The Rise of Bossware Technology in Remote Employee Monitoring

Summary

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The emergence of Bossware technology marks a significant trend in the management of remote employees. According to human resource expert Rob Wilson, who represents Employco USA, nearly 80% of organizations employing remote workers are utilizing some form of Bossware to track employee activity from home. This technology has raised concerns regarding employee privacy, prompting discussions among various states and federal bodies about appropriate measures to protect workers’ rights. During a recent feature on the Sunday Business Page, Mr. Wilson elaborated on the innovative methods employed by some companies to monitor their workforce. For example, he cited an instance where a company utilizes a specialized pillow designed to gauge the user’s weight, strategically placed to monitor whether the individual remains seated at their desk while working. Such inventive approaches demonstrate the lengths to which employers are willing to go to ensure productivity in a remote work environment. Despite the various monitoring techniques being implemented, Wilson confirmed that these practices generally remain within legal parameters in the United States. He noted, “It is completely legal in the United States because it occurs during work hours, applying solely to business activities.” He drew parallels to common corporate practices, such as tracking company-issued cell phones through applications like ‘Find My Phone’ and monitoring company vehicles. However, there is ongoing legislative discourse aimed at enhancing transparency surrounding employee monitoring. In 2023, a proposal known as the Stop Spying Bosses Act was introduced in Congress, spearheaded by Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. This proposed legislation aims to mandate that employers inform employees and job applicants about the extent and nature of any monitoring that occurs. In conclusion, while Bossware technology serves to bolster workplace productivity, it simultaneously raises significant ethical and privacy considerations that necessitate careful navigation by companies and legislative entities alike. The conversation surrounding employee monitoring continues to evolve as both technological capabilities and public awareness increase.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com