Remote working has become the new normal for millions of employees across the globe. While remote work is flexible and convenient, it does come with its own challenges, such as privacy issues. One of the significant problems for remote workers is ‘bossware’ and its consequences.
What is Bossware?
Understanding workplace surveillance is important. Bossware, as the name suggests, means software used by the boss, or in layman terms, it is a productivity tracker. Also termed employee monitoring software, it has the ability to keep an eye on almost anything, like keystrokes, screen openings, emails, chats, and even video recordings through webcams. While some programs have the ability to randomly take screenshots, others can retrieve internet browsing history or video logs. But you have to use a privacy-conscious employee tracking tool like Controlio.
How Bossware Works?
Any business can install productivity trackers on all the devices provided by the company. Alternatively, employees can be asked to install such programs on their personal computers too. Basic features include:
Keystroke Logging: Tracks and records every key entered
- Screen Monitoring: Monitors computer usage by taking screenshots or video recording the display.
- Time tracking: using software to track the duration of an activity and how much time was spent on various tasks.
- Webcam and Audio Recording: Some programs have the ability to turn on the user’s camera or microphone to check if the employee is at their workstation. In this way, you can conduct a detailed analysis.
- GPS Tracking: If company devices are utilized, the software can monitor the user’s location.
Reasons for the use of Bossware Software
Business entities insist that bossware fosters improved productivity, clamps down on data breaches, and guarantees that employees don’t stray away from work-related tasks during working hours. During remote work, monitoring performance can be quite difficult for managers, and monitoring software offers a solution for them to evaluate the work done.
Privacy Issues
As much as employers view bossware as a means of enhancing accuracy and fidelity in reporting, employees see it as an infringement on their privacy. Some concerns are:
- Non Disclosure: Most organizations are not open with the kind of data they collect.
- The Ailment of Always Having Eyes on You: Knowing that someone is always watching is unhealthy and reduces productivity.
- Work-Life Imbalance: If personal devices have bossware installed, then personal activities outside of work hours can be monitored.
- Data Security Issues: Extracted information can be exposed to cyberattack if proper precautions are not taken.
Steps to Take Towards Protecting Yourself
While working from home, here are a few things you can do to secure your privacy:
- Know the company’s policies: Know what type of surveillance techniques your boss employs and the level of information extracted.
- Have a Dedicated Device for Work: If possible, use a different computer for work and for personal use.
- Scan for surveillance: Conduct checks to see if suspicious programs are operating in the background.
- Discuss With Your Boss: You can come up with reasonable adjustments if you feel uncomfortable about some methods used to measure productivity.
- Put a VPN to Use: A VPN will help to conceal your online activity from unwanted spying.
The Transition of Workplace Monitoring
Discussions around employee privacy and rights will grow more important as remote work expands. There are employees camping for better ethical monitoring policies. Government authorities are also getting involved with regulations to prevent over-surveillance of remote workers.
While bossware is likely to persist, workers ought to get proper recognition and respect. Those working from home should always be aware of how they are being monitored and strive to protect their privacy. Fair communication and policies can promote a healthy work culture, which benefits both employers and employees alike.
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