A growing number of British companies are adopting workplace surveillance software, often referred to as “bossware,” to track employee activity, raising concerns about privacy and workplace trust.
New research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that one in three organisations now uses technology to monitor staff emails, browsing habits, and even on-screen activity. Private sector employers are leading the trend, with one in seven companies reviewing or recording what appears on workers’ screens.
The figures represent a sharp rise in digital monitoring. Just two years ago, research from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) suggested fewer than one in five employees believed they were being monitored. The CMI cautioned that even its latest findings may underestimate the true extent of surveillance, as nearly a third of managers admitted uncertainty about their organisation’s monitoring practices.
Bossware systems vary in scope but often track idle time, log-in activity, and use of social media or AI tools. More advanced software can capture real-time screenshots, monitor keystrokes, and analyse app usage. Supporters argue such tools can protect sensitive data, prevent insider threats, and help address productivity issues.
However, the practice has ignited debate. Many managers surveyed expressed unease, warning that constant monitoring could undermine trust between employers and staff. One insurance manager, whose firm is piloting AI to analyse employee screen activity, described the move as “unsettling,” questioning whether employers were preparing to replace staff with technology.
The ICO has repeatedly warned businesses that surveillance must be transparent, proportionate, and justified. “Bosses must make their employees aware of the nature, extent and reasons for monitoring,” the watchdog said in a recent statement. “Excessive monitoring can undermine people’s privacy, especially if they are working from home. We will take action if necessary.” Last year, the ICO intervened to stop outsourcing giant Serco from using fingerprint and facial recognition systems to monitor attendance at leisure centres.
Among managers who confirmed monitoring within their organisations, 35% said emails were tracked, while log-on and log-off times were the most commonly recorded data points. The survey found that 52% of managers supported monitoring in some form, but 42% opposed it, citing concerns over misuse, lack of evidence that it boosts productivity, and the damage it causes to workplace culture.
Some employees have already voted with their feet. A former transport authority worker who discovered their emails and calendar entries were being monitored described the experience as “intrusive and downright harassment,” adding: “It started with surveillance and it ended with me leaving because I was so infuriated.”
The report also found one in six managers would consider resigning if their employer introduced new surveillance measures.
Despite such concerns, companies continue to explore expanded monitoring. HSBC is equipping its new London headquarters with over 1,700 cameras and biometric access controls, while PwC uses a “traffic light” system based on Wi-Fi logins and pass swipes to enforce office attendance rules. PwC maintains the system is widely accepted by staff, though critics argue such practices risk driving employees away.
Petra Wilton, director of policy at the CMI, cautioned that organisations risk long-term consequences if monitoring is mishandled. “If it is being used, it is incredibly important employers are open. Otherwise, that’s going to cause significant problems in terms of data privacy and protection,” she said.
