We may as well get used to being tracked as employees. It is happening more often than we realize and is getting more attention in the news. In fact, you are vulnerable if you wear a simple badge that unlocks a door for you when you pass in and out of your work place on a daily basis. These systems are already tracking your presence in the buildings. And, even some systems are going further than that in that they have the ability to track the badge in real-time as you move throughout the facilities. That includes the restrooms. GPS Tracking devices in businesses are being used to help cut costs, reduce employee "waste" time and ensure that staff is basically productive on the job.
[caption id="attachment_793" align="alignright" width="284" caption="GPS Tracking & Employees"]
[/caption]Businesses are turning to GPS technology in greater numbers to help get more productivity out of their lean staff. But, these systems are also being used to make sure that you are complying with company rules and regulations as well as laws. Should you violate any, be prepared to be caught and for the disciplinary action that follows.
But, there is a good side, too. The information gathered from these GPS Tracking devices can also confirm an employee’s actions that are in question when there is no factual basis for the scrutiny. For example, verifying the speed at which a driver is driving a vehicle can be used in a court of law to prove innocence in a moving violation case.
Watching from Afar
Fleet tracking is the most common use for GPS Tracking, but employees are quickly becoming a close second. The main concern however, is privacy. When does the best interest of the company take precedence over personal privacy? The middle ground is where these two issues clash. Company rules and regulations are legitimate and must be enforced. So are common laws that everyone must submit to every day. But, personal privacy must be protected, too. It appears that the pendulum has swung too far towards invasion of privacy.
In the pursuit of profit, businesses are playing a bit loose with personal privacy. If you have concerns at your place of business address them with Human Resources and be an informed employee. By speaking up you will know the company position and you will send a signal to management that you are aware of their policies. Indirectly, you may just keep them honest!
Jamie O’Neal is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of GPS tracking systems, software and accessories.
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