Technology and work ethics

[Marvelockg]

We can't dispute the fact that the advent of technology has played a great role in improving activities in the workplace. With the networking of the different PCs in companies, it has become easy to send a broadcast message to all staff at a time, and coupled with other sophisticated technology, coordinating and controlling multiple workers has become easier which has resulted in a high level of productivity and an increase in the staff to management relationships.

But then, the issue of workers' privacy and management compliance with work ethics has been of serious concern, and to a very large extent, it always appears as though most management has always used technology to the disadvantage of her staff. You find situations where CCTV cameras are mounted in most offices and privacy is denied to its peak. Most PCs used by staff are always under serious surveillance and sometimes, staff's don't even have a single knowledge that they are being monitored, and whenever they get a bit flimsy, their job is threatened.

I understand the importance of monitoring workers to ascertain there level of productivity, and to improve workers attendance and also enhance Cyber security but then, the inability of most management to go about this ethically has been of great concern to me.

What's your view about this?

[Gozie51]

I understand the importance of monitoring workers to ascertain there level of productivity, and to improve workers attendance and also enhance Cyber security but then, the inability of most management to go about this ethically has been of great concern to me.

What's your view about this?

I don't see anything wrong with management trying to maximize their productivity of their worker by installing CCTV on the work area and not on the rest rooms. Going about it ethically is by getting employees informed about it or by not installing it in secret places but places where you don't need to be told about it while you are in work areas. I don't support workers being wasteful during work hours or using work time for personal gains and business. There are some workers who will sleep all through work hours or take such time to secretly go away from work to probably visit their wives  and yet they want to be paid at the end of the month. Therefore, installation of CCTV to monitor workers is more creative and meant to get workers to utilize work hours for the work that they are paid for. Moreover, it also help to check insecurities around the company.

[uneng]

If we are talking about cameras installed on the company's areas or rooms, and surveillance over devices owned by the company, I see no issues, since these aren't private areas or devices of the employees.

It would be an issue if the surveillance was over personal devices and gadgets, besides the company monitoring their employees while they were at home or at public places. That is why everyone should have a personal phone number to be used on their privacy, and a professional phone number, to be used for affairs related to their jobs. This way, they can login a Whatsapp at the computer of the company, for an example, without worries of being watched and having their private life exposed.

Moreover, the decision to work or not for a company is always disponible for the worker. If he doesn't agree with the internal policy of the company, he can step down and apply for a job on another company which he thinks to fit his demands as individual and professional.

[moneystery]

if it is still in the work area or inside the office (places that do not touch people's privacy, such as the bathroom) then it is legal for office management to be able to install cctv to monitor people's movements in their office. or when management puts a pc or smartphone monitoring application provided to employees, then that is the right of the office and there is no problem with that.

but it's a different story if management puts cctv in employee bathrooms or monitoring applications on employee personal gadgets, then this is a clear violation of privacy. but apart from that, it is the company's right to monitor their workers.

this is not a matter of ethics or not, but the company only wants to monitor employee activities, prevent theft, or use of company property that is not in accordance with the employee's work.

[crwth]

I think your view on this is quite concerning. This is why OP.

Imagine working for a company and of course, there are contracts, requirements, etc. It should be a win-win situation for both and no "Advantages" and "Disadvantages" between the two because you are getting paid with what you agreed upon.

So basically, it's part of the policy of the company that they can be monitored because they can be the one take advantage and it would be resolved if there were security measures.

Being transparent with what the data is being collected should be clear to the workers but just CCTVs on the work floor is a must because of building permits etc. It's the employee's problem if he doesn't know it because a lot of companies have this for security measures.

Unlawful stuff = should be reported
Taking advantage of company resources = should be monitored by the company

I think it can be seen as like that.

[Juse14]

What's your view about this?

Technological advances have brought many benefits in various sectors, including in the world of work, so that they can increase productivity and efficiency. However, you need to remember that the use of technology must be balanced with protection and compliance with work ethos and ethics.

and when supervision is applied too strictly to employees, it is said that instead of having a good impact on workers' productivity, it will actually have the opposite effect where this could create an unhealthy work environment and damage the relationship between management and staff. In other words, this can create disharmony in the work environment. Because no matter how rich people have the right to their privacy at work, surveillance technology such as CCTV must be clearly regulated and implemented with full ethical considerations. and management should also act wisely, by providing opportunities for employees to provide input or concerns regarding the supervision carried out.

[Queentoshi]

What's your view about this?

When you agree to work in a company, you agree to their terms and conditions.

But then, the issue of workers' privacy and management compliance with work ethics has been of serious concern, and to a very large extent, it always appears as though most management has always used technology to the disadvantage of her staff. You find situations where CCTV cameras are mounted in most offices and privacy is denied to its peak. Most PCs used by staff are always under serious surveillance and sometimes, staff's don't even have a single knowledge that they are being monitored, and whenever they get a bit flimsy, their job is threatened.

