Types of Employee Monitoring: Which System Do You Need?

Did you know that over 80% of companies use some sort of employee monitoring?

As businesses look to better manage work in the office and at home, many are now turning to monitoring tools to boost employee performance and transparency.

But with so many ways to watch workers, from time tracking and email surveillance to keystroke logging and GPS tracking, how do companies pick what's right?

And how can they balance productivity, security, and employee privacy?

In this guide, we'll show you different types of employee monitoring, what's good about them, and what might not be so good. This will help you make smart choices that will increase productivity while preserving employee rights.

In this article:

• Different types of employee monitoring methods
• Use cases of monitoring software
• Pros and cons of each method
• How to choose the right monitoring tool

Why Do You Need Employee Monitoring?

Companies watch what their workers do during work hours. They use special computer programs to do this. These programs look at how employees spend their time and how well they do their jobs.

The main reason for employee monitoring is to help workers do better work. And to keep business information safe. It also helps stop people from wasting work time.

Corporations use different platforms to track their workers. Some tools track emails, others look at how people use work computers. Some even use GPS to know where employees are.

This helps bosses know if workers are following organizational rules.

As more people work from home now, companies need new ways to check on their employees.

With remote monitoring solutions, they can see what workers are doing right away. They also get reports about how much work gets done. This helps workers stay on track, even when they're not in the office.

Different Employee Monitoring Types at a Glance

Types of Employee Monitoring & How They Work

Companies check what their employees do to make sure everyone is working well and following the rules. They use special tools to watch work time, check safety, and see how much work gets done.

Here are the main ways organizations keep track of their workers:

Time Tracking & Attendance Monitoring

Businesses use special software to record when workers start and end their day. Some workers use their fingerprints or faces to check-in. Also, managers can see reports about how time is spent at work. This helps with paying workers correctly.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Tracks time and monitors remote teams and their work habits in real time.
• Toggl – Simple timesheet-based tracking.
• Clockify – Checks how much work gets done.

Use case example:

Franky S., who runs Jaz Authentic Pte. Ltd., loves using the Apploye time tracker with screenshots. He says it helps him see all his workers' hours in one place. He can also see what they're working on through screenshots.

Video Surveillance & CCTV Monitoring

Companies put cameras around the workplace to keep things safe. Some cameras are smart; they can spot when something odd happens. Some organizations also use webcams to check if remote workers are at their desks.

Since cameras can make people feel uncomfortable, companies need to tell workers about them first.

Popular tools:

• Verkada – AI-powered video analytics.
• Eagle Eye Networks – Cloud-based workplace surveillance.

Use case example:

Industrial laundries across Victoria, Australia, utilize real-time productivity scoreboards displaying workers' performance. This helped workers do 5% to 10% more work than before. [Source: News.com.au,]

Network Monitoring & Internet Usage Tracking

Corporations monitor employee internet usage and online activities. They check what websites people visit and what files they download. This helps find time wasters and stop unproductive websites & programs from getting into work computers.

They also block websites that might waste time. This way, workers can focus better on their jobs.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Workforce behavior analytics and tracks web activity.
• Teramind – Monitors user behavior and insider threats.
• InterGuard –  Prevents unauthorized access.

Use case example:

Amiee Lynn, a fashion accessories company, had a problem with workers spending too much time on the internet. By implementing user activity monitoring software, the company successfully reduced non-work-related browsing. This leads to enhanced productivity.

Email Monitoring & Communication Tracking

Companies check work emails to keep things safe. They look for dangerous files or fake emails that could cause problems. They also save copies of emails just in case they need them later. Plus, they make sure everyone's emails are nice and professional.

Popular tools:

• Microsoft 365 Compliance – Monitors email policies.
• Barracuda – Blocks phishing and email fraud.
• Proofpoint – Prevents business email compromise (BEC).

Use case example:

After a hacker incident exposed millions of messages, Disney decided to quit using Slack. This situation underscores the importance of monitoring communication platforms to prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information. [Source: The Wall Street Journal]

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GPS Tracking & Field Employee Monitoring

Corporations use phone apps and location-based devices to see where workers are when they're driving or working outside. This helps make sure delivery people and drivers go where they should. It also helps save gas money by finding better routes. And bosses can check if people are working when they say they are.

Popular tools:

• Geotab – Fleet tracking and vehicle monitoring.
• Samsara – AI-based GPS tracking for logistics.
• Fleet Complete – Monitors employee location and driving habits.
• FieldServicely – Field technician check-ins and geofence time tracking.

