Research from Unisys Security Index suggests that the majority of employees are uncomfortable with the use of technology to monitor remote work.
60 percent of the 11.000 consumers surveyed across 11 countries worldwide said they were uncomfortable with monitoring response times of software applications. The purpose of the monitoring, for example identifying IT problems, is not of influence.
Unisys’ findings point to a conflict of employee and employer interests. Monitoring networks, endpoints and processes provides valuable data for IT departments and management layers. In contrast, monitoring harms the work experience of end users such as the respondents.
60 percent find it unpleasant when an employer monitors login and logout times. The use screen sharing technology to track display activity is considered uncomfortable by nearly nine in ten (83 percent). Moreover, 89 percent experience discomfort when their laptop’s microphone is monitored.
Learning from the numbers
According to Unisys, the survey highlights a need for new ways of monitoring and performance management. Unisys experts say open conversations about trust, consent and acceptable purposes are increasingly important.
“With hybrid workplaces becoming the norm, employers must first gain the trust of staff and gain permission to introduce monitoring technologies”, says Jeroen Zonnenberg, Team Lead Security Consulting at Unisys. “Only then can they start improving performance management and security.”
He continues: “To avoid mistrust, it is important to communicate about this transparently and consistently to employees as an organization. At the same time, it is crucial to properly educate them on how to use company systems properly and securely, so that they feel a shared responsibility for the organization’s well-being.”
2 hours ago
