Why Employers Should Notify Employees Of Monitoring Activity

The global economy has been struggling amid the Pandemic, leaving many businesses searching for methods to both reduce inefficiency and improve profitability. This is the reason why so many companies worldwide have adopted vehicle management plans to monitor and track drivers in order to oversee employee driving activity. GPS tracking devices are intended to reduce fuel consumption, vehicle idling, and poor route selection. and costly automotive maintenance, which allows employers to save money. Unfortunately, workplace monitoring leaves some employees feeling uneasy even if a GPS device is used for legitimate business reasons. Some workers view employee tracking technology as intrusive, creepy company culture, and therefore, view it negatively. This is why employers need to communicate with their employees about tracker devices and the benefits of GPS monitoring.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Companies Use GPS Tracking

Most people who read anything regarding the management of fleet vehicles already are thinking to themselves that fleet monitoring devices are only for large businesses. They picture massive buses, ambulances, or big rig fleets transporting people, services, or goods all across the nation. Although GPS tracking devices are a staple among any business with the need to network, route, dispatch, or monitor a fleet of vehicles, the monitoring technology has also been helping small businesses save anywhere from a few thousand dollars a year to hundreds of thousands of dollars! This is because vehicle tracking technology does more than simply document mileage. Here are some of the most popular reasons why companies use GPS tracking:

1. Improve Routing And Dispatching: By monitoring your vehicles in real-time, you can optimize routing and dispatching and improve the overall efficiency of your operations. This can result in cost savings, improved customer service, and increased productivity.
2. Monitor Employee Activity: You can track the location and movement of your vehicles to monitor the activity of your employees while they’re on the clock. This can help you catch instances of moonlighting, time-wasting, or other forms of employee misconduct. Just make sure you have a legitimate business reason for monitoring your employees and that you comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including obtaining user consent and ensuring that you’re not misusing personal information.
3. Reduce Idling Costs: By tracking your vehicles, you can monitor instances of idling and take steps to reduce or eliminate this heavy cost. For example, by routing vehicles more efficiently, you can reduce the amount of time that vehicles spend idling in traffic or at job sites.
4. Track And Recover Stolen Or Missing Vehicles: In the event of a theft or other loss, you can quickly track down and recover your vehicles using GPS tracking systems. This can help you minimize the financial impact of vehicle theft or loss and ensure that your operations are not disrupted.
5. Ensure Safe Driving Practices: By monitoring the speed and driving patterns of your employees, you can ensure that they’re driving safely and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. For example, you can use GPS technologies to alert supervisors if employees are speeding or driving dangerously, allowing them to take corrective action and minimize the risk of accidents or other incidents.

By GPS tracking employees, companies are able to essentially eliminate all large portions of the wasteful spending associated with poor route management and fleet management operations. Not to mention, the improved employee accountability will likely only boost performance and the bottom line!

Do GPS Devices Constitute An Invasion Of Employee Privacy – What You Should Know

As a business owner, you want to ease your employees’ worries about GPS tracking. They may think you’re monitoring them specifically, but you can clarify. Explain that all company vehicles will be monitored for safety and efficiency, not just one person. Legally, you don’t need employee consent, but it’s better to be transparent. This creates trust and open communication, leading to long-term success.

When discussing GPS tracking systems businesses should be quick to point out that reducing overhead spending is something that is universally beneficial to all people collecting paychecks. One small ambulance company located in South Carolina explained to the staff that times were so difficult that they had no other option but to use real-time GPS monitoring devices to cut down on fuel consumption. They pointed out that the last thing they wanted to do was lay staff off and that calculation showed a more effective fuel management strategy would result in the company being able to keep all employees working.

Please contact an employment lawyer to go over any GPS monitoring laws and regulations in your area before GPS tracking employees. 

Video Surveillance And Electronic Communication Are Everywhere

Technology to provide oversight and security is everywhere, but some employees may be quick to forget this. Businesses should remind workers that digital supervision and technology designed for safety is a positive thing and that is why it is so abundantly found in today’s world. For example, almost every major retail shopping center now has hidden camera systems decorating parking structures and camera devices watching consumers as they shop in stores. This video recording is found at gas stations, restaurants, banks, and even fast-food establishments. In some cities, the same type of hidden camera technology is even used to catch motorists committing traffic violations. Known as red light camera systems, these types of video camera devices are constantly watching drivers as they travel making certain that the rules of the road are being followed.

Businesses that want to maintain success need to constantly focus on ways of improving efficiency, worker production, and profit in the most effective methods possible. Tracker devices that use real-time GPS are one of the new tools giving businesses the oversight technology that can maximize driver production, safety, and efficiency, but companies must never forget the vital role that good employees play in business success. This is why it is always good to openly discuss any new strategy involving workers even if that strategy is a GPS fleet tracking one that will require driver oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Legal For Employers To Monitor Their Employees Through GPS Tracking?

Yes, employers can legally monitor their employees through GPS as long as they have a legitimate business reason for doing so and they have provided clear and adequate notice to their employees. However, it’s important to check with a local attorney or legal expert to ensure that your use of GPS tracking technology complies with all relevant laws and regulations, such as employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and the Human Rights Act. Lastly, if you are monitoring an employee’s location through a company-owned vehicle, you may need to obtain their consent or comply with data protection laws.

Do Employers Have To Tell Their Workers About Tracking Devices In The Workplace?

Yes, it’s recommended that employers be transparent and honest with their employees about any tracking devices or software they use to monitor their work or activity. This helps to foster a culture of trust and openness between employees and management and can prevent misunderstandings or confusion about the use of tracking tools. However, the specific laws and regulations regarding the use of tracking devices in the workplace may vary depending on your location and the nature of the tracking. It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal expert or employment law attorney to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant laws.

Can Companies Use GPS To Track The Location Of Their Employees?

Yes, employers can use GPS to track the location of their employees, but they must have a legitimate business reason for doing so and they must provide clear and adequate notice to their employees. Additionally, if you are monitoring an employee’s location through a company-owned vehicle, you may need to obtain their consent or comply with data protection laws. It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal expert or employment law attorney to ensure that your use of GPS tracking technology is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Are There Any Privacy Concerns When Employers Use GPS Devices To Monitor Their Employees?

Yes, there are privacy concerns when employers use tracking devices to monitor their employees, which is why it’s important to be transparent and honest about their use. Employees have the right to know how their work and activity are being monitored, and they should be informed about the specific tracking devices or software being used and the purpose of their use. Additionally, employers must ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant data protection laws, such as the Data Protection Act, and that they are not misusing personal information or violating individual employees’ human rights. If you have any concerns about privacy, it’s always a good idea to consult with a legal expert or privacy lawyer.

Matthew Hensen

Matthew is a freelance writer who is passionate about technology, music, photography, and decentralized finance.