Glossary > Employment Law > Employee Privacy > Workplace Surveillance And Monitoring

Location Tracking

Location tracking in employment law refers to the practice of employers monitoring the physical whereabouts of their employees, often through the use of GPS technology or other tracking devices.

Example #1

An employer installs GPS tracking devices on company vehicles to monitor the routes and locations of delivery drivers throughout the workday.

Example #2

An employer requires employees to use a mobile app that tracks their location during working hours for safety and security purposes.

Misuse

Misuse of location tracking can occur when employers use this data to unlawfully monitor personal activities or violate an employee's privacy rights. For example, an employer using location tracking to monitor an employee's off-duty activities without their consent or a valid reason would be considered an invasion of privacy and a violation of employee rights. It is crucial to protect against such misuse to ensure employee privacy and prevent potential legal violations.

Benefits

One of the benefits of location tracking can be enhanced safety and security for employees, especially for those working remotely or in potentially hazardous environments. For instance, in industries where employees work alone or in high-risk areas, location tracking can provide employers with the ability to quickly locate and assist employees in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

While location tracking can offer benefits such as improved safety and operational efficiency, it is essential to ensure that it is implemented in a transparent and fair manner, respecting the privacy rights of employees. Protecting against misuse of location tracking is crucial to uphold employee privacy and maintain a fair and transparent workplace environment.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024