Being Spied On | Fairygodboss

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Destiny Pifer

156

Always and forever a writer

01/25/21 at 11:53AM UTC

Career

Being Spied On

What would you do if you found out your company had people spying on you and your coworkers. I have noticed them and then the next day we get an email with complaints. Am I right to feel that this isn't right. I give a hundred percent to my job but feel betrayed that people are not only picking everything I do apart but my co workers too.

10 Comments

Sweet Caroline

2.77k

01/25/21 at 12:57PM UTC

Not sure what you consider spying. I know it’s common in retail to have “secret shoppers” who rate things like store appearance and customer service. In office jobs there are sometimes people brought in who can be in advisory roles and report back to the bosses on areas for improvement. In other companies cameras or PC tracking is used to watch employees. In some states all the company has to do is place a small sign on the door letting you know cameras are in use and they are covered. we would need more information to determine if it really spying.

Destiny Pifer

156

Always and forever a writer

01/25/21 at 1PM UTC

My co-workers and I have seen people from HR literally standing there and watching us and documenting things. We have found business people from the administration watching us too. Then we get an email the next day with a list of complaints.

1 Reply

Cinzia Iacovelli

473

Marketing Project Manager, Digital Events

01/27/21 at 8:15PM UTC

What the heck, it seems like an episode from The Office :)

Anonymous

01/25/21 at 1:38PM UTC

My former employer installed devices under our desks to see how much time we spent at our desks. They tried to spin it as a great technology to see if desk sharing would be a viable option. It was a ridiculous explanation as this was pre-Covid and I still had to be at work 9 hours a day. Just because I had a meeting in one of the other buildings on the company’s campus didn’t mean someone else could use my desk for that hour or two. If it bothers you, your only recourse is to look elsewhere. Unfortunately depending on your profession, that may not be possible or prudent in today’s market.

Anonymous

01/25/21 at 2:05PM UTC

Your company is obviously concerned about productivity and performance. I would assume they are also monitoring computers and other office technologies. It is quite common in many corporations these days and I would never assume privacy as companies are within their rights to monitoring all activities in their buildings (with the exception of restrooms). Now your feelings on this are completely justified but unfortunately there is nothing you can do but ensure there is nothing in your activities that can give them a reason to reprimand for. This sadly is the environment you work in. I would hate that.

Libby

Marketing, Sales and Product Management Director

01/25/21 at 2:55PM UTC

Have you read your company’s manual on monitoring? I’d suggest seeing if they have this documented. If they don’t and it is hurting your productivity, then maybe talking with your boss or HR might be warranted.

Anonymous

01/25/21 at 4:52PM UTC

We are definitely spied on at my company, but we know it. There are cameras everywhere, but we know it. They monitor our computer systems, but we know it. Etc. It's written in the company policies. However, if they didn't tell you in advance, then it's probably not allowed. And it's normal to feel betrayed about that. If you're not doing anything wrong, then make sure that you discuss the complaints with your manager right away. Don't let it get too far out of control before you address it proactively. You don't want to wait until there's a long list & have your manager come ask you why you're not doing anything to fix it. But also feel free to ask what the spies are for & why they're gathering this information? Customer complaints about bad service? Employee complaints about toxic workplace? If you know why... maybe it feels a little better?

Anonymous

01/26/21 at 10:31PM UTC

I feel like there's nothing you can do? If one is performing well in their role and doing it with integrity, there is nothing to worry about. There's always the option to leave, but know that I don't believe there is nothing you can do. Also consider, that if you are using the company's computer, they are most likely monitoring that as well. Again, if you are performing well, there is nothing to worry about.

Jesika Babylon

149

Swiss Army Knife of Entrepreneurship

01/26/21 at 10:52PM UTC

As a secret or mystery shopper, I've found it rewarding to report, honestly and fairly, my experiences. I know not every mystery shopper is like this, but when I do it, I give a score and explain the score, using specific good or not so good choices the employee has made. I'm pretty sure that's what's happening at your company, but the reason they do it is that someone isn't pulling their weight, so sadly, it gets directed at everyone. If you know you never mess up and you're always at your best, I would ignore those emails.

galros

776

Engineering Manager for food manufacturing site

01/27/21 at 5:16PM UTC

can you ask your manager about this? It could be a legitimate effort to improve things in the workplace, ensure procedures/ standards are being followed etc. But it should be discussed before hand I'd say. First step, ask your manager what's going on. Once you have that answer, you'll know if this is someplace you want to stay or not. For me, I generally assume my employer can see whatever I'm doing whether in work or at home. I've worked in places where even the toilets weren't 100% private. I didn't like working in that atmosphere so I left, but overview of IT systems and work practices is fairly standard.