Imagine being an accountant 50 years ago, when everything was done long hand. Today we can process vast amounts of numbers with easy and yet we still misuse the power. Technology is our present and future we just have to find a balance of how we use it. Computers, cellphones, and tablets have changed how many professionals conduct themselves in the workplace, however, these devices have also created quite a few distractions and controversies along the way. If utilized properly, they can really lead to a much more productive work environment. The biggest controversy about technology is that it’s a great resource used to complete tasks, communicate, and even nurture creativity. However, there is also the distraction aspect. The modern world has a constant need a faster processor, higher efficiency, and mobility in the workplace. Computers, cellphones and tablets meet those needs. In my first essay I question if technology is mastering us or if we’re mastering it. “Technology is a body of knowledge devoted to creating tools, processing actions and extracting of materials;” (Karehka) Think about all the technological innovations over the years and how much has changed. Technology has catapulted us into the future while also creating some not so desirable side effects. From the loss of interpersonal communication skills and laziness to the high associated costs, as discussed in essay #1, technology is not all it’s cracked up to be. With technology comes responsibility and includes the way you manage your time and the upkeep of the device.
To master technology the users must know when it’s time to get serious.
In my second essay, I elaborated on the negative effects of technology, targeting computers, cellphones and tablets, oh my! These three devices all have had a cause and effect in the workplace and the world. Computers met the need for a faster processor; cellphones the need for better communication; and tablets the need for better mobility. Each was designed and allocated to meet specific needs. Today, companies thrive on these and many other devices but they are also hurting them from the inside out. From the distraction caused by social media to additional training on the devices, some would say it just makes thing more complicated. Others would argue that checking social media is a nice mental break before returning to work. In this essay, I will discuss the solution mangers have put in place to keep employees on task as well as the controversies these solutions have caused.
Technology is on the rise. CEO’s, sole proprietors, and managers have been trying to figure out how to keep employees on task and motivated while using technology during business hours. Thanks to monitoring software such Web Watcher, designed to track key strokes, save messages and monitor location; keeping an employee on task is easier today but has also creating some controversy. Once the needs were met by computers, cellphones and tablets in the workplace, a new need arose. The need to monitor what an employees was doing during business hours and on company issued devices was crucial. According to an article online and few other sources;
“Electronic monitoring is defined as "the computerized collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information about employees' productive activities" (Office of Technology Assessment, 1987, p. 27). "Currently, as many as 26 million workers in the United States are monitored in their jobs, and this number will increase as computers are used more and more within companies" (DeTienne, 1993, p. 33). Of those monitored, 10 million have their work evaluated and pay based on the data collected (DeTienne, 1993) (Mishra)
With electronic monitoring in place, mangers hope that their employees will think twice before getting off task.
There are many different types of programs and systems available, including Web Watcher and Inter Guard. These programs track virtually everything including keystrokes, location, web history, messages, and more. These programs are downloaded onto company issued devices or personal devices that are used for work related matters. Systems that monitor devices are always running in the background of a device which encrypts the data sending it to the one who implemented the program to be reviewed. Created to build a more focused work environment, electronic monitoring programs are still the best form of attack.
Even though digital monitoring programs are on the rise and put in place by so many major companies, there remain some controversial issues shrouding them. Some companies issue devices to employees while others allow an employee to use their own devices. While employees prefer to use their own devices, there remains an issue with installing the monitoring and management programs on their non company devices. The reason being that if the device is lost, all work related data can be erased, though this erases all data on the phone not just work related. These programs not only allow an employer to view an employee’s messages, web history and keystrokes, business and personal, employers can fully access devices, remotely, without the knowledge of the employee. (Sweeny) Devices both personal and business have been erased without the users knowledge due to human resource departments and precious, irretrievable data has been lost. These programs are used in a verity of ways to monitor an employee and is surrounded by controversies because of gray areas in the law.
These programs are put into place so CEO’s and mangers know they're getting the best of their employees during business hours. Web Watcher and Inter Guard can let an employer track how long of brakes are taken, how often the bathroom is used, words and error per minute and how jobs completed per day. These programs will allow an employer to view messages sent and how much time is spent online or off task. Employers want to know that during business hours employees are maximizing time and keeping focused on world related items. Being Big Brother unfortunately it is what is needed in most cases to keep employs on task. Many employees will argue that checking social media, messaging a loved one or reading a blog while at work is a nice mental break during business hours to keep motivated also being a refresher to finish the day out strong.Though employers want to keep employees motivated they prefer other methods to build up office motivation. An employee who gets to use to checking Facebook or updating twitter while at work can really slack on showing high performance and that the last thing an employer wants. Technology has created to much access to way to many portals that its incredibly easy to let your mind wonder while at work which is why it is important for employees to stay focused and serious while working. There are many different views and opinions on these matters.
Some will agree and some won't but electronic monitoring systems are a must in today technological day and age. Unless you’re on break, ultimately company time is company time and employee is paid to remain on task, not send personal messages or update personal social media. Companies should install monitoring programs if it they’re the one issuing the device but should not instal monitoring software on their employee's personal devices. Companies should provide devices for an employee then there isn't any gray area, all devices are monitored and for work purposes only. Using personal devices for work purposes is convenient but it also complicates a work relationship with an employer. There should always be checks and balances in place to make sure employees and employers are utilizing business hours. A job is a place of seriousness, reusability and duty, employees should remember that and stay faithful to the task they're being paid to compete.
Even though all employees feel, at some point, like they've hit a wall and would like a refresher while working that is not the proper place or time to misuse technology. Devices such as computers, cellphones and tablets should be used for work during business hours and personal during non business hours. So many employees want too muddy up how technology is used while working it has created so much controversy and mistrust in the workplace. Though a lot of tension can be created when Big Brother is watching, like Inter Guard in todays work environment it is a must to keep all those employed accountable.