The only privacy you should get in a public office is when you use the convenience, the cameras may not just be to monitor staffs, but to keep record of activities in the office so there can be a reference should some kind of incident occur. CCTV's are very necessary in the office.

Most PCs used by staff are always under serious surveillance and sometimes, staff's don't even have a single knowledge that they are being monitored,

The computer remains opffice property, they can decide to do with it as they want, and you the staff is not expected to do any private and work unrelated thing on the computer you use.

[yhiaali3]

This is a very accurate issue, the issue of monitoring during work and preserving privacy, it is clear that the need to monitor employees during work is a matter of concern to all companies and give them a priority on the issue of the privacy of employees.

As many indicated here, I do not think that there is a privacy for employees regarding work, the administration sees its right to look at everything that its employees do, whether in offices, computers, or mobile phones, so they will not hesitate to set devices and monitoring programs for all these things.

It is assumed that employees have no things they want to hide, so they should not complain about the issue of privacy at work.

[Fortify]

We can't dispute the fact that the advent of technology has played a great role in improving activities in the workplace. With the networking of the different PCs in companies, it has become easy to send a broadcast message to all staff at a time, and coupled with other sophisticated technology, coordinating and controlling multiple workers has become easier which has resulted in a high level of productivity and an increase in the staff to management relationships.

But then, the issue of workers' privacy and management compliance with work ethics has been of serious concern, and to a very large extent, it always appears as though most management has always used technology to the disadvantage of her staff. You find situations where CCTV cameras are mounted in most offices and privacy is denied to its peak. Most PCs used by staff are always under serious surveillance and sometimes, staff's don't even have a single knowledge that they are being monitored, and whenever they get a bit flimsy, their job is threatened.

I understand the importance of monitoring workers to ascertain there level of productivity, and to improve workers attendance and also enhance Cyber security but then, the inability of most management to go about this ethically has been of great concern to me.

What's your view about this?

Sounds like a load of rubbish to be honest. There are good companies and bad companies to work in, if you're in the sort of company that micromanages your day like that then you should really think about leaving. Managers do not achieve great results if they have to concern themselves with the tiny minute details of their workers every day, sure that the initial training stage a new worker will need close attention to make sure no disasters happen and they are following the right processes, after that you will eventually reach the point where the person can either do the job consistently or needs to go. I've been lucky to never had a poor manager like that type that you describe, but know that a small minority of them exist out there.

[Cryptomultiplier]

So far, technology has done more good in office assistance, in health, in banking and finance, than the old methods used for efficiency and work productivity.

Anyone joining a new company or any organization should know that their identity would be made bare by many standards and this is why anyone who doesn't feel comfortable about being exposed to cameras, about divulging details of their lives, about being probed and queried from time to time, should just consider doing business or going entrepreneurial and becoming thier own CEO/boss.

[Gormicsta]

As technology improves, the manner in which we operate and communicate with people adjustments, and it is critical to remain adaptable. Accepting these adjustments can result in more adaptable planning, more efficiency, and a healthier balance between work and life. However, it is important to find a compromise among the positive aspects that technology offers and the worth of a person's abilities.

Strong communication skills are more important than ever in the work from home setting. misunderstandings becomes less difficult when you are unable to comprehend emotions or signals that are not spoken, therefore paying attention and clear conversation are vital. compassion, mental capacity, solving problems abilities, and technology can all help us perform more efficiently.

[GeorgeJohn]

So far, technology has done more good in office assistance, in health, in banking and finance, than the old methods used for efficiency and work productivity.

Anyone joining a new company or any organization should know that their identity would be made bare by many standards and this is why anyone who doesn't feel comfortable about being exposed to cameras, about divulging details of their lives, about being probed and queried from time to time, should just consider doing business or going entrepreneurial and becoming thier own CEO/boss.

currently I will say that technology has taken over different mechanisms of life on Earth in terms of what you mentioned so far like Industries institutions hospitals and the other different Technologies that enhance a contribution to construction and also make life easier, technology has brought different remedy and different shortcut to make life very easy to anyone so I believe that this life we are leaving we have to understand the impact technology brought to us and the percentages of the contribution and the easier function of technology to mankind

[Churchillvv]

Personally, I don't see any thing wrong with a company having deeper eyes on their workers to maximize productivity. its not trespassing because it's the companies property that is been kept in check for it to maintain security in it's products.

One thing that has lead to organizations having more to deal with this security issues it the fact that some humans are not to be trusted with any opportunity because they will misuse them and hence cause damage to the organization.

The only case I would have an issue with such action is when it has to do with ones personal life been monitored, if an organization extends their surveillance to ones private life then it's absolutely abnormal and in appropriate. So it's ethical if they are only concern with the work environment not the private life of the employee.

[kentrolla]

It's not a breach of privacy and it's the requirement and that's how a business runs, we are not at home as we are at work and it has to be monitored. I think you all will find it little wierd but there are people.who steal food from office, use unauthorised sites from office laptops or at work itself and many more hence these monitoring rules should be there atleast during work hours and I know where you are coming from as people nowadays wants to build some sort of company work culture which is going to fail as we don't go their to make friends as we don't wanna see their face after our log out hence this culture stuff is king to fail.

