BUS 310 SU Ethics of Monitoring Freelancers Discussion

Part One:

Three months ago, you decided to hire freelance workers because the company was overloaded by data processing work (due to the growth of the company). Today is the last Friday of the month and you have to process the invoices from the freelance workers. The freelance workers are doing an excellent job processing the invoices. The amount of hours used to complete the work, however, increases each month. Last month, the freelancers’ timesheets showed they spent an average of 18 hours to go through the data for one client. This month, the freelancers spent an average of 25 hours per account. This is troubling since it took in-house processing 5–7 hours to go through the data for one client. The most inexperienced employee on the team took nine hours to process one client’s account.

You discussed the situation with another manager and he suggested using a software program called EyeSpy that takes pictures of freelancers’ computer screens and records keystrokes and mouse clicks periodically throughout the day. At the end of each week, you can drill down by worker, examining their productivity to give you an accurate report of who is doing what while on the clock.

• Should the company be allowed to install the EyeSpy software to monitor performance? If not, what other suggestions do you have on finding out why there are variations in the freelancer’s timesheet?
• Is it legal for organizations to monitor the performance of the employees without telling them? Why or why not?

Part Two:

Laura Smit classmates’ post

Installing the EyeSpy software to monitor freelancers’ performance without their knowledge may raise legal and ethical concerns. Instead, consider having open and transparent communication with the freelancers to address the variations in their timesheets. You can discuss their challenges, provide additional training if needed, and establish clear expectations for productivity. Open dialogue can help identify any issues and find solutions collaboratively. It’s important to prioritize open communication and trust in order to maintain a positive working relationship with the freelancers. Regarding the legality of monitoring employees without their knowledge, it varies depending on the jurisdiction and employment laws. It’s advisable to consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with local regulations.