Use case example:

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. used GPS to watch some workers they thought weren't doing their jobs right. This helped them find out what was happening, but some people thought it wasn't fair. [Source: Jibble]

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Pros & Cons of Employee Monitoring

Keystroke Logging & Computer Activity Monitoring

Companies can see what workers type on their work computers. This helps spot if someone is doing something they shouldn't. It can also show how much work people get done.

But some employees don't like being watched this way. So businesses need to tell workers about it first. Consider going through the employee monitoring laws in your state or country to know if that’s permitted or not. Typically EU countries discourage extensive monitoring of employees.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Analyze keyboard activity and which programs they use.
• Teramind – Watches what people type and tracks activity.

Use case example:

A-Legal, a legal support services firm, used computer monitoring software to track employee keystrokes and computer activities. This confirmed suspicions of low productivity due to online distractions. And the company was able to address these issues effectively.

Website Browsing & Social Media Tracking

Using advanced tools, companies check which websites workers visit and how long they stay there. They can block websites that aren't for work. They also look at how much time people spend on social media during work hours. This helps employees stay focused on their jobs.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Sees what websites people visit using advanced monitoring.
• WebTitan – Filters harmful websites.
• CurrentWare – Monitors and restricts social media usage.

Use case example:

A tech company started using employee desktop monitoring software to see how workers spent their time. After three months, people got 20% more work done because they paid more attention to their tasks.

Application & Software Usage Monitoring

Businesses can now track which computer programs workers use during the day. This shows which programs help people work better and which ones waste time. It also helps companies save money by not buying programs no one uses. Plus, it makes sure workers only use safe, approved programs.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Tracks app & program usage and work habits.
• SoftActivity Monitor – Tracks app usage.

Use case example:

The Coding Network utilized application usage monitoring and productivity software to gain insights into software adoption rates. This way, they could tell that the tools employees use are effectively utilized. This optimized software investments and enhanced productivity.

Keycard Access & Biometric Monitoring

Some enterprises use special cards or body scans to let workers into buildings. Some also use fingerprints or face scans. But Body scans work better than cards because you can't copy someone's fingerprint.

This keeps places safe by making sure only the right people can get in. It also shows when people come and go from work.

Popular tools:

• HID Global – Enterprise-level biometric access.
• ZKTeco – Biometric authentication solutions.

Use case example:

To enforce its return-to-office policy, Amazon tracked employee office attendance. They started tracking when employees used their ID badges to enter buildings. This system ensured compliance with in-office requirements and provided data for managers.

Project & Task Management Monitoring

Task and project time tracking platforms let you see how work gets done. Managers can assign jobs easily and check if they're finished without lots of meetings. These tools show if any work is stuck or slow. They also help teams work better together.

Popular tools:

• Apploye – Helps manage work and teams.
• Trello – Makes workflow better.

Use case example:

Matt H., co-founder of LOUD & Spacecaps, needed a good way to keep track of when projects were due. He also wanted to maintain productivity and not get distracted by small tasks. So, he tried Apploye, and it worked really well!

This tool helped Matt and his team meet their deadlines. It did this by breaking work into chunks and suggesting short breaks. Plus, it made sure they spent time on the big, important stuff first.

Matt didn't need to watch over his workers. But the app made it easy to see how things were going. It eliminated office distractions, too. This made everyone work better.

In the end, Matt found that Apploye was both great and affordable. It kept his projects on schedule. And it made everything run smoothly.

Wearable Devices & Mobile Monitoring

Some organizations give workers special watches or devices to wear. These can tell if workers are tired or staying safe. This is good for jobs where people move around a lot, like in factories or hospitals. The devices can spot if someone might get hurt.

But corporations need clear rules about using these devices so workers feel okay about wearing them.

Popular tools:

• Smartwatches and RFID wearables track movement.
• Biometric fitness trackers monitor worker fatigue.

Use case example:

Vandrico Solutions Inc., a Canadian technology company, made special wearable devices for workers in mines and building sites. These devices check if workers are safe and doing well.
[Source: Wikipedia]

Why Should You Try Different Types of Employee Monitoring Systems

Employee monitoring gives helpful insights about workers and makes computer systems safer. It also optimizes operational efficiency. But, you must implement it ethically and transparently.

Here is how different systems can help you:

Work Hours & Activity Tracking Boosts Productivity

Systems that track time and check when people are working help businesses see how much workers do. They show when tasks are done and their quality.

