Is continiuous video surveillance of employees an abuse of management's power?

Question

Imagine that a permanent videotape record is made of every single move you make in your work area during the course of a day. Not a second elapses when the camera is not filming. In addition to your work activities, every yawn, every scratch, every facial expression is recorded. You cannot turn your back to the camera, because there are multiple cameras recording from each direction. if this happened to you, would you feel that management had gone too far? that your privacy was being invaded?

Answer 1

You are on their premises and they can record anything and everything except restrooms and changing areas if applicable. It's the law just as you could record anyone who came into your home as long as you respected privacy such as bathrooms changing etc. It is perfectly legal but does not make everyone comfortable. Be aware before you work somewhere if they have video recording equipment and what is recorded and where if this issue bothers you.

Answer 2

Yep, you're either working for the CIA, or a total lunatic. Console yourself with the fact that it will be virtually impossible for your employer to view this much surveilance material unless they hire about five employees to scan tapes for every actual worker.

Since that many employers cuts into the budget, and the video equippment itself is also expensive, there's no real reason to buy enough gear to do this in the civilian market. Thus, you must be some sort of top level classified operative, or your boss is about eleven eggs short of a dozen.... 51 cards short of a full deck... I don't know how a boss like this can do anything without loosing that last screw.

Whatever employer does this could be VERY, VERY dangerous. You might consider quitting. Then you can get a more normal job... Like, umm, anything!

Answer 3

Reminds me a little of the movie Sliver...

That's the problem with any job. You must conform to what the employer wants. It's a trade-off, a check for the loss of freedom. You don't have to work there, is probably what they'd tell you. If you want the pay, you'll have to play. In theory, you are giving up your privacy when you're on their dime.

The reality of it is that very few companies have the time to review all of those tapes, all of the time. If you're uncomfortable, create your own path by starting your own business, or at the very least, start looking for a new job with less security.

Answer 4

I wouldn't feel that management went too far because your life at work is not your private life. But, you might as well give them a good show. Bend over and let some of the cameras catch your plumber's crack. Adjust your glasses using your middle finger. Pick your nose. Blow kisses at the cameras. Mouth the words "I love you." And basically anything else you can think of that will make them feel more queasy than paranoid.

Answer 5

It depends.

If you are a bank teller, then the video cameras are there to deter theft, but you are captured. It seems reasonable in that situation.

If you are a professional athlete, then the cameras watch you even when you're on the sidelines, talking to the coach, etc.

If you are a day care worker, it might be there to monitor behavior, so that kids aren't abused.

If you're a librarian, it probably doesn't make any sense.

Answer 6

as long as it not in the washrooms you just have to smile @ the boss and suck it up. u r recorded more than u think everytime u use an atm ot such thing it the times we live in if its on tape then we can call you a criminal and there the proof ..or you can say no ididnt do it show me that i did it on tape..
most times that perminant tape is reused ona rotating system...
way to much tape or hard drive taken up to keep as a permanent for a long time

Answer 7

I would think not. Provided stipulated in work contract.

Answer 8

just don't pick your wedge