Employee surveillance is on the rise in Australia, with nearly half of all workplaces using AI technology to monitor staff. While this practice may raise concerns about privacy, it is completely legal—as long as employers disclose it in workplace contracts.
According to the Future of Work: Automation and AI survey by Herbert Smith Freehills, 64% of Australian employers are now using automated tools to assess performance, and 58% to monitor staff. Even employees working remotely aren’t exempt, with 52% under surveillance via tools that track websites visited, monitor keystrokes, and even take screenshots.
Natasha Hawker, Managing Director of Employee Matters, recently appeared on Sunrise to explain how this technology works and what it means for workers. "The use of this software is evolving all the time," Hawker said, noting that it can track everything from geographic location to keystroke activity.
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Although legal, employers must inform workers of such monitoring. “It should be in your contract,” Hawker explained, adding that once signed, employees have limited recourse if they feel their privacy is compromised.
Hawker also highlighted potential benefits. If an employee’s performance suddenly drops, it could indicate underlying issues, such as mental health concerns, and monitoring could prompt a helpful check-in. Still, with 38% of employers anticipating complaints about the software in the future, this remains a contentious issue.
To know more about Natasha Hawker’s insights and the impact of AI surveillance in the workplace, catch the full interview on Sunrise.
Concerned about implementing AI surveillance in your business and staying compliant with workplace laws? Book a free consultation with Employee Matters today to ensure your policies are up to date!
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