[sekalitas]

We can't dispute the fact that the advent of technology has played a great role in improving activities in the workplace. With the networking of the different PCs in companies, it has become easy to send a broadcast message to all staff at a time, and coupled with other sophisticated technology, coordinating and controlling multiple workers has become easier which has resulted in a high level of productivity and an increase in the staff to management relationships.

But then, the issue of workers' privacy and management compliance with work ethics has been of serious concern, and to a very large extent, it always appears as though most management has always used technology to the disadvantage of her staff. You find situations where CCTV cameras are mounted in most offices and privacy is denied to its peak. Most PCs used by staff are always under serious surveillance and sometimes, staff's don't even have a single knowledge that they are being monitored, and whenever they get a bit flimsy, their job is threatened.

I understand the importance of monitoring workers to ascertain there level of productivity, and to improve workers attendance and also enhance Cyber security but then, the inability of most management to go about this ethically has been of great concern to me.

What's your view about this?

The legality and ethical considerations of electronic and video monitoring in the workplace depend on specific privacy laws in your country. However, here's my perspective:

Electronic Monitoring: Monitoring company-owned devices and email accounts is generally acceptable, provided that employees are aware of this practice. This protects company assets and intellectual property. However, employers should avoid monitoring personal devices, even if used for work purposes at times.

Video Monitoring:  CCTV in public workspaces is usually permissible for security purposes. However, surveillance in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., bathrooms, changing rooms) is a serious violation.  Clear notices about video monitoring should be provided, especially in less obvious locations.

Ethically, I believe monitoring can be justified if it focuses on safety, security, and productivity on company-owned devices, as long as there's transparency about its use. The ethical line is crossed when monitoring becomes intrusive, targeting personal devices or private aspects of employees' work life

[BD Technical]

If you don't expect good from something or enjoy good things, you have to think about the bad side of things because everything is good with its bad side.  Why you can work very well with security for your success or you can doctor your doctor very easily but in that case your data can be written elsewhere if you don't take proper privacy?  With the modernity that you are now.  As our communication medium and our work or activities are going it seems that our future will be more advanced or enlightened or we may be ignorant because along with the bad our India aspect is also rising.  In that case you have to think of something better because nowadays we find it difficult to discuss the topic online or on our platform.  This is to keep our business keys to our business or our investment through logs with high confidentiality and high security.

[Zlantann]

What's your view about this?

Employee productivity is important for the achievement of organizational goals. Supervision and monitoring of workers have become very necessary because most workers are not willing to work but want to receive wages. Some of them engage in sharp practice such as stealing from the organization because of less supervision. I don't blame organizations for using technology to monitor these workers because it is necessary for high productivity and also the security of the organization.

However, I am against the fixing of secret cameras in offices because it infringes on the right of privacy of the workers. I heard that some organizations go to the extent of fixing cameras in office conveniences/toilets. Some even secretly spy on the homes of these employees thereby invading into private lives. The workers should be aware that they are been monitored and not secretly doing that. The organization should also inform these employees of these monitoring gadgets before they are employed, some people might not take the job if they are aware of the privacy policies of the organization. Monitoring technology is here to stay, we have to learn to live with them forever. Just keep in mind that you don't have privacy if you are working in or using any service from a centralized organization especially if they have your personal information.

[Volimack]

Morality is a set of standards that guide behavior actions and choices. There is no denying that the positive use of technology has improved our social life. The most important thing in modern life is that technology is affecting every sector of every country in the world thereby changing the way of working. Due to the technology there is no need for more monitoring of the workers at the workplace. Through CCTV the company boss can monitor everything from home.

[0t3p0t]

I think your view on this is quite concerning. This is why OP.

Imagine working for a company and of course, there are contracts, requirements, etc. It should be a win-win situation for both and no "Advantages" and "Disadvantages" between the two because you are getting paid with what you agreed upon.

So basically, it's part of the policy of the company that they can be monitored because they can be the one take advantage and it would be resolved if there were security measures.

Being transparent with what the data is being collected should be clear to the workers but just CCTVs on the work floor is a must because of building permits etc. It's the employee's problem if he doesn't know it because a lot of companies have this for security measures.

Unlawful stuff = should be reported
Taking advantage of company resources = should be monitored by the company

I think it can be seen as like that.

Yeah and should not be taken as something unethical or the like. Security cameras is one of the investments companies is spending for them to feel safe and comfortable and I know not only companies are doing this but most of us do as well to protect our properties from unknown and suspicious activities within the premises. This is the only way companies can sue or confront employees involved in any form of irregularities in workplaces.
For me there is nothing wrong about that as well unless they do it in an unethical way.

[btc78]

I think having access and being able to monitor your employees is not the main concern here but rather the lack of consent. The employees are still entitled to privacy if they wanted to and if they did agree of this kind of set-up then the company has no rights or whatsoever to monitor them secretly.