Nearly A Quarter Of Businesses Worldwide Are Spying On Their Employees

With new technological developments continuing to transform the world of work, Instant Offices delves into how companies can adapt to make sure these concerns and risk are managed.

Research by Gartner found that 22% of organizations around the world are using employee-movement data, 17% are monitoring data on how employees use their work computers, and 16% are using data on Outlook and digital calendar usage.

As new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) change and develop rapidly, so does the risk landscape for the modern workplace. Failure to protect data from cyberattacks and leaks can lead to financial and reputational damage to a business. BYOB (Bring Your Own Device) policies, where employees conduct business on their personal devices, also leave organizations vulnerable to security breaches. This is particularly concerning as research found by Instant Offices shows 67% of employees say they now use personal devices at work.

HR Strategies For Managing Digital Risks

Here are a few proactive ways that businesses can address potential concerns around digital ethics, employee privacy, and cybersecurity:

#1 Make Data Protection A Priority

It should go without saying that systems like encryption, authentication, and backup must all be in place in order to protect sensitive data.

#2 Harness New Technologies

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being developed to help improve threat detection. Look to smart emerging technologies that will help to strengthen your cybersecurity measures.

#3 Conduct Security Awareness Training

Make sure your staff is all informed about potential security risks and how to avoid them. Include training in the onboarding process that will help to curb the risky behavior that leads to security breaches.

#4 Be Open About Surveillance

Be transparent about what is being monitored and how this data is being used. Create company policies to ensure that data is being used responsibly and ethically, and make sure employees are informed about this.

Leading Tech Trends In The World Of Work

So, what are some of the other ways technology is transforming the workplace? Here are a few key tech trends in the modern workplace for 2019 and beyond:

AI-Driven Development

Rather than data scientists needing to partner with application developers to create AI-enhanced solutions, there is a trend towards developers using predefined models to create AI applications on their own. It is predicted that by 2022, at least 40% of new application development projects will include AI co-developers on their team.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a system of recording cryptocurrency transactions. As these systems mature and user trust grows, Blockchain will provide a workable alternative to central authorities like banks, simplifying transactions and minimizing hidden costs.

IoT

More and more office devices are now connected to the “Internet of Things”, and this connectivity is constantly changing and improving workflow. Think smart sensors that can monitor the temperature of servers or schedulers that help you to coordinate coworking and conferencing spaces. Smart, connected devices are allowing us to track every “moving part” of our workflow, making it more efficient.

Reduced Bureaucracy

Time-consuming administrative processes are on the way out. Automation in the modern digital workplace is making work processes smoother, quicker and more action-oriented. It’s all about boosting productivity and efficiency.

Smart Spaces

Think of these as smart cities on a smaller scale. Smart spaces are physical or digital environments where people interact with technology-enabled systems in increasingly connected, intelligent and immersive ecosystems. Digital workspaces are growing in leaps and bounds as more employers embrace the benefits of remote working.

 

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