#bossware

#bossware

A third of British companies are using "bossware" technology to monitor staff when they work from home, and it's causing serious trust issues among staff. That's according to a survey of 900 UK managers by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Crucially, nearly as many said they didn't know what tracking their employer did, so the figure could well be higher.

Bossware systems typically allow employers to track everything from idle time and log-in activity to the use of social media or AI tools. Some go further, offering real-time screenshots, keystroke tracking and app usage analysis. Proponents argue such systems can help prevent insider threats, protect sensitive information and identify productivity issues. But the practice is proving divisive. The CMI found a large minority of managers believe digital snooping undermines trust with staff and risks intruding on personal privacy.