An inconspicuous device that will allow your boss to spy on you

Do you have a habit of drinking coffee in the morning in the staff room? Or, perhaps, you allow yourself to have a leisurely lunch and a beer in the afternoon? Now your boss will be able to find out about this using an inconspicuous gadget.

How did we get into Orwell's world?

This device was called OccupEye (almost like in the books of Orwell). It is a touch technology with a backlight system, which is placed in many places, including under the employee's desk, to monitor what it is doing. Sensors can be used to accommodate in any workspace, as well as to control the level of lighting to save on the costs of the company.

Surveillance of employees

Last year, there were reports of numerous companies using these electronic devices to monitor their employees. Journalists of the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph found them under their desks and made a noise, as a result of which the devices disappeared for the next day.

However, the new Bloomberg report suggests that these sensors are still present in many workplaces, often without the knowledge of employees. According to their estimates, up to 15 percent of Fortune 500 companies use them in their workplaces.

Most people, when they enter the building, do not even notice them, says Joe Costello, chief executive officer of Bloomberg. He added that they can be hidden anywhere: under the table, in the lamps and even in badges.

Optimization of office space

Advertising these gadgets suggests that they help to "optimize" office space. Sensors collect data about when people are at their workplace, and they let you know when certain areas of space are empty. Thus, the device can guarantee that the company does not spend money to pay for electricity, heating or air conditioning in empty offices. The gadget has the potential to cut energy costs in offices by 25 percent.

Collection of information

Sensors can also collect information about how employees behave, for example, how often they get up and talk with their colleagues. These data can then be used to redesign space to help employees communicate more effectively.

Of course, these are very clever technologies designed for large employers, hoping to save their money. Nevertheless, like many other technologies in our interconnected world, they interfere with your privacy.