The rise of remote work has presented a unique set of challenges for employers. It is usually when it comes to effectively monitoring employee productivity without direct supervision. As a result, many companies have turned to remote working surveillance technology. It is a reliable solution to enhance employee accountability and drive performance.

However, it’s crucial to recognize the delicate balance that employers need to strike. Poor implementation of remote employee monitoring tools can inadvertently create an atmosphere of distrust and intrusion. It can adversely affect the work environment and the mental well-being of employees.

So, let’s understand how organizations can establish a remote workplace monitoring system that respects and supports their employees.

What is Remote Working Surveillance?

Remote working surveillance is crucial for organizations seeking to manage their remote workforce effectively. The practice involves employing digital surveillance methods like time tracking and keystroke monitoring to monitor employees who work from home. The prevalence of remote employee tracking gained significant traction and has doubled since the pandemic.

Tips for Remote Working Surveillance in 2023:

• Keep Everything Transparent:

Transparent and open communication is critical to mitigating any feelings of mistrust in remote work settings. During the onboarding or hiring process, inform new employees about the possibility of workplace surveillance. Clearly explain the activities and devices that will get monitored.

Furthermore, provide remote team members with access to their data. It will empower them to understand what gets monitored. Then, use those insights to improve their job performance.

• Establish Guidelines:

Establish formal remote work surveillance guidelines to avoid micromanagement and help employees feel valued. These guidelines may include defining expected work hours and setting expectations for the number of workdays per week.

Setting these guidelines helps managers create a more structured work environment. They will have fewer activities to monitor, while employees feel less micromanaged and more empowered.

• Select Suitable Metrics:

Choose metrics directly relevant to employee performance and avoid collecting unnecessary data. For example, be cautious when tracking IP addresses and locations.

It is essential when employees are allowed to work from anywhere. Protect sensitive information that could get compromised if a data breach happens.

Additionally, consider that not all work can happen online. Relying solely on surveillance algorithms like mouse or keystroke activity may not accurately reflect an employee’s contributions.

• Safeguard Privacy:

Respect and protect employee privacy rights without requiring additional actions on their part. Seek employee consent for data collection to build trust and maintain transparency. Look to implement measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of tracked data.

Remember to limit the collection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like health data. Consider using employee-friendly surveillance software to enhance the monitoring experience while fostering trust among employees.

Things to Avoid with Remote Working Surveillance:

Let’s explore some ways companies can falter and discover how to overcome these challenges while prioritizing employee wellbeing:

• Foster Trust by Eliminating Unnecessary Surveillance:

Employers must be cautious when employing remote employee surveillance tools. Unnecessary monitoring techniques can breed resentment and mistrust among employees.

For instance, tracking personal emails, Zoom calls, chats, or monitoring employees outside work hours can raise concerns and lead to wariness.

To ensure these issues are addressed, provide clear communication on what, how, and when employees get monitored, such practices erode morale and contribute to high turnover rates. It is essential to prioritize transparency to mitigate these risks. Additionally, communicate the scope of surveillance and avoid intrusive monitoring.

• Empower Employees by Avoiding Micromanagement:

The challenges of managing remote teams and the absence of direct supervision can tempt employers to engage in constant workplace surveillance.

However, the desire to monitor every minute of an employee’s work can lead to detrimental micromanagement. Constantly hovering over employees’ virtual shoulders erodes their autonomy and devalues their contributions.

Employees who feel micromanaged are less likely to go the extra mile for their organization. It results in decreased motivation and productivity.

To avoid this pitfall, focus on outcome-based performance evaluation. Provide clear expectations and guidelines to cultivate an environment of trust and empowerment.