Electronic Monitoring at Work

Abstract

Employers’ electronic monitoring of employees’ actions, also known as employee surveillance, has become a common phenomenon in contemporary workplaces, enabled by advancements in technology. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge across multiple research streams regarding electronic monitoring. While the overall impact of monitoring on performance appears neutral, a small positive correlation can be observed with strain, and a small negative correlation can be observed with job attitudes. These modest effect sizes may stem from paradoxical effects that counterbalance each other, a phenomenon known as suppression. Moreover, these relationships are likely contingent upon various moderating factors, including individual traits, job characteristics, and national differences, particularly in legal regulations. To foster a more nuanced understanding of electronic monitoring's implications, future research should prioritize methodological rigor, embrace open science practices, and use validated measures and longitudinal designs. Additionally, adopting a process-oriented approach delineating the phases of decision-making, preparation, start, continuation, and discontinuation of electronic monitoring implementation could offer valuable insights.