There is a developing nationwide concern about privacy issues in the workplace today, at the same time the use of electronic monitoring devices is on the rise in America’s workplace. The benefit of advanced technology brings ethical issues not only for employers, but also for the employees. Companies have to develop a delicate balance between policies that are too intrusive and properly monitor employees in order to prevent criminal or socially intolerable activities, which are detrimental to the company. Properly managing electronic monitoring encourages an ethical work environment and prevents legal issues, protects the company’s image and information, however it has negative adverse effects on employees. According to Bhatt, “organizations
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They have a justifiable interest in monitoring workers and current laws mandate that monitoring is legal. Marshall stated an article reported “over three-quarters of major U.S., corporations collect information on employees by various means; videotaping, monitoring Internet, and e-mail use or hiring outside investigator” (qtd. in Yerby, 45). An increasing number of the workforce in America feels that “Big brother” is always looking over their shoulder, which violates their privacy. “As of January 2008, Delaware and Connecticut are the only two states that require employers to notify employees of monitoring, the remainder of the nations does not have specific laws requiring employee notification” (Yerby, 45). Companies should create fair standard monitoring policies and perform continuing training meetings to inform employees of acceptable procedures and policies regarding ethical behavior and monitoring in the workforce. Companies must provide employees with official written documentation to read and sign clarifying their policy. …show more content…
High stress levels can induce physical problems and a survey reported a rise in “depression, anxiety, fatigue, and exhaustion” (qtd. in “Electronic Monitoring”). These factors decrease job satisfaction, which influences quality and customer service. Additionally, undo stress may cause employee absences and produce additional medical expenses for employees and employers. The positive working relationship and mutual trust between employers and employees suffer when monitoring is introduced into the workplace. Monitoring can create a hostile work environment causing low morale, which affect job performance and interpersonal relationship among employees (Yerby, 47). Machines are replacing competent supervisors, causing constant worry, and stress among workers. Consequently, electronic monitoring can cause companies to lose dedicated qualified
They have a justifiable interest in monitoring workers and current laws mandate that monitoring is legal. Marshall stated an article reported “over three-quarters of major U.S., corporations collect information on employees by various means; videotaping, monitoring Internet, and e-mail use or hiring outside investigator” (qtd. in Yerby, 45). An increasing number of the workforce in America feels that “Big brother” is always looking over their shoulder, which violates their privacy. “As of January 2008, Delaware and Connecticut are the only two states that require employers to notify employees of monitoring, the remainder of the nations does not have specific laws requiring employee notification” (Yerby, 45). Companies should create fair standard monitoring policies and perform continuing training meetings to inform employees of acceptable procedures and policies regarding ethical behavior and monitoring in the workforce. Companies must provide employees with official written documentation to read and sign clarifying their policy. …show more content…
High stress levels can induce physical problems and a survey reported a rise in “depression, anxiety, fatigue, and exhaustion” (qtd. in “Electronic Monitoring”). These factors decrease job satisfaction, which influences quality and customer service. Additionally, undo stress may cause employee absences and produce additional medical expenses for employees and employers. The positive working relationship and mutual trust between employers and employees suffer when monitoring is introduced into the workplace. Monitoring can create a hostile work environment causing low morale, which affect job performance and interpersonal relationship among employees (Yerby, 47). Machines are replacing competent supervisors, causing constant worry, and stress among workers. Consequently, electronic monitoring can cause companies to lose dedicated qualified