PETALING JAYA: Constant monitoring and monitoring of employees can create a high-stress work environment as they will feel constantly being watched and judged. A local telecommunications company chief human resources officer said this could lead to increased anxiety and pressure to consistently perform at the highest level.
Thew Shao Xi, 34, said: “In their efforts to optimize efficiency and performance, organizations are increasingly adopting productivity monitoring systems that capture and analyze various data points related to employee work activities, providing valuable insights for decision making and performance management.
“Productivity tracking systems work by collecting and evaluating data on employee work activities. This may include time spent on tasks, work completed, projects completed, and other relevant factors.
“By analyzing this data, organizations gain a comprehensive understanding of employee productivity levels and can identify areas for improvement,” Thew said.
“However, the practice of monitoring employees has the potential to have negative consequences. In fact, research has shown that monitored employees are more likely to take unauthorized breaks and work slower on purpose.
“When productivity is constantly monitored and measured, it can create an unhealthy competitive environment among employees. This competitiveness can negatively affect the overall work environment, hindering collaboration and teamwork.
“Productivity tracking systems may not always provide an accurate representation of an employee’s true productivity. Factors such as quality of work, creativity and problem-solving skills may not be adequately captured in these systems, leading to unreliable measurements.”
With this in mind, 24-year-old recent graduate Aarthi Edward, who works at a multinational company, said: “I recently learned that the company I work for has implemented a monitoring system on all workstations to monitor employee progress. I was informed about this by a colleague.
“Employees should be informed about the system and be aware of their unique performance metrics.
This transparency improves understanding and removes misunderstandings about how their work is measured and evaluated.
“In an evolving work environment, productivity monitoring systems are becoming increasingly important tools for increasing productivity and optimizing organizational performance. However, the implementation of such systems requires careful consideration of employee privacy, morale, and fair evaluation practices to ensure a positive and productive work environment. requires evaluation.”
“The monitoring system also demonstrates employers’ lack of confidence and employees feel distrusted in managing their time and tasks efficiently. This lack of autonomy can negatively affect motivation and job satisfaction, and can also lead to increased stress levels, decreased motivation and ultimately reduced job satisfaction.
“It is important for organizations to consider the potential negative effects of employee productivity monitoring systems and find a balance between monitoring and promoting a healthy work environment.
“Open communication, clear expectations, and confidence-building measures can help mitigate these negative impacts,” Aarthi said.
“Balancing the need for productivity monitoring with employee privacy and morale is critical. Organizations must ensure that data privacy and security protocols are in place and limit access to sensitive information. Clear communication about the purpose and use of the system is vital to avoid any negative impact on employee morale. carries.
“Organizations should offer employees the opportunity to provide feedback or challenge productivity reviews to ensure a fair and impartial evaluation process. Depending on the system setup, employees can access their own productivity data. By providing employee portals, dashboards or personalized reports, organizations enable employees to monitor their productivity data, improving their self-awareness and enabling them to make necessary improvements.”
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