CCTV In The Workplace
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television and is used to record and monitor activity. It’s mainly used for security purposes and as a deterrent to criminals. These days CCTV is found in most streets, train stations and shops. CCTV is even increasingly being used in homes and schools.
With this in mind it may come as no surprise to hear that CCTV is commonly found in everyday workplaces. Monitoring in the workplace is nothing new. Internet use and phone calls have been monitored and logged for years for example.
CCTV in the workplace has featured in many high-profile media stories. For example BT controversially used CCTV to monitor employees out of work as well as in, to check the legitimacy of sick days.
One Scottish company won a court case over dismissal after they fired an employee for faking his timesheet. CCTV in the workplace captured him doing this on camera.
CCTV in the workplace: why?
Initially when you think about CCTV in the workplace you might think that it is purely a matter of untrusting bosses spying to make sure that employees are getting on with their work. However, this isn’t always the case. CCTV in the workplace is used for a number of reasons:
- There are increasing fears about violence in the workplace, especially for those working in a customer-facing role, or dealing with sensitive matters. CCTV in the workplace can protect staff by deterring attackers and also help to catch criminals should anything happen.
- CCTV in the workplace can act as a deterrent for vandalism and grafitti, if you work somewhere prone to this. Bus stations and shopping centres are a prime example.
- CCTV in the workplace can be used to prevent thieving. If you work in retail there is almost certain to be CCTV in your workplace.
- CCTV can be used in the workplace if an employer suspects staff of thieving or breaking company rules.
- In an age when tribunals and legislative action are on the increase, CCTV in the workplace can provide vital evidence should this happen.
- CCTV in the workplace can be used to deter and catch fraudsters.
CCTV in the workplace: Good practice
If you are an employer thinking of introducing CCTV in the workplace, you’ll need to approach the issue with tact and diplomacy. It’s particularly worth thinking about this as some research has shown than CCTV in the workplace can erode relationships between staff and employers.
By law you must tell staff about CCTV in the workplace and if you deal with members of the public there must be appropriate signage regarding CCTV usage.
You must have justifiable cause for using CCTV in the workplace, for example staff safety or the threat of crime and theft. You can’t use CCTV in the workplace in any way that infringes employees’ or the public’s privacy.
The best approach to CCTV in the workplace is to seek legal advice and to put together a clear and comprehensive policy for the use of CCTV in your workplace. Set out how and when CCTV in the workplace will be used and why CCTV in the workplace is needed.
CCTV in the workplace can help to keep your staff and your business safe and profitable. Discuss CCTV in the workplace with your staff and most importantly don’t make staff feel that they are being spied on by CCTV in the workplace or that it is being used against them. The benefits of installing CCTV in the workplace should be perceived as a benefit by the staff to enhance their security and overall safety against potential threats, attacks, unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour.
