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 CIPD PRESS RELEASE 17 January 2008
CIPD warns workplace "spy software" is no
substitute for good line management
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
(CIPD) comments on Microsoft's plans to develop
software that will monitor productivity, physical
wellbeing and competence of workers.
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."
Notes to Editors:
* To arrange an interview with or Ben Willmott,
Employee Relations Adviser, please contact Meera
Vohora or Hannah Smith on: 020 8612 6400 or
mailto:press@cipd.co.uk
* The Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development (CIPD) has over 130,000 members
and is the leading professional institute for
those involved in the management and development
of people.
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