Safety and security are critical for our time, which is understandable. Daily lives involve lots of risks, and security measures are necessary. It is one of the reasons why security cameras are common elements in many locations – on streets, in schools, and in plenty of offices. But the perception of these elements is often ambiguous.
There are lots of discussions about privacy issues. Many people don’t want to be monitored. Still, the usage of cameras in the workplace will hardly be canceled. Far from it. So, we should understand if it is a decent option to embrace or the necessary evil we have to put up with.
Using cameras in the workplace – pro and contra
Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using such systems at work, let’s consider the devices themselves. A modern security camera is a high-tech solution that can do the monitoring, record the video, code it, store it, and even analyze the recorded materials using advanced software. Also, they are easy to manage through the app.
Such cameras are quite compact. It is possible to mount them discreetly, so their presence won’t annoy the employees. Employers, in their turn, must inform the staff about the security cameras and filming their activities. It is the most common reason for raising privacy rights discussions. Of course, professionals should agree with convincing logical arguments.
Advantages of security cameras
To cut a long story short, a decent video surveillance system brings lots of pluses to the work:
- It reduces crime (or crime attempts). Some employees tend to perform illegal activities. Knowing they are on camera will most likely prevent them from such attempts. If you use a personal device to search how to fax from iPad , if the work equipment is malfunctioning, it won’t affect you. Using a Fax App, when approved by the boss, is not anything illegal. So, security cameras are nothing to worry about.
- It does not allow any harassment to happen. This problem is still burning despite all the social campaigns of the recent several years. Video evidence did a good job supporting the victims – a usual iPhone was enough to record the activities. However, it is much safer when everyone knows about the surveillance. It prevents harassment attempts, making the workplace safer.
- It motivates people to increase their productivity at work. It is not any phenomenon – employees tend to focus more on their tasks. In our experience, many staff members installed mobile versions of their work applications on iPhone to stay in touch even during lunch breaks. Cameras record such efforts, making them arguments in your favor when the time to consider your promotion comes.
You can see that applying security cameras at work can really raise safety standards. We spend the major part of our lives at work, and it is only for the best when it is safe and comfortable. But many people oppose the idea of being under video surveillance. And they have their reasons too.
Disadvantages of using security cameras at workplaces
The most common complaint about getting in the focus of video cameras is privacy rights. It is essential for many people when it comes to psychological comfort.
- Intrusion into a personal space. No matter how discrete the cameras are, they provide additional psychological pressure. It relates to any action. What if you need to use the faxing application on your tablet or smartphone? You know that it won’t affect your work most slightly, but what will your bosses think of that? It does not add positive.
- Enhancing the surveillance area drastically. Some employers get really possessed about being in control. They intrude further, read the correspondence and check faxing activities. They control every app installed on the desktops and even try checking the apps on personal devices.
- The threat of cybercriminal attacks. Systems that had to ensure security for the staff may become the entrance for criminals. Hacking attacks on video cameras are frequent. Even the most expensive and protected devices are in jeopardy. As a result, internal, sensitive information may become available to unauthorized people.
- Significant expenses. Last, but not least, deploying video surveillance systems can cause a lot of money. There is no reason to purchase cheap cameras. One could mount the iPad with its camera connected to Wi-Fi just as well. Professional equipment, mounting services, and regular maintenance cost much, and you won’t know if those expenses get paid off.
Implementation of video surveillance should not be hasty. While using some staff monitoring means is commonplace, it is really vital to keep the balance between the necessity of monitoring and respecting the employees’ privacy.
Conclusion
Like it or not, video cameras are regular at many workplaces. And with all concerns about intrusion into people’s privacy, this measure won’t disappear. It is necessary to develop a work attitude where every employee will understand their rights and responsibilities, know why the cameras are there, and just focus on the work duties without worrying about being caught faxing a nice picture to a friend on an iPad.