Workplace Relations & Safety: Technology in the workplace

Technology in the workplace

Government agencies will increasingly be challenged by the introduction and management of technology designed to offer employers an efficient and accurate means to secure their workplaces, and monitor and record their employees' time and attendance.

In the past, these technologies have included surveillance cameras, IT monitoring, GPS tracking and mobile phone tracking. These technologies have largely been accepted into the workplace and, in some jurisdictions, are governed by express legislation like the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW).

The boundaries are now being tested with new technologies, in particular biometric technology which captures facial, fingerprint and iris scans. How should a government agency deal with these technologies?