In current times, given the fact that remote work has become more prevalent, employers also resort to the use of the so-called employee monitoring systems. But how is this software used by employers, and which activities does it track? Let us go into the particulars and elucidate how monitoring software works for employers.

How Do Employers Use Monitoring Software to Track Their Employees?

• Time and activity logs

Time and activity logs are among the functions of the monitoring tools that remain one of the most wanted. This element proves to be quite useful for working remotely or for organizations having flexible hours. This information is used than to make sure that an employee is working the number of hours necessary, without taking unnecessary breaks. 

• Productivity Check

The employer monitoring software has built in capabilities to monitor employee work productivity. This includes keeping a record of the tasks completed, the time in hours dedicated to each task, and the specific applications and websites used within the hours of work. For example, if an employee spends the entire day updating her facebook status, the software will send an alert to the employer. Some programs even include automated systems that document the most active performance apps or webpages and help managers eliminate some of the stumbling blocks that impede performance.

• Screen Monitoring and Recording

Some programs go as far as including monitoring and recording capabilities of computer screens by providing software. Even though this kind of surveillance might be helpful in demonstrating how some concepts should be executed or how certain aspects should be performed to meet little expectation of privacy. There is a need for employers to manage work monitoring with employees work privacy. Employee monitoring software like Controlio can offer effective solutions to business owners. 

• Keystroke Logging

There is also keystroke logging as a feature in some monitoring applications. This records the keys pressed by an employee during working hours. Even though this can be useful to understand how much typing is done, it can also paint a picture of the work that employees are doing, in real-time. Nonetheless, keystroke logging raises many controversies especially among the employees as it feels to them grossly intrusive, and organizations that have this technology have to be clear with their employees.

• Email and Communication Monitoring

To cut out any unwarranted actions and ensure that all internal channels and external communications to the company are done professionally and securely, some organizations leverage the use of monitoring software. Doing this may help curb data breaches or ensure that sensitive information does not go out of hand. Employers may also monitor chats and messages over the workplace collaborative platforms like Slack or Microsoft teams to avoid socialization but rather focus on assignments.

• Location Tracking

Where institutions have field people or those that are always on the move, monitoring software may contain GPS tracking. This makes it possible for the employers to verify that the employees are at their place of work during the working hours as required. It can as well come in handy to ascertain whether a person had been at a client meeting or to delivery personnel who may be required to take a certain road.

The software for monitoring employees offers the employers different methods to check the performance of and ensure the security of their employees. Employees ought to comprehend the particular type of monitoring that is being applied and what shall be done with this kind of data. Finding the right balance between worker productivity and the workers’ privacy is important in sustaining confidence in the workplace.