AI-driven workplace surveillance is on the rise

Advances in artificial intelligence, sensors, and tracking software are driving a significant rise in workplace surveillance. Companies are increasingly using technology to monitor physical locations, phone call content, keystrokes, and even the tone of customer interactions.

Examples of this trend include Burger King’s rollout of ‘Patty’, an AI chatbot in headsets designed to track cashier etiquette, and the use of handheld scanners and workstation software to track employees in Amazon warehouses. Delivery drivers are also frequently monitored by AI-powered systems.

While corporate leaders often implement these tools to increase efficiency or safety, research suggests the benefits may be limited. Cornelius König, a psychology researcher at Saarland University, noted that a review of studies found little evidence that electronic surveillance actually improves performance. Despite these findings, the global market for employee-monitoring technology is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, driven largely by North American corporations.