Privacy is one of the most prominent concerns for employers and employees regarding online time clock software and the various features it offers. Employee timesheet software can be a valuable tool for both employers and employees in terms of scheduling, payroll, staffings, conflict disputes, and many other areas of business. However, determining when, where, and how best to use some of the features that invade an employee’s privacy can be a tricky situation.
In this article, we’ll be covering some common privacy issues that come up when using online time and attendance software and how to address them appropriately.
Getting Employees To Sign Off On Invasive Features
This is probably one of the more challenging conversations an employer can have with an employee when it comes to online time and attendance software. Trying to explain the necessity of time tracking features like GPS and facial recognition, which are considered invasive to privacy, to an employee is a delicate matter that needs to be adequately explained.
Knowing what the limitations of the features are and why they are being used will help an employee understand the need for the feature. It is important to stress to employees the value of the feature and how it will be used to improve their team time tracking experience and the overall success of the business.
By getting employees to sign off on the online time and attendance features before implementation, you’ll be able to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to time tracking and won’t run into any legal issues down the road.
When Should A GPS Feature Be Used?
GPS trackers are a great feature to have with your online time and attendance software. It allows you to locate employees who work remotely or away from a central business location. This ensures that employees do not conduct personal business on company time or from unauthorized sites.
It also allows them to keep track of company property, ensure remote workers are productive, and accurately job cost based on a client’s location. The key to using the feature properly is to ensure that it is only used to track employees while on the clock and conducting company business. Most of these features are only active when an employee is actively using the time clock app, such as when they are punched in for their shift.
Some businesses may use GPS time clock software only when employees are on the premises to monitor their employees’ productivity, as a security feature to track who enters and leaves the premises, or for checking out valuable materials or other functions. These measures are essential for businesses that handle secret or sensitive information or materials.
The Importance Of Facial Recognition For Employers And Employees
Facial recognition is another feature of work tracking software that many think is too invasive. However, there are many reasons for an employer to use this function, so long as it is used properly. Just like with GPS tracking, an employer should only use the facial recognition feature for company purposes.
Some uses for the technology include allowing employees to punch in and out using their unique identity. This is good for both employers and employees as it will enable employees to punch in or punch out quickly, and employers know who is present at any given time. Since employees are using their unique identity to punch time, time theft is practically eliminated.
Additionally, using facial recognition to limit certain areas’ access is a great security benefit. This would ensure that only employees can log into computers or access sensitive materials. This is another feature that provides for both better management and better security.
In the end, as long as businesses only use these features for their intended purpose, employees don’t need to worry about privacy invasion or misuse of their personal information. To ensure that all employees understand how these features will be used, it’s best to include your policies in an online time and attendance policy. This way, there is no room for any confusion about using the features and how the information gathered from these features will be used.
