someone holding a phone in their hands
On the latest episode of Lately, we're diving into the rapidly evolving world of workplace surveillance with an expert at the forefront of the field, David Murakami Wood. As the Canada Research Chair in Critical Surveillance and Security Studies, and a professor at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Murakami Wood brings a wealth of knowledge to the table about how new surveillance technologies are reshaping the workplace—and whether they really lead to increased efficiency or if they are creating more problems than they solve.

With employee tracking technologies advancing at an astonishing rate, employers are now able to track more than just the hours worked. From monitoring physical movements to analyzing every click, keystroke, and even emotions, the tools available to employers are truly mind-blowing. These advancements are being touted as solutions to improve productivity, streamline operations, and keep employees on task. But as we all know, with great power comes great responsibility—or at least, it should.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Murakami Wood explores the key questions at the heart of this debate:

  1. Is Workplace Surveillance Really About Efficiency? Employee monitoring is often pitched as a way to increase productivity and reduce waste. But does this really result in more efficient workplaces, or does it simply create a culture of mistrust and stress? Dr. Murakami Wood dissects whether these technologies ultimately serve the interests of both employers and employees.
  2. The Ethical Implications of Tracking Employees: What does it mean for personal freedom and privacy when companies can track workers at every moment? Dr. Murakami Wood examines the ethical implications of such intrusive technologies and what they mean for the future of worker rights.
  3. The Role of Technology in Shaping Workplace Culture: Surveillance tools often change the very dynamics of how people interact with one another in the workplace. Are these tools really enhancing collaboration, or do they push employees into constant competition and anxiety? Dr. Murakami Wood discusses the deeper psychological effects of constant surveillance.
  4. The Future of Employee Monitoring and Accountability: Looking ahead, what should companies do to ensure that technology doesn’t just serve business interests but also protects employees? Dr. Murakami Wood shares his insights on the direction surveillance technologies are taking and the regulatory frameworks needed to protect both employers and employees.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Murakami Wood challenges us to think critically about the tools we often take for granted in our professional lives. Are they really helping us be more productive, or are they undermining our autonomy and trust in the workplace?

Whether you’re an employee concerned about your personal privacy, an employer curious about the potential of these technologies, or simply someone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and workplace dynamics, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to Lately for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. David Murakami Wood—because the future of surveillance at work is happening now, and it's a topic you don’t want to miss.