T
he info watchdog has warned employers that it’ll take motion if their monitoring of workers oversteps the road.
The Information Commissioner’s Office stated that monitoring of workers should be “necessary, proportionate and respect the rights and freedoms of workers”.
Employers should be sure that employees know the character, extent and the explanations that they’re being monitored.
Staff should even be advised about any monitoring in a means that’s simple for them to know, the ICO stated.
Our analysis reveals that monitoring at work is an actual trigger for concern, significantly with the rise of versatile working – no one needs to really feel like their privateness is in danger, particularly in their very own dwelling
“While data protection law does not prevent monitoring, our guidance is clear that it must be necessary, proportionate and respect the rights and freedoms of workers,” stated Emily Keaney, deputy commissioner of regulatory coverage.
“We will take action if we believe people’s privacy is being threatened.”
Any monitoring should have a clearly outlined objective, the ICO stated, and use “the least intrusive means” to watch workers.
It comes as a ballot by Survation for the ICO confirmed that slightly below one fifth (19%) of individuals suppose that an employer has monitored them.
The survey of 1,012 adults between August 1 and three additionally discovered that 70% of individuals would discover it intrusive to be monitored by their employer in any means.
Around a fifth (21%) stated that it could not be intrusive in any means.
“Our research shows that monitoring at work is a real cause for concern, particularly with the rise of flexible working – nobody wants to feel like their privacy is at risk, especially in their own home,” Ms Keaney stated.
“If not conducted lawfully, monitoring can have a negative impact on an employee’s wellbeing and worsen the power dynamics that already exist in the workplace.
“We want people to be aware of their rights under data protection law and empower them to both identify and challenge intrusive practices at work.
“We are urging all organisations to consider both their legal obligations and their workers’ rights before any monitoring is implemented.”
