Demand for Employee Monitoring Software Increases

Employee monitoring software has become more popular in recent years. In fact, 60% of employers with remote workers are deploying employee monitoring software, and global demand for it has increased by 65% between 2019 and 2022, according to Zippia. 

Employers can use this software to track keystrokes, get a live view of an employee's desktop, track site hopping and clicks, and more. Some of the brand names include Hubstaff, Interguard, Teramind, Veriato, and Controlio. Of course, employers seeking to use this software should consult with a lawyer first as a form of risk management. 

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The Employee Perspective

At a time of workplace transformation, when leadership and workers are vying for leverage, employee monitoring can produce some tension if HR professionals are not careful. 

"HR should maintain a transparent dialogue with employees about why monitoring is being implemented and how the data will be used. Transparency is key in building trust," says Shoaib Mughal, Director of Marketix. "There should be a clearly defined policy, and employees should have the opportunity to ask questions or express concerns. One size doesn't fit all when it comes to employee monitoring. It's important for organizations to tailor their approach based on their unique culture, goals, and legal frameworks."

Indeed, a panel at HR Tech 2023 talked about the privacy concerns of employees who are being monitored. And the lack of trust was more concerning to the audience and panelists. However, the panelists expressed understanding for the employers wanting to ensure productivity, better time management, and confirmation of high-performing work.

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Ways to Use Employee Monitoring Software

"Our foray into employee monitoring was never about micromanaging or distrust. It was a strategic decision aimed at organizational betterment," says Benzo Lee, Product Manager at Autoboxup. "We've witnessed teams proactively using data to streamline their processes, request specific training modules, and even suggest tool enhancements. This proactive engagement underscores our belief that when monitoring is positioned correctly, it becomes a collaborative tool rather than a supervisory one."

Others echo this sentiment and use the software for time management. 

"We've implemented monitoring technologies that track employee productivity and key performance metrics for our remote marketing team. One notable example is time-tracking software that provides insights into how much time is spent on various tasks and projects," says Onur Kutlubay, Founder and CEO of YouParcel. "It has helped us identify the most time-consuming projects and where bottlenecks occur. It has allowed us to allocate resources more effectively and provide additional support to team members who might be overwhelmed."

The P.O.V. of the Employer

From the perspective of the employer, this software can serve as a project management tool. While there are practical functions, the software can seem like a breach in trust, which means leaders must be transparent and communicate their goals. 

"Additionally, we use communication tracking tools to ensure that important messages and tasks are not missed. For example, we utilize project management platforms with integrated chat functionalities, which help streamline communication and track progress on different projects," says Kutlubay. "While these tools provide valuable data, balancing monitoring with trust and open communication is essential. Employees are informed about how these tools are used, and their feedback and concerns are actively addressed, creating a positive and transparent work environment." 

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Still, employers must recognize how this software can seem intrusive. They must be honest about the perception that comes with using this technology. Human Resources professionals have an obligation to set guidelines about use, communicate with employees, and be honest. 

"Employee monitoring, when executed ethically, can be a catalyst for productivity and well-being. Organizations, including ours, opt for monitoring technologies primarily to enhance productivity, ensure security compliance, and foster a culture of accountability," says Lee. "The pros include a tangible data-driven approach to workflow optimization, insights into potential training needs, and ensuring adherence to security protocols. However, the cons can be significant if not approached judiciously. There's a risk of perceived invasion of privacy, potential stress due to constant 'surveillance', and the danger of undermining trust."

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