Yes, Your Employer is Probably Spying on You
We’re living in the Surveillance Age — and yes, your employer is probably spying on you.
Yes, Your Employer is Probably Spying on You
It’s true: your employer is probably keeping tabs on you. These days, everyone from Microsoft to Macy’s to Freddie Mac is digitally monitoring employees.
Companies can analyze inbox statistics and content, in addition to:
- Real-time keystrokes;
- Search patterns;
- Social media use;
- Stress indicators;
- Tone of voice in meetings and on the phone;
- Time spent away from desk;
- Email response time;
- Office routine;
- Wi-Fi access patterns;
- Slack chats; and
- Phone transcriptions.
That’s just a sampling. The list is endless, and here’s the kicker: they don’t have to explain, nor alert you about every monitoring move they make. When you sign the employment contract, you’re likely relinquishing your workplace privacy rights. So of course your employer is probably spying on you.
Workplace monitoring advocates say the information leads to better resource allocation.
Opponents argue that currently available tools aren’t nuanced enough to produce quality results. Plus, excessive “stalking” diminishes employee trust, which keeps talented applicants at bay.
What Do Companies Do With the Data They Collect?
Companies use performance data for various reasons.
Most use it for productivity analysis and training. They may look at which team members are the most influential and who thrives at individual projects. Some businesses are even using tonal analysis to pinpoint so-called “alphas” and “betas,” in addition to employees’ propensity to talk over other people.
Your Employer Can “Steal” Your Idea
Not only can your company monitor every move you make, but there’s a good chance it can also claim your ideas — especially if they’re housed on work-issued computers, tablets, or phones.
If you’re concerned about holding on to personal intellectual property, comb through your work contract before signing. If it includes a questionable clause, negotiate to have it re-worded or removed.
Tips for Keeping Your Personal Life Personal
- Separate Your $#!+: Never ever use work-issued computers, laptops, and phones for personal things. Don’t check your personal email or keep a journal on them. Don’t even draft your shopping list on them. And whatever you do, definitely don’t check your social media accounts on them!
- Know Thy Contract: Read through your work contract. Does it stipulate that all transmissions across work devices are company property? If so, remain mindful of the clause and keep your ideas off company property.
- Invest in Encryption: Block your personal phone, tablets, and computers from connecting to third-party Wi-Fi. Your contract probably says that “there is no expectation of privacy” for devices connected to the company wireless.
- Be Circumspect: Be careful what you share, even on your resume, because every iota of information provided during the recruitment process could, theoretically, be exposed in a data breach. Consider using a Google voice phone number rather than your real one. Securing a mailbox at a retail package store, like UPS or Mailboxes Etc., is also a wise move.
- Be Unfriendly: Don’t be rude. But at the same time, don’t friend work associates with your personal social media accounts — which, by the way, should be set to private.
- Get a USB Blocker: Invest in a USB data blocker. They look like thumb drives, but serve a different purpose: blocking data transfer between public access points and devices.
Personal data paranoia isn’t the answer, but you should be cautious. Taking a few smart steps to protect your personal information and professional reputation is the smart move.