate for privacy rights, dedicated to fostering an ethical and nurturing work environment. From humble beginnings in Missouri, Ken Cox has conquered a life full of hardships and has come out on top. He’s the President of Hostirian and a solutions-focused Senior Executive with over 20 years of solid success in the software, SaaS, telecom, and e-commerce industries. Ken Cox is an expert when it comes to helping companies with outsourced IT projects, IT infrastructure, compliance, marketing campaigns, sales strategy, or M&A activity. In his impressive career, Mr. Cox has held top leadership positions at Hostirian, Rivercity Internet Group, Mpower Communications, and Midwest Micro Systems. Ken can be reached on Instagram, @clicksandbrickspodcast, and at the company website https://hostirian.com/