The world of work has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with the shift to hybrid work being one of the most notable changes. As employees adapt to this new landscape, employers are also changing their approach to monitoring and managing their workforce. According to a recent poll, searches for staff-monitoring software have increased by 75% in March 2020 compared to the 2019 monthly average, and demand has remained strong in 2021 and 2022.
The Rise of Hybrid Work
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid work arrangements, with many employees working remotely at least part-time. This shift has presented challenges for employers, who are struggling to ensure that their workers are productive and engaged. A 2022 Microsoft survey found that 85% of leaders have trouble believing that their workers are being productive.
The Role of AI in Employee Surveillance
One startup that is capitalizing on this trend is Erudit, which uses AI to track workforce statistics such as turnover risk and burnout rate. The company recently raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Conexo Ventures, Athos Capital, Ignia Partners, True Blue Partners, and Fondo Bolsa Social.
How Erudit Works
Erudit connects to the apps that companies already use, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, to collect data on employee activity. The company then runs this data through a set of AI algorithms, which generates scores along metrics such as ‘alignment,’ ‘autonomy,’ ‘engagement’ and ‘burnout’. These scores are used to provide insights into employee productivity and well-being.
Concerns Over Employee Surveillance
While Erudit’s technology may seem like a useful tool for employers, there are concerns over the implications of increased employee surveillance. Some argue that this approach can lead to a culture of mistrust and monitoring, where employees feel that their every move is being watched and judged.
Erudit’s Response
In response to these concerns, Erudit has released a statement justifying its platform’s design and functionality. The company argues that it is merely providing a tool for employers to use, rather than taking an active role in monitoring or managing employees. However, this position has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that the company’s technology is inherently intrusive and should be used with caution.
The Future of Employee Surveillance
As the debate over employee surveillance continues, it is clear that the use of AI-powered tools like Erudit will only increase in the coming years. While these tools may provide valuable insights for employers, they also raise important questions about the balance between productivity and privacy in the workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Employee surveillance is on the rise, with 75% more searches for staff-monitoring software in March 2020 compared to 2019.
- Erudit is one startup that is capitalizing on this trend, using AI to track workforce statistics such as turnover risk and burnout rate.
- Concerns have been raised over the implications of increased employee surveillance, including a culture of mistrust and monitoring.
- Erudit has responded to these concerns by arguing that it is merely providing a tool for employers to use, rather than taking an active role in monitoring or managing employees.
Related Topics
- AI
- Athos Capital
- Conexo Ventures
- Ignia Partners
- Startups
- True Blue Partners
About the Author
Kyle Wiggers is a senior reporter at TechCrunch, with a special interest in artificial intelligence. His writing has appeared in VentureBeat and Digital Trends, as well as a range of gadget blogs including Android Police, Android Authority, Droid-Life, and XDA-Developers.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to reach out to Kyle Wiggers at Kyle_L_Wiggers.