This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many employees to work from home, employers have had to adapt to new challenges in supervising their workforce. While technology has made it easier for employees to stay connected and productive, it has also raised concerns about data privacy and surveillance.
According to Mwikali Muthiani, director of MillenNial HR, employers can monitor employees' activities in various ways, including tracking time spent on emails and internet searches, monitoring phone calls, and even using cameras to track employees' behavior.
Ms. Muthiani notes that employers can also access employees' personal information, including social media activities, and use it as a reference check. This has raised concerns about the balance between employers' need to monitor productivity and employees' right to privacy.
As remote work becomes the new norm, it is essential for employers to establish clear guidelines and protocols for monitoring employees' activities. This includes ensuring that employees are aware of what data is being collected and how it will be used.
Ms. Muthiani emphasizes the need for laws that protect workers' personal data and prevent employers from misusing it. She argues that organizations must prioritize data security and confidentiality to maintain trust with their employees.
Ms. Muthiani is director of MillenNial HR
