Almost everyone reading this will have worried, even for a moment, about what they looked up online on their work computer or said to a colleague on Slack.
And while most would write it off as “paranoid,” there’s good reason to be concerned about what you do and say at work, even if it happens virtually.
Katie Winstanley, group head of HR at global recruitment specialist Morson Group, told DailyMail.com that 60 percent of employers now use some form of ‘bossware’ on corporate devices: software that tracks employee productivity or monitors performance.
Winstanley said ‘bossware’ is often used to track productivity during working hours, to ensure they are not sharing company information and to ensure remote teams are actually working.
Warning signs that this software is not installed on your device include strange network activity and your computer using unusual amounts of RAM (you can see how much RAM a Windows machine is using in the Task Manager, accessed by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Escape).
Katie Winstanley. Group Head of HR, at global recruitment specialist Morson Group (Morson Group)
But the problem is that it’s hard for most people to tell. These are some of the ways ‘bossware’ can lead to employees being fired, she warns:
Have controversial conversations near your PC
Making calls near your PC could lead to you losing your job, Winstanley warned.
She said: ‘Although less common, some monitoring software can access microphones and cameras on devices. Inappropriate discussions or activities captured by this could lead to problems.”
Wrong typing
Some ‘bosware’ keeps track of everything you type on your work PC and sends a record to your employer (whether or not you type a personal email at lunch, for example).
Winstanley said: ‘Some monitoring software records keystrokes. Excessive personal use during work hours, or even writing sensitive information in personal documents, could be tracked.”
Inappropriate posts on social media
Some ‘bossware’ not only tracks what you do on the internet, but also monitors social media activity – and this can lead to job losses.
Winstanley said: ‘While some monitoring software is known to track internet usage, some can also monitor social media behavior including posts, comments and posts. Inappropriate or controversial content could potentially lead to disciplinary action if it reflects negatively on the company.”
Spending too much time outside your home
Much modern ‘bossware’ includes GPS monitoring so your employer can see if you leave your home or carry a company phone.
Winstanley said: ‘Some tools can integrate GPS tracking or monitor the location of company-issued devices. Being outside the designated work areas during working hours may trigger warning signs!’
Email content
In addition to monitoring email activity and recipients, some software can also scan the contents of emails.
Sharing confidential information or inappropriate communication may lead to dismissal.
Using your phone ‘inappropriately’ when NOT at work
If your phone has ‘bossware’ on it, it’s entirely possible that your employer is watching what you do even when you’re NOT at work, and inappropriate use could lead to dismissal.
Winstanley said: ‘Businesses can track devices even outside working hours. Inappropriate use during personal time, especially if it affects your work performance, can cause problems because it can make employees feel overly controlled and demotivate them.
Unable to lock your PC screen
Leaving sensitive company information on your PC screen while you are away from your desk could result in you losing your job, Winstanley warned.
She said: ‘Some software regularly takes screenshots or records the screen.
“Inappropriate content, browsing, or sensitive business information accidentally shared on screen could land you in hot water!”