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COVID-related surveillance tech in the workplace

  • 1.  COVID-related surveillance tech in the workplace

    Posted 10-23-2020 11:15
    Dear colleagues,
     A friend of mine is a journalist and working on an article. He's interested in chatting with an IO psychologist who is aware of research on technological monitoring in the workplace during the covid pandemic (I copied his message below). Might anyone be able to recommend someone who is able to comment?

    Thanks for your consideration,
    George Banks (gbanks3@uncc.edu)
    **
     I'm looking at some emerging technology trends in the workplace, including what's becoming known as Internet of Behavior (IoB) tech, which is partially outlined in this new research from Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-strategic-technology-trends-for-2021/
    These technologies, which are being considered and adopted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, include things like "sensors or RFID tags used to determine whether employees were washing their hands regularly computer vision to determine if employees were complying with mask protocol and speakers to warn people of protocol violations. What's more, this behavioral data is collected and analyzed by the organizations to influence how people behave at work."
    I'm curious what kind of research has been done around the psychological effect this has on employees in a workplace. Normally, such workplace surveillance does not have a good reputation, but because it's geared toward COVID, perhaps that alters how people view or accept their use. 


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    George Banks
    UNC Charlotte

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