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Home > What are the pros and cons of monitoring employees using video surveillance?
October 12, 2006
By: Lynn Bryant
There are many ways to monitor employees in the workplace
setting. Employers can use Internet surveillance, desktop
surveillance, phone monitoring, and video surveillance.
Since employers are increasingly turning to the use of
monitoring methods, it is important to fully understand the
potential effects monitoring can have on the overall
business. One of the more controversial methods of
monitoring is the use of video surveillance to visually
track employee's actions and performance.
Does monitoring employees using video surveillance really
work? In the article we will seek to explore some of the
pros and cons of workplace video surveillance to determine
the overall impacts this practice can have on a company.
Pros of utilizing video surveillance in the workplace
Implementing video surveillance technology in the
workplace can have some real advantages. The following are
some of the benefits offered by surveillance monitoring of
employees.
- Increased safety -- If implemented properly, a
video surveillance network can greatly improve the
security of employers and employees alike. In order to be
effective however, the network needs to be properly
maintained and monitored on a regular basis so that
security threats can be accurately assessed.
- Theft deterrent -- The proper use of video
surveillance has saved companies hundreds of dollars in
stolen products. It is a proven fact that people are less
likely to steal if they know that they are being
monitored. In certain businesses, this can be critical to
overall success.
- Prompts good behavior -- Just as the presence
of video surveillance cameras deters theft, it also
promotes good behavior. Individuals are less likely to
behave inappropriately if they know they are being
monitored.
- Provides evidence of a crime -- If a crime has
occurred, it is easier to prove what actually took place
using recordings of the video surveillance footage. While
this method is certainly not fool proof, in most cases, it
can prove invaluable.
Cons of utilizing video surveillance in the workplace
If care is not taken in how you implement a video
surveillance system in the workplace, your good intentions
could cause more harm than good. Following is a list of
potential disadvantages and adverse side effects of an
improperly implemented video surveillance plan.
- Potential invasion of privacy -- If cameras are installed
in improper locations or video footage is monitored and
stored inappropriately, you could be liable for invasion of
privacy claims. It is critical to consider the potential
legality of these claims, and plan and implement your system
accordingly in order to avoid potentially costly legal
actions.
- Can provide a false sense of security -- A video
surveillance plan is only effective if it is actively
monitored and maintained. A video surveillance system can
actually be a disadvantage if it is not effective. It can
create a false sense of security and cause you to be much
less vigilant then you would have been without a security
system in place.
- Lowers morale -- Employee monitoring with video
surveillance can actually have a negative effect on
performance due to a decrease in morale. Monitoring can
promote a lack of trust, which can negatively affect an
employee's work performance.
Deciding whether to use video surveillance to monitor
employee performance has no clear-cut answer. As you can
see, there are both pros and cons to implementing a system.
It is critical to access the specific needs of your business
as well as all of the potential side effects before making
the decision to move forward with a video surveillance
system. Once all of the benefits and potential side effects
are carefully considered, you will be in better position to
make an informed decision on how video surveillance will
affect your bottom line.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
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