Almost one in five adult workers (19%) surveyed by the UK's believe their current or former employers have monitored them at some point. Many claim that employers monitor emails and phone calls, and may even spy on them via webcam.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) surveyed 1012 UK workers (aged 18+) between 1-3 August to better understand the nature and extent of workplace surveillance.
Of those who believed a current or former employer spied on them at work, 40% claimed that access and work time were monitored, 25% said the same about their calls, emails and texts, and 15% believe they were monitored through audio or video recordings. An additional 10% claimed that an employer may have taken screenshots or video from their webcam.
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Almost 70% of respondents said they find workplace surveillance intrusive and annoying , while only a fifth (19%) would feel comfortable and accept a new job if they knew from the start that their employer was monitoring them
Deputy Commissioner for Regulatory Policy, Emily Keaney, explained that workplace monitoring is allowed under existing data, but there are limits. It must be done to the extent necessary and respect the rights and freedoms of workers.
He warned that the regulator would take action if it believes privacy is at risk and urged employers to familiarize themselves with new guidelines for monitoring employees to ensure they are not doing anything illegal.
"Our research shows that surveillance at work is a real cause for concern, particularly with the rise of flexible working – no one wants to feel like their privacy is at risk, especially in their own home," Keaney added.
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The commissioner also said that employee monitoring can have a negative impact on the employee's well-being.
“We want people to know their rights under data protection law and to empower them to identify and challenge intrusive practices at work,” he said.
Typically, employers install monitoring software on employees to detect suspicious behavior. According to a 2022 study by Proofpoint, cybersecurity incidents caused by malicious and negligent insiders (people working inside companies) cost organizations an average of over $15 million annually.
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Additionally, monitoring employees boosts efficiency and productivity.
However, this practice should be used judiciously, taking into account employees' rights to privacy. It is important for employers to understand that excessive or unjustified monitoring can lead to increased stress and the creation of an insecure work environment.
Source: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
