TD Bank Group’s decision to introduce employee monitoring software for some staff underscores the need for employers to balance productivity goals with employee privacy and transparency, says Devin Jarcaig, a partner at Mathers McHenry & Co.

According to a recent report by Reuters, the bank told employees in its financial crimes and risk management division it would use software to track the time employees spend on web browsers, internal chat platforms and meeting applications as part of an effort to better understand work patterns and improve productivity.

Read: What do employers need to know about monitoring employees in remote, hybrid working arrangements?

“Employers use electronic monitoring software for a variety of legitimate business reasons, including tracking performance, productivity and compliance with workplace policies,” says Jarcaig. “While the use of digital surveillance provides employers with many advantages, it also runs........

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