Surveillance Rationale

The covert surveillance of employees by employers has emerged as a growing and controversial industrial issue in recent years. Great research has been conducted to determine various covert surveillance practices used by employers and identify the reasons for which increasing numbers of employers are undertaking surveillance of their employees. The increase in the use of surveillance by employers and the issues it raises have not gone unnoticed by the law. Various surveillance devices are commonly used for a number of purposes. These are discussed in more detail via other links under this heading. By way of a general overview, these purposes can be summarised as follows: to ensure productivity and competitiveness; to allow for quality control and customer service; to comply with laws and regulations; to assist in training and supervision; to ensure a safe and secure workplace; and to protect employer property and assets.