Cameras in the workplace, do they bother you ?

Things change I've changed · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:07

Well ?,

I work as a chef in a restaurant, a couple of years ago the boss installed a couple of cameras in the kitchen, no big deal, they were primarily installed to on occasion show us cooking on plasma screens in the seating area for the customers, but recently more and more cameras have started appearing in the kitchen, now there are 9 cameras installed in an average sized kitchen, now these extra cameras are not there for the benefit of showing the customers our work, but monitoring everything that we do, every square inch is covered, now we've never had any problems with theft or poor work etc so it baffles me as to why he would install all these cameras.

I know legally the employer isn't breaking any rules but all the same I do feel uncomfortable with so many cameras watching me in such a small area, I'm always feeling on edge questioning everything that I do and I don't like working like that, do you think I'd would be silly to leave the job becuase of this ? (I would only be leaving if I secured placement elsewhere)

So basically my question is what are your thoughts on monitoring staff activity via cameras in the work place ?, am I wrong to be bothered ?

Admiral Huddy · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:10

They don't bother me around the hallways and reception but at my desk then i would.. Besides, i'd give the receptionist a stroke if she saw what i got up to

iNPUt · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:10

I think if you know the cameras are watching you are going to be good, but if they are there the trust becomes lower, so when you know you not on camera you will not perform so well. Maybe thats the reason the the 9 cameras.

We broke the camera by "accident" where I was working. This one also had a bell, so if
boss saw us slacking he would push it.

Gilly · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:10

Not even slightly bothered. I work in an environment where I am monitored all the time I am present in various ways. One of them is that I'm constantly under camera supervision.

Burnsy2023 · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:12

I'm not usually bothered by them, but if I were the OP, I'd feel unsettled by it too.

a1ex2001 · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:13

I wouldn't mind too much but fortunately it would be a crime if my employer filmed my current desk

Steve2000 · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:13

I don't get monitored as I am required in various parts of the country every day so mostly on the road.

It would slightly concern me if a camera were to be fitted to my car as well as tracking devices etc.

Nix · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:14

It depends. Usually it wouldn't, but if they're unavoidable it can become a little aggravating.

Sharlaw · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:15

Doesn't bother me, I monitor the cameras.

Muahahahhahaha

Dup · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:15

None at ours (that I know of). It's an open enough space as it is and I have to keep a check on my nose picking and adjustment activites.

Tunney · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:18

Have you tried speaking to your boss about this? Maybe find out his intentions and ask if he has any problems with the standard of your work.

Things change I've changed · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:22

Nix said:
It depends. Usually it wouldn't, but if they're unavoidable it can become a little aggravating.

They basically are unavoidable, there is one in every corner and then 2 on the cookers and 3 covering spots the corner cameras can't see.

Makes me feel hemmed in, perhaps these cameras have unearthed some hidden paranoia in me that I wasn't aware of before now

.

Tunney said:
Have you tried speaking to your boss about this? Maybe find out his intentions and ask if he has any problems with the standard of your work.

Yes, he just says that it is new company policy and they are there to monitor our performance, which is fair I suppose but it's just the amount of cameras that bothering me, I don't mind the odd one or two but 9, it feels like I'm a contestant in big brother.

Yas786 · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:24

No cameras at my office...no need to either really.

Sin_Chase · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:24

It costs the establishment little to cover all parts of the kitchen for that one POSSIBLE time some disgruntled employee does something nasty to someones food, or something genuinely accidental happens.

As uncomfortable as it may make you your employers trust only extends so far and when weighing trust against potential problems that could easily be solved via CCTV.. well, CCTV wins it seems

n3vrmind · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:34

The downside is loss of privacy in your workplace, do you need privacy there? Is he just recording or is he actually monitoring it live

The upside is that while they may protect your employer they also protect you too, if something of yours is taken, violence or disagreements.. the tapes are evidence for you too

Ciphon · 24 Jun 2009 at 16:54

I'd say 9 camera's in a small kitchen is a little over the top!

In my last office we had a few camera's dotted arround, and in my current place we have none!

dbmzk1 · 24 Jun 2009 at 17:10

It's not like they are really going to watch them unless something happens anyway, so it's not really a big deal imo.

shauncr91 · 24 Jun 2009 at 17:11

If they were focused on me all the time, it would bother me, but if they were just dotted around the building I couldn't care less.

QlimaxUK · 24 Jun 2009 at 17:15

well then u will just have to stop spitting in the food then won't u

Kearney_1988 · 24 Jun 2009 at 17:22

Admiral Huddy said:
Besides, i'd give the receptionist a stroke if she saw what i got up to

Am i the only one who was like :eek:

as they read the start of that sentance

i had to read it a few times just to understand what you mean