When Tracking Your Employees Makes Sense

By Harriette Halepis

All across the nation, state departments have been toying with the idea of installing GPS trackers inside of state owned vehicles. In some states, these trackers have been implemented, and in all cases the trackers have been proven highly effective. State employers have learned that employees aren’t always “on the job” when they are “on the clock.” In addition, employees have begun using work time to, well, work (for fear of being caught not working).

Tracking Employees

The same reasons for tracking state employees can easily apply to private employees. If you are one of the many people who hire various employees on a private level, then you may want to consider GPS tracking bracelets and other devices. Even though you can’t place a GPS tracker on an employee without written consent, you can ask all new hires to consider wearing a GPS tracker. Why would you even ponder this idea?

Well, the old adage that “time is money” is as true today as it ever was. When you hire an employee on an hourly basis, you expect that employee to work during those hours. However, some people may not actually be working, even though you are paying them to work. Consider how upset you would be if you found out that your housekeeper took a nap for three hours during the afternoon. Or, think about what your reaction might be if you discovered that your babysitter took your children to her boyfriend’s house while you were away.

From cleaning crews to childcare providers, asking an employee to wear or carry a GPS tracking device may save you money. In the same manner that various state departments found out that numerous state employees were attending to personal affairs on state time, you may also discover that you are paying someone an hourly wage, so that they can take advantage of your trust.

Does this notion ruin the trust that’s supposed to exist between an employee and an employer? Not necessarily. Any employee who is trustworthy would not have a problem carrying or wearing a GPS tracking device. While you may want to trust everyone you hire, this isn’t always a possibility. GPS technology makes it possible to keep tabs on your children, elderly family members, pets, and employees – tracking a private employee is no different.

If you want to make sure that you are paying someone who’s actually working, think about using a GPS tracker. Hiring someone on an hourly basis can be a great thing, but this arrangement only works if you can ensure that the person you’re hiring is completing the tasks at hand. With GPS technology, this kind of assurance has become a reality, and it’s a reality that makes a lot of financial sense.

Tags: business, efficiency, employees, GPS tracking device, technology