(in German)

Context-sensitive work systems become more and more popular and may increase the potential for electronic monitoring at the workplace. A scoping review addresses the question how electronic monitoring affects employees. 85 studies are selected with the following outcome variables: performance, stress and strain, work motivation, work satisfaction, trust, commitment, as well as positive and negative behaviors, and the affective states of employees. The studies are summarized both qualitatively and meta-analytically. There are heterogeneous findings for employee's performance and mostly small adverse effects on subjective stress, perceived control, satisfaction, commitment and affect. Adequate design and implementation of electronic monitoring can reduce the negative impact of electronic monitoring. The personal level of monitoring, participatory introduction, reasonable justification, and positive feedback through monitoring can reduce negative responses to electronic monitoring. However, most studies in the review are based on correlative and quasi-experimental research and therefore only offer design recommendations. For confirmed design knowledge, longitudinal studies and planned interventions (in the field) are required.

Practical Relevance: Digitalised working environments, in particular the introduction of interconnected, intelligent, and context-sensitive systems, can lead to an increase of employee monitoring. This aspect is still very rarely taken into account in the design and evaluation of digital assistance systems. The contribution sensitizes to this topic and describes the effects and risks of electronic employee monitoring. In order to avoid negative effects, practical design guidelines are given.

Please download the article "Context sensitive assistance and the effect of electronic monitoring at work: A meta-analytic review" (in German only).

First Online: 21 December 2018