Using AI in Employee Monitoring in the UK 

With the rise of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in the workplace, including in employee monitoring. AI can track employees’ performance, monitor their actions, and predict their future behaviour. However, there are pros and cons to using AI in employee monitoring in the UK. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using AI to monitor employee performance in the UK.

What Are the Advantages of AI Monitoring?

There are various advantages accompanying the use of AI within employee surveillance. Many business owners believe AI can increase efficiency, improve accuracy, enhance security, and reduce costs. However, while AI monitoring software can provide valuable insights and data, it is up to management to make decisions and take action based on data. Therefore, your business must balance using AI and maintaining a human touch in employee monitoring practices.

With this in mind, let us explore some pros of using AI in employee monitoring below.

Increased Efficiency

AI can monitor workers’ performance and behaviour in real-time, providing employers with accurate and up-to-date information. This can help your company identify areas where employees excel and may need additional support or training. By providing management with this information, AI can increase your company’s efficiency and improve overall productivity. 

Improved Accuracy

AI surveillance tech can accurately track employee performance and behaviour, reducing the likelihood of human error. These new technologies can help your company make more informed decisions and identify potential issues before they become significant problems. This can help safeguard your company’s reputation and finances and reduce legal and regulatory risks.

Enhanced Security

AI can help UK businesses monitor their networks and digital systems and respond quickly to any security breaches. This can help prevent data breaches and other security incidents that could damage the business’s reputation.  This is important given the ability of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to fine UK organisations up to £17.5m for breaches of data protection law (including cyber-attacks).

Your business should ensure that all information used by AI software is stored securely and that access to it is restricted to authorised personnel.

Reduced Costs

AI can help UK businesses save money by reducing the need for manual monitoring and analysis. This can save staff time, reduce overhead costs, and improve efficiency.  

However, it is vital not to completely reduce human interaction at certain stages within your business. Instead, your company needs to balance financial efficiencies with the need for human judgement calls, as AI is not infallible. 

What Are the Disadvantages of AI Monitoring?

As with nearly everything in life, where there are pros, there are usually cons. Using AI for employee monitoring is no exception to this rule, and there are several advantages accompanying the use of AI for employee monitoring. Let us explore these disadvantages below.

Invasion of Privacy

AI monitoring of employee behaviour and activities may be seen as an invasion of their privacy. This can create a hostile work environment and reduce employee morale. This can also create a risk of non-compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets firm limits on using AI in the workplace. Given that non-compliance with the GDPR can result in hefty fines from the ICO, it is vital to limit the use of AI to the bounds set by data protection legislation.

Lack of Transparency

AI algorithms can be complex and challenging to understand, making it difficult for employees to know what is being monitored and how their data is being used. This lack of transparency can create distrust between employees and management.

Naturally, your business desires happy and content employees rather than distrustful ones, so providing them with complete information on the AI system and how it works can be helpful. This can reduce the risk of adverse reactions and create a positive work environment.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

UK businesses must comply with data protection regulations, including the UK GDPR, and ensure that their use of AI in employee monitoring is ethical. This means using an AI system that does not breach GDPR rules and does not discriminate against certain employees based on factors such as age, gender or ethnicity.

Failure to do so could result in legal action, damage your company’s reputation, and severely damage workplace morale.

Key Takeaways

There are pros and cons to using AI in employee monitoring in the UK. Your business should seek to maximise the benefits of AI in employee monitoring while minimising the risks and potential negative impact on their employees and overall business reputation.  

By adopting clear policies and procedures, considering ethical implications and balancing AI with human judgement, your business can effectively utilise AI in employee monitoring to improve overall productivity, efficiency, and security. However, your company must also remain mindful of the potential impact on employee morale, job satisfaction and legal compliance and take appropriate measures to address any negative consequences.

If you need help utilising AI in employee monitoring, our experienced Data, Privacy and IT lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.  

Frequently Asked Questions