The increased digitalization in the workplace has led to more work being carried out in and through various digital systems and software. Such systems make employees more accessible, facilitate communication, and can make work processes more efficient, regardless of where the work is performed. At the same time, digital systems and software can also provide extensive information about employees' work and activities.
To lead and make decisions in an organization, relevant information about the work and its execution is needed. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how different digital tools, systems, and programs are used to gather information, how it is used, and how employees perceive this.
Digital monitoring and work environment in focus
The purpose of the research project WATCH (Workplace Analytic Tools and Coworker Health) is to investigate how digital tools are used to gather information about employees' work and activities (so-called digital monitoring or surveillance) in the Swedish workplace. The aim is also to examine the impact of using such digital tools on employees and workgroups.
How managers and employees experience digital monitoring
The project is a three-year study starting in 2025. It targets managers and employees in white-collar professions in the Swedish labour market. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews.
Guidelines how digital tools can be used
The project is expected to provide scientific evidence relevant to Swedish public debate, legislation, and guidelines on how digital tools can be used. By understanding both the positive and negative consequences of digital tools for information gathering, organizations can create more efficient and healthy work environments. This is relevant for both employers and employees, as well as for various types of organizations that use or plan to use digital tools to gather information about employees.
The research project is funded by Forte.
