While many workers are worried about AI replacing their jobs, another technology is reshaping how employees are supervised. That’s boss wear. This term refers to software that allows managers to track employee activities, accomplishments, and even behaviors.
Bossware became popular after a report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation was published in 2020. This software leverages AI that has the potential to change the nature of the workplace and the autonomy of employees.
“AI allows employers to monitor their employees in ways that were not possible before,” said Karen Levy, a professor at Cornell University and author of “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance.”
He used the concept as an example, explaining that in the trucking industry, AI-powered video surveillance can send alerts if a driver appears tired. In an office environment, algorithms and biometric tools can be used to monitor habits, productivity, and keystrokes.
In particular, the pandemic saw an increase in the use of bossware as companies moved to remote working, monitoring screenshots and monitoring keyboards.
By 2022, eight of the 10 largest private employers in the United States will be using these metrics. But Stanford University professor Rob Reich says the tool is meant to improve productivity. Still, metrics such as speed of a type do not necessarily measure the work done.
AI monitoring also does not give employees necessary downtime, potentially tipping the balance of power at workstations further in favor of management.
However, Levy suggests involving employees in discussions about technology use and giving companies more autonomy to retain employees and improve productivity. Reich also suggests that AI surveillance with the best of intentions needs to be done carefully to avoid a culture of surveillance.
