Stressed? Big Brother could be watching you
By TJ (18-01-2008)
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Microsoft has submitted a patent application for a computer system that measures employees' productivity, physical wellbeing and competence. It works by linking them to their computers via wireless sensors that measure metabolism. This type of monitoring, which has in the past been limited to pilots, firefighters and Nasa astronauts could “automatically detect frustration or stress in the user” and “offer and provide assistance accordingly”. Physiological symptoms indicating stress or frustration could be pass on to management with a recommendation that the individual needed help.
But the CIPD warns workplace "spy software" is no substitute for good line management
Ben Willmott, Employee relations Adviser said:
"The health and well-being of employees is being taken increasingly seriously by good employers. But gadgets and software are no substitute for good line management. Workplace stress is a growing problem, but line managers are all too often part of the cause. However, employers cannot subcontract management of people out to technology companies. Instead, they need to invest in training for line managers.
"Our research into employee engagement shows that where individuals feel they are under excessive monitoring or surveillance they tend to have a negative attitude towards their employers. They are therefore less likely to be motivated and committed, and are more likely to suffer from stress.
"CIPD research shows that organisations that seek to monitor their employees excessively are unlikely to create a work environment that encourages trust, loyalty and commitment.
"This kind of approach also raises serious data protection questions. You must always be open about what data you collect from staff and the reasons why, and never keep information longer than necessary. Any information on health is sensitive personal data and would need employee consent before it can be used by employers, unless there is an absolutely clear-cut health and safety justification."
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