Is Using Computer Monitoring Software a Good Idea?
Computer monitoring is a rising trend among various businesses. However with the recent concerns regarding employee privacy and data protection, some employers are forced to wonder whether using computer monitoring software is really a good idea.
The truth is that while concerns about employee privacy protection are legitimate and should be highlighted when done correctly, the benefits of computer monitoring software far outweigh any potential risks.
Let us discuss further why it’s a good idea to implement computer monitoring software in your business.
What is Computer Monitoring Software?
A growing number of industries require more oversight for their employees. This may be due to the increasing shift to remote work settings. But modern technology has managed to fulfill this need through specialized programs, also known as computer monitoring software.
Computer monitoring software is a covert, remote-access program that records your employees’ activity across all of your specified apps, websites, and time periods. Although this program is most commonly used to analyze staff productivity, it has other potential uses, such as on college campuses and big networks that allow remote access.
This program will keep track of all network data (both coming and going) and how the internet is used. Computer monitoring software works by logging the user’s login name into the system, which allows for the association of specific actions with a unique identification.
The administrator has power over the software preferences.
This way, managers can prioritize the metrics that should be saved. This data is then saved in a safe database by the program. Having access to this data will allow you to comprehensively track the activities that an employee engages in during the course of their workday.
Most computer monitoring software also notify managers of specific kinds of network or user security breaches, unusual user activity, and trends surrounding usual network traffic.
Managers can also customize the software to receive specific data. For example, if you want employees to be more productive, you can keep an eye on things like how long employees spend on Facebook or how often they type.
Is Using Computer Monitoring Software a Good Idea?
It is only natural to have cold feet when implementing any new technology in your business. The same is also true for computer monitoring software.
But computer monitoring software can actually bring loads of benefits for your business; from increased productivity to streamlined processes, let’s have a look at some of them below.
Improved Record Keeping
Keeping precise records isn’t easy for everyone, from individuals to big and small businesses. The right software makes it easy to keep track of how much time is spent on different tasks, and it also allows you to make records for individuals, groups, and the entire firm, so everyone has access to the data they need.
Think about how you currently maintain records. Unless you’re using specialized keylogger software, there is a good chance that you’re using the old-fashioned paper and pen-method. Using software that is designed to keep track of time is a much more effective and effortless option.
Your team will also find this to be considerably easier. Employees can input their time and attendance data into the computer instead of relying on paper timecards, which can be easily misplaced.
They will have peace of mind knowing that the accounting and payroll departments receive accurate information.
Recording Employee Progress
As a manager, there are a few questions that are always going to be looming over your head. How is the performance of your staff? Would you say that they are progressing quickly enough on the projects, or that they are still struggling?
Having computer monitoring software allows you to have a clearer picture of how each employee is performing and who can benefit from some additional support.
They may require assistance from a coworker or retraining to help them do the job. Instead of using this information to reprimand your employees, you can use it to identify areas where they are struggling, which will allow you to design more effective schedules.
Increased Employee Engagement
One surefire way to keep good employees from leaving is to raise their spirits to keep them involved and engaged in their work.
Employees who are invested in their work tend to be more innovative, efficient, and likely to form strong bonds with one another, all of which contribute to the success of their teams.
When you use computer monitor software, you can see when they’re showing symptoms of disengagement, including spending too much time on social media while at work or not getting anything done.
The next step is to collaborate with the person to identify the causes of their disengagement and implement specific interventions to address them.
Reduced Costs
Investing in employee monitoring software need not break the bank. In most cases, the annual cost ranges from $100 per user.
For example, cost-effective software like Wolfeye costs $97 per user per year. You should expect to pay more or less depending on the features you choose and the quantity of licenses your team needs, as is typical with software.
The majority of systems do not impose any extra fees; however, it is common to incur expenses for installation and IP renewal. Additional features, such as mobile licensing and geolocation monitoring, might incur additional costs.
Strengthens Cybersecurity
When you install employee monitoring software on company-owned devices, you’ll be able to see everything from documents saved on the device to apps used, websites viewed, and messages sent.
For added security, you’ll be able to monitor customer records, company data, and financial details. With such stringent checks in place, your company will be better protected against cybercrime, insider threats, data theft, and suspicious activities.
Conclusion
Computer monitoring software has tremendous benefits for any business looking to improve its overall outcomes. This software can track employee productivity and increase engagement.