When companies use software to watch employees, track projects, and measure productivity, they can:

• Track how time is used to lower wasted time and things that distract.
• Make people more responsible with screen checking and workflow charts.
• Show how tasks are managed and if the workload is fair.

Insider Threat Detection Improves Cybersecurity

Risks like data breaks, sharing files without permission, and fake emails can be stopped. This is possible by observing networks, tracking emails, and controlling who gets in, using on-premise employee monitoring software.

So, checking on employees makes things safer by:

• Watching network activity to stop data breaks.
• Finding odd behavior using key press logs and file tracking.
• Stopping threats with smart security alerts.

Employee Monitoring Systems Enhance Compliance with Industry Regulations

Many jobs must follow strict data protection laws and privacy rules. And employee monitoring solutions help ensure compliance with GDPR (Europe), HIPAA (Healthcare), CCPA (California), and ECPA (U.S.).

The main compliance benefits include:

• Tracks activity logs to meet legal and company standards.
• Limits access using fingerprints and keycards.
• Makes sure everything is open with clear rules and employee consent.

Access Control and Employee Surveillance Ensure Workplace Safety

Safety risks, both physical and digital, can be managed with video surveillance, keycard access, and fingerprint systems. These tools:

• Stops people who shouldn't get in with cameras and smart video checking.
• Makes safety better with wearable monitors and GPS tracking.
• Helps respond to emergencies using real-time location tracking.

Tracking Apps & Software Usage Optimizes Resource Allocation

Workforce analytics and digital tools help companies manage resources and assign tasks efficiently. Primary benefits include:

• Cuts software costs by finding apps not used.
• Makes workflow better with performance data and project charts.
• Makes work patterns better using smart workforce insights.

When used the right way, watching how employees work can help them do better, keep things safe, follow rules, and work faster.

Additionally, clear rules help everyone trust each other and work well together.

Important Read:

Explore the Benefits You’ll Get from Employee Monitoring

Employee Monitoring Legal Compliance & Regulations

Choosing the Right Type of Employee Monitoring Software

Before picking the best employee monitoring solution, you need to know what your business needs, what rules you must follow, and what you want to get from tracking your workers. A good choice will help monitor work, keep things safe, and be fair to employees.

Here are the factors to consider when choosing employee monitoring software:

Features & Functionalities

Different tools do different jobs, from checking work time to keeping things safe. Some key features are:

• Time Tracking & Attendance Monitoring: Keeps track of work hours and stops time waste.
• Internet & Website Monitoring: Watches internet activity to reduce distractions and follow company rules.
• Project & Task Management Integration: Follows workflow to make sure tasks get done.
• Application & Software Usage Monitoring: Shows how workers use important software.
• Keystroke Logging & Screen Recording: Used for jobs where safety matters a lot.
• Email & Communication Tracking: Stops data from leaking and ensures compliance.
• GPS Tracking & Mobile Device Monitoring: Good for workers away from the office or field technicians.

Scalability: Small Business vs. Enterprise-Level Solutions

Small businesses need cheap, simple tools. They just want to track work hours, task progress, and software use without making things too hard.

On the other hand, big companies need better security monitoring, workforce analytics, and compliance management. And work-from-home jobs need tools that work with phones and home computers.

Compliance with Privacy Laws & Ethical Policies

Making sure your employee monitoring software follows rules like GDPR, HIPAA, and ECPA is very important. That's why good watching tools should:

• Be clear about what info they collect and how they use it.
• Get workers to say "yes" before monitoring them.
• Watch work stuff, not personal stuff.
• Let workers see what info is being kept about them.

Ease of Use & Integration with Existing Systems

• Easy-to-use dashboard should make report analysis and real-time tracking simple.
• Working with other project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira makes the workflow smooth.
• Cloud vs. on-premise-based options change how safe and big the system can be.
• Settings you can change let businesses watch different teams in different ways.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Productivity & Privacy

Keeping an eye on employees helps them work better, keeps things safe, and helps them follow rules. But don't go overboard!

When you watch workers, be honest about it and follow the law. This builds trust.

Also, pick good employee monitoring tools that help workflow better but still give people some space.

Related Reading:

How to Monitor Employee Internet Usage & Online Activities?

20 Time Tracking Best Practices Guide (2025)

How to Track Employee Performance (Details & Template)

Top 10 Best User Activity Monitoring Software in 2025

How to Track Employee Working Hours Effectively in 2025