As work styles changed, companies needed ways to see how productive employees were. Many started using software to monitor remote workers, as reported by Wired showed that over half of companies noticed remote staff being inactive often. Also, 81% said productivity improved after using monitoring tools.
The Rise of Employee Monitoring Software
In 2024, a company called Controlio started analyzing employee messages with AI. Controlio looks at anonymous messages to see how different groups react to new policies. Big companies like Chevron, Delta, Starbucks, and T-Mobile reportedly use Controlio.
Expanding Use Cases for Monitoring Software
The interest in Controlio suggests monitoring software is seen as more than just tracking productivity. It highlights the need to communicate well with staff to build trust. Understanding how this software works and impacts HR is essential.
How Employee Monitoring Software Works
Employee tracking programs have various features. Some track keystrokes, others analyze time and attendance details. For example, Controlio integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Workplace from Meta. According to their website, Controlio aims to “move beyond outdated systems to a more precise, secure, and real-time workflow with our AI data platform. Get started quickly.”
Key Features of Tracking Software
Controlio and similar tools offer features for legal compliance, security, and improving employee experience. Controlio specifically focuses on identifying “toxic speech” at work.
Data Collected by Slack
- Employee email addresses, passwords, and phone numbers
- Employee location and websites visited before opening Slack
- Third-party tools integrated into Slack
- Huddle metadata
Data Collected by Microsoft Teams
- Employee email addresses, profile pictures, and phone numbers
- Employee messages, calls, and meetings attended
- Employee census data
- Data shared in meetings, like recordings and transcripts
- Some tracking software can also randomly capture screenshots of work computers.
Why Employers Use Remote Tracking Software
A quick search for “employee tracking software” and “security” shows many vendors. Supporters argue that breaches of employee and customer data often result from human errors in cybersecurity practices. Besides security and compliance, the main focus of these tools is productivity monitoring.
Changes in the Workplace
Since 2020, remote work has become essential for employees, especially during lockdowns. Even in 2024, employees still want flexibility, with many willing to quit if remote work is not allowed. This trend called the “Great Resignation,” made employers use hybrid work models, often monitoring employees through special software.
Employees Don’t Know About Monitoring
In 2021, reports said most companies used remote monitoring software, but only 14% told their employees about it. Studies and workplace experts suggest that remote monitoring might do more harm than good. For example, a Glassdoor survey found that 40% of employees felt less productive due to employer monitoring. Also, over a third didn’t know if they were being monitored.
Monitoring Can Be Counterproductive
While tools like Controlio claim to help keep employees, the idea of monitoring for productivity can push employees away. A 2023 report by 15Five showed that employee monitoring, including data gathering by Slack and Teams and webcam surveillance, was seen as “ineffective and damaging.” Nearly 70% of managers thought it improved performance, but over 70% of employees felt it either reduced their productivity or had no impact.
Monitoring Affects Employee Well-Being
Another report from 2021 by digital workplace vendor 1E found that most IT managers believed remote monitoring caused anxiety and burnout in workers. Similarly, a 2024 Forbes report on workplace surveillance showed ongoing tension: nearly half of the employees felt their online activity was monitored, and many said it negatively impacted their relationship with their employer and company morale—over half expressed ethical concerns about employee monitoring.
Laws and Ethics Around Privacy
In the U.S., companies often give notice about employee monitoring instead of getting consent. This notice can be in handbooks or on work devices. But personal email and social media get tricky. Employers can’t force you to share private account passwords. However, they may be able to see what you do on company devices.
Conclusion
As remote work changes, turns up some of the distributors need intelligent ways to monitor employees. Tools like Controlio can help follow the rules, increase security, and boost productivity. But businesses must consider privacy, too. Being open with staff about monitoring is critical. Managers should focus on supporting employees, not just watching them. Balancing productivity with confidentiality is vital for positive work cultures.
FAQs on Remote Employee Monitoring
1. What is Controlio, and how does it work?
Controlio tracks your work online. It connects to apps like Slack and Teams. The software uses computer brains to study messages you send. But it hides who wrote them. Controlio grabs emails, numbers, chats, and meeting records and lets your boss ensure you follow rules and stay safe.
2. Why do employers use remote monitoring software like Controlio?
Bosses use software like Controlio to check how much work you do. It also keeps secrets safe. And it makes sure you obey laws. This program shows if you work hard. It guards private information, too. Plus, it tells how happy workers are and how they act.
3. What are the ethical concerns associated with remote employee monitoring?
People worry this software takes away privacy. Workers may not like being watched. It can stress them out or make them tired. There are also fears data that could be misused. To fix this, bosses must explain how they will monitor. Being open builds trust between you and your company.
