Employee monitoring software enables organisations to monitor how employees use their company-owned gadgets and connect to the Internet. This kind of software is becoming popular, with a recent survey by Gartner revealing that more than 60 per cent of large organisations are now actively tracking their workers somehow. If you’re considering implementing employee monitoring at your organisation, here are some key facts to know: If you’re considering implementing employee monitoring at your organisation, here are some key facts to know:
What is an employee monitoring software?
If you are studying Pingdom versus StatusCake, you must know about employee monitoring software. Employee monitoring software is an application installed on corporate-owned devices and networks to observe employees’ computer and internet usage during work, such as visiting websites, using apps, entering keywords, using files, and time spent on a particular activity. The aim is to pursue employee productivity rates and minimise abuse that hinders tasks. Businesses claim it keeps employees focused, but others consider it an unjustified intrusion into personal lives, destroying the trust between employers and subordinates. Thus, when implemented with adequate notice and consent, monitoring ensures that the employee’s activity is in harmony with the company’s objective.
Data Collection Capabilities
Employee monitoring tools capture information on employee usage on a real-time basis. This can include:
- Internet/Network Usage: Where we went, how much bandwidth was used, etc.
- Application Usage: This is the duration spent on different applications.
- Digital Communications: Email, good, chat, and instantaneous messaging.
- Screenshots/Recording: Snapshots or screen captures at timed intervals or on a real-time basis.
Keystrokes (typing activity)
The extent of data gathering may differ significantly depending on the solutions offered. It is essential to know what behaviours will be targeted and what level of tracking will be expected before making the rollout to the employees.
Compliance Considerations
Any monitoring program must conform to privacy, data protection and employment law. These can be different depending on the geographical location of the delivery. Inform through consent/policy documents and seek legal advice before beginning the monitoring process. Also, it’s essential to consider labour relations and the existing contracts and frameworks.
Ping Utility vs Dedicated Platform
Uptime can be checked using all essential website/server monitoring tools like Pingdom or Status Cake. However, they do not include individual employee tracking features in standard complete employee monitoring. These often include:
- Customizable tracking dashboards/reports
- Notifications for “risky” activities
- Other sophisticated methods, such as attention-tracking
- The ability to quickly obtain data by HR/management
You can use employee monitoring software tools such as Controlio to track the availability of the page, for instance, with the help of Pingdom or StatusCake. However, a unique application is considered more suitable for real-time monitoring of employees’ activity.
Weigh Pros and Cons
On the positive side, employee monitoring enhances the productivity of a firm as well as the security of firm data kept in the system and on networks. However, privacy concerns often become contentious issues where trust is at stake. When utilising outcome monitoring in your organisation, ensure that you clearly understand what it seeks to achieve and consider some advantages and disadvantages. Another vital aspect is communicating with the employees about monitoring activities, which should be as transparent as possible.