Monitoring 'fuelling' work stress

Workplace surveillance is heightening levels of anxiety and stress, it has been claimed.

According to the results of a study financed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the use of information communication technology (ICT) to monitor employees on a continuous basis is leaving staff feeling more stressed and anxious.

Stress in the workplace can lead to a number of different physical conditions, including depression, tension, fatigue and substance abuse.

"ICT surveillance can seriously damage employees' well-being," said Michael White, a representative from the Policies Studies Institute.

The study found that 52 per cent of respondents worked in an environment where computers logged or recorded work.

Moreover, a further 23 per cent confirmed that the logged information was utilised for verifying performance levels.

Stress can manifest itself in a number of different symptoms, including inability to sleep, headaches and stomach upset.