Each state has their own laws governing the surveillance of employees or audio recording in the workplace. Many employers in recent years are turning to surveillance systems to protect their property and profits. As a general rule, if the reason for installing recording devices in the office or workplace is for a legitimate reason, the area is a public area and not places private such as restrooms and if all employees are aware they are being filmed in these areas, this is considered legal in most states.
An electronic monitoring and surveillance survey sponsored by the American Management Association and The ePolicy Institute reveals that 48 percent of companies surveyed have used video surveillance systems to deter theft and sabotage and 7 percent used surveillance to monitor employee productivity. Almost all employers answered that they inform employees of the use of surveillance as an anti-theft deterrent (78 percent) and as productivity monitoring ( 89 percent).
Each business will have their own needs and the following are some of the reasons businesses have installed surveillance cameras:
- Monitoring Entrances and Exits
- Monitoring Cash Registers And Points Of Sale
- Deter Theft
- Increase Productivity Via Feedback From Monitoring
- Keeping Track Of Inventory
How Do I Know Which Cameras Are best?
Business owners say the installation of cameras in their offices and general workplace have had positive results in retention of assets and work productivity. The first step in determining what type of system you need will be to determine the need for installing security cameras. Whatever reasons your business has for installing security cameras, it can help determine the best camera system for your needs.
One of the first questions you may have before purchasing a system is whether you want the monitoring to be discreet or to be present as a deterrent. Other determining factors include questions such as how big of an area is to be covered, what type of usability are you looking for, will the cameras be fixed in one position or do you want the capability of moving them when you want to look around at the surround areas?
Surveillance systems have become sophisticated and compact to the point of using your smartphone as your interface and the systems can be hooked up to your Wi-Fi system, relaying footage directly to your phone, computer, television or other devices. The need for bulky, complicated and stationary systems is gone.
Not all cameras and their systems are equal and are only best depending on your needs. Some things to consider before purchasing your camera system:
- Stationary or PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom)
- Lighting and Visibility
- Clarity and Detail
- Placement
- Retention Time
- Area of Coverage
- Cost
The Best Office Cameras In 2018
The following are just a few of the different security cameras which have been reviewed by the tech industry as the best, most reliable, and most affordable in their class for the business owner in 2018:
Discreet monitoring could lead to possible legal issues if not careful of obeying state law. Visible monitoring can deter unwanted activity and loss of assets. Whether you’re installing for asset retention, adherance to company policies or a deterrant for harrassment, know the laws of your state, company policy and the rights of employees as a guide to purchase, placement and use of surveillance cameras.
In a recent Pew Research Poll, although Americans were the least receptive to the monitoring of others, 54 percent of Americans said they found it acceptable to monitor employees in the office and workplace environment. The use of office cameras are becoming more commonplace and an increasing part of the workplace experience.
