As remote working continues to boom, the way businesses are operating is continually changing. Since face-to-face interactions in the workplace are no longer, an estimated 1 in 3 companies are now using technology to monitor their remote employees.
Although employee surveillance allows management to keep an eye on their employees from afar, it comes with a cost. A staggering 54% of employees say they would consider quitting if their employer increased surveillance – a huge risk for businesses.
Finding a fine line between monitoring employees and micromanaging them can be tricky, but it is definitely possible. Technology has advanced enough to offer an endless number of solutions that can help businesses improve productivity without hindering the happiness of their employees.
The graph below shows just how much impact employee monitoring can have on the productivity of a remote workforce when done right.
(Image source: Apploye)
In this article, we explore why monitoring employees is beneficial, both to the business and its employees. We’ll then discuss how surveillance can be introduced without crossing the line into micromanagement, suggesting various types of technology that can be used.
Why Monitor Remote Employees?
Although employees may instantly feel defensive, employers choosing to monitor their remote workers is not necessarily a sign of mistrust or micromanagement. There are a range of benefits that not only improve everyday efficiency within the business, but also support employees within their roles.
- Track project progress: When a team is collaborating on a project remotely, poor management can lead to miscommunication and delays. Using monitoring tools to record the progress of a project ensures everyone is up to date and any issues can be quickly identified.
- Monitor absence: When working remotely, it can be harder to keep track of employees who are on annual leave or are not working due to sickness. In order to better manage employee absence, an employer can use monitoring tools to track absences without having to manually check in with every employee.
- Understand task timings: Without regular face-to-face communication, it can be easy for businesses to overload their employees with work. Using time tracking tools allows managers to gain a more accurate understanding of how long each task takes so they can assign a more manageable workload.
- Increase productivity: When working from home, employees can get into bad habits that see them getting distracted and not working to their full potential. Introducing remote monitoring tools helps both employees and employers keep an eye on output, preventing projects from being held up.
- Recognise achievements: When an employer is able to see what their employees are working on, they will have a better idea of who is going above and beyond within the team. This way, they are able to celebrate successes and reward achievements, in turn boosting morale and job satisfaction.
How to Avoid Micromanaging
A whopping 65% of employees worry about being micromanaged at work. When people feel like they are being watched and as if they have to work robotically, it can leave them feeling resentful towards their employer.
Trust is hugely important within the workplace. If employees are constantly monitored in every aspect of their role, it can damage relationships and leave people feeling as if their employer does not believe they can manage their own working day. In fact, 43% of employees feel workplace surveillance is a violation of trust – a high statistic which shows just how damaging micromanagement can be.
To prevent micromanagement from slipping into the remote working environment, businesses need to adopt a human approach. By being fully open with their employees about why any monitoring software is used and avoiding taking surveillance too far, a business can establish that fine line between maximising efficiency and creating a frustrated workforce.
Types of Technology for Monitoring Remote Employees
For remote businesses looking to implement some form of surveillance without crossing into micromanagement territory, there are various types of monitoring tools that can be used.
Project management tools
For projects that are carried out without face-to-face interaction, a project management tool is a must. By breaking down the different tasks, assigning different team members, and setting deadlines, employees will all be well aligned and equipped with all of the knowledge they need to manage their part in the project.
Time tracking software
Time tracking software allows businesses to monitor the activity of their employees without physically monitoring their devices. It allows each employee to record how much time is spent on every task.
As well as helping managers more accurately estimate how much time is needed for a project, time tracking software is particularly effective for businesses that bill clients based on time.
Threat detection
For businesses that primarily operate online, security is paramount. Threat detection tools can be installed to monitor online activity and detect any unusual behaviour. Although these systems require access to employee devices, it is from a security perspective rather than a micromanagement perspective.
If the system detects any concerns, whether that activity such as unauthorised access to confidential files or unusual login attempts, it will alert the administrators so that action can be taken as soon as possible.
Appraisal technology
Performance appraisals should be commonplace in both on-site and remote businesses. One-on-one meetings that allow employees and their manager to discuss progress, concerns, and goals provide people with the opportunity to voice their thoughts and get the support they need.
Using an appraisal technology to manage remote appraisals and ensure regular meetings are being carried out will prove mutually beneficial.
Remote desktop control
When employees are dealing with technical issues, it can be tricky to resolve remotely. Remote desktop tools allow IT support to access an employee’s device and gain control of their interface.
Although this type of system can be controversial if it is used by management to watch what employees are doing, it is incredibly effective when used to troubleshoot problems and collaboratively solve issues.
Using Monitoring Technology to Build a Strong Remote Team
Employee surveillance can be a touchy subject among employees, but when done right, it can transform how a remote team operates.
There are a wide range of technologies available which can help a business improve efficiency without compromising employee satisfaction.
By introducing systems that improve existing processes without micromanaging, both employees and the business as a whole will see the benefits.