Zarah ChoudharyMore than half of UK bosses said they cannot trust their employees without monitoring them, according to new research from ExpressVPN.
Meanwhile, more than half of employees revealed they would quit their job if they were subjected to surveillance while working.
The study surveyed 1,000 employees and 1,000 employers in the UK.
While physical surveillance through the use of cameras and badge or pass scanners in the workplace is more widely known, the increase in remote working in recent years has driven the rise of online surveillance.
The survey highlighted that 85% of employers in the UK now admit to using online employee monitoring techniques.
This included employers tracking websites visited and apps used by their employees, along with monitoring computer screens, to gauge performance and activity levels.
Lauren Hendry Parsons, privacy advocate at ExpressVPN, said: “These findings highlight an urgent need for greater transparency and trust in the workplace.
“Employers must strike a balance between enabling productivity and respecting employee privacy, no matter where their employees are working.”
The survey also revealed key concerns among British workers about the concept of ‘workplace surveillance’, with 42% of Brits believing it is unethical for employers to monitor online communications such as emails, chats, and video calls.
45% suspect their bosses may already be monitoring their work hours, productivity, location, or other activities without their knowledge.
Nearly half of Brits (46%) said the prospect of their boss surveilling their online activity and communication caused them stress and anxiety.
However, more than a third of Brits (38%) are unaware that employers are legally allowed to monitor all employee communications for legitimate business purposes.
This lack of awareness contributed to the discomfort and distrust that exists in some workplaces.
It was also revealed that 17% of Brits would be willing to take a 25% pay cut to avoid being monitored.
This clear aversion to workplace surveillance has also led to various behavioral changes and coping mechanisms among employees in the UK, with 27% saying they now take fewer breaks, 23% feel pressured to work longer hours, and 32% constantly wonder if they are being watched.
79% of Brits also believed the Government should better regulate the use of workplace surveillance technology – underscoring the urgent need for a more balanced approach to workplace surveillance that respects employee privacy, while addressing employer concerns about productivity and trust.
The survey also shedded light on the employers’ perspective, with nearly three-quarters of UK bosses (72%) admitting they are more comfortable with in-person work because it requires less surveillance and monitoring.
In addition, 61% of employers said hybrid working makes it difficult to maintain consistent supervision and control of their employees.
57% also felt uneasy about remote work due to the inability to observe employees in person, and 51% do not trust their employees to work without in-person supervision.
In response to these concerns, 36% of employers have considered moving to full-time in-office work based on employee monitoring methods.
The study also unearthed how surveillance can impact employee performance reviews and even disciplinary procedures.
38% of UK employers said employees’ recorded emails or messages have been used to inform performance reviews, with a further 29% having fired or disciplined employees based on their recorded emails and messages.
Interestingly, more than a quarter of UK bosses (28%) have used monitoring tools to assess potential union formation, while 62% of bosses have or have been tempted to check their employees’ browsing history.
Lauren Hendry Parsons added: “Over-surveillance can lead to a toxic work environment, increased stress, lower productivity and ultimately, higher turnover rates.
“It’s essential for organisations to adopt transparent and ethical monitoring practices that prioritise the well-being of their employees.”
