'Privacy and safety concerns have become paramount issues shaping the contemporary workplace landscape'
A majority of employees in the United States consider the practice of their online activity being monitored during work hours an invasion of privacy, according to a new survey from Checkr.
More than half (56%) of the 3,000 respondents said their employer is monitoring their online activity, a measure implemented by various organisations to ensure productivity at the height of remote work's popularity.
However, the report found that 65% of respondents either agreed with or were on the fence about considering the monitoring of online activity as an invasion of privacy.
This sentiment is widespread across all generations that are currently in the workforce, with majority agreeing or on the fence about the practice as invasion of privacy:
- 72% of Gen Zs
- 67% of Millennials
- 63% of Gen Xers
- 60% of Baby Boomers
A pay cut for privacy
But if given the chance, nearly half of all respondents agreed or are on the fence about taking a pay cut for enhanced privacy, including not having their employer monitor their activity online.
Gen Zs feel the strongest about this, with 54% of them agreeing or on the fence with the solution. This is also true for:
- 47% of Millennials
- 44% of Gen Xers
- 45% of Baby Boomers.
"Overall, when it comes to the workplace, employees showed real concern for privacy and safety, even showing a true willingness to earn less money in order to enhance privacy in the workplace," the report reads.
The findings come amid widespread safety and concerns among employees when it comes to their workplace data. According to the report, 84% of employees have some level of concerns about providing data online for work.
Source: Checkr
"Privacy and safety concerns have become paramount issues shaping the contemporary workplace landscape," the report reads. "From cybersecurity threats and data breaches to the ethical implications of employee monitoring and surveillance, both employers and employees are navigating a complex terrain where protecting sensitive information and ensuring digital safety are critical priorities."