Monitoring workers through digital tools is a rapidly expanding practice, accelerated by the spread of remote work and the digital transformation of companies. Before adopting these systems, however, it is essential to understand the regulatory framework governing their use.
The phenomenon of bossware: a new frontier of employer control
In recent years, the influence of digital transformation in business processes and the rise of remote work have encouraged the adoption of increasingly sophisticated technological tools for monitoring work activity. These solutions—also referred to by the English neologism “bossware,” combining “boss” and “software”—allow tracking of connection times, application usage, communication flows, productivity levels, geolocation, and, in some cases, capturing screenshots or recordings of performed activities.
While these tools promise greater organizational efficiency and protection of company assets, they also raise significant legal and ethical questions, directly affecting employee privacy, the trust relationship, and workplace culture.