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CCTV’s Role in the Surveillance of Remote Workers

CCTV’s Role in the Surveillance of Remote Workers
25 November 2020 | Updated 18 March 2021
 

Coronavirus is accelerating the demand for CCTV systems being used to remotely monitor people and operations in the workplace, according to a new study. 

Nearly half (46 per cent) of medium and large-sized businesses across England, plan to use their CCTV systems in this way. 

The survey, commissioned by NW Security, also revealed that the primary reason for investing in CCTV systems in the workplace is staff safety.

 

"The increase in the use of CCTV as a remote management tool has been running in parallel with the exponential rise of video conferencing during the last seven months."

–Frank Crouwel

Managing Director, NW Security

 

Eyes and Ears for Managers Working From Home

 

As our working culture has shifted from a traditional model of the entire team working together in one place, managers are looking to technology to help them track their teams’ productivity. In some circumstances, this is even to the extent of using surveillance software, known as bossware. This allows employers to track keystrokes, mouse movements and even take random screenshots throughout the day.  

However traditional forms of surveillance, namely CCTV systems, are being used by businesses where there are physical operations which need ongoing visual monitoring.

Frank Crouwel, Managing Director of NW Security explained: “CCTV systems can provide the eyes and ears for managers working from home or elsewhere. CCTV can help them to make sure systems and processes are running smoothly, ensuring staff are working safely and with sufficient support.”

NW Security’s survey also asked medium and large-sized firms whether they expect their existing surveillance systems to be able to support a safe return to the workplace for most employees, in the light of COVID control measures.

Over half (52 per cent) of businesses felt CCTV could be used to provide another method of identification in support of some workplaces’ drive for contactless access to work premises and buildings.

And half (50 per cent) felt CCTV systems ought to be able to help manage and enforce social distancing in the workplace.

 

Face Mask Compliance

 

In addition, just under half (48 per cent) thought CCTV ought to be used to trace all people movements in and around the office to ensure that staff were following directional arrows around buildings and face mask compliance for example.

Crouwel added: “It seems that there is a new realisation of the role of video in managing businesses. The increase in the use of CCTV as a remote management tool has been running in parallel with the exponential rise of video conferencing during the last seven months.

“The pandemic has forced us all to use these existing video technologies, and it has simultaneously accelerated the demands placed on CCTV systems by managers right across businesses.”

Picture: a photograph of a CCTV camera, mounted from the ceiling

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 25 November 2020

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