How Companies Can Use Employee Data Responsibly

In the wake of recent customer data breaches, companies are recognizing the need for more protections and transparency around the collection and use of customer data. But few have paid equal attention to the issues arising from the collection and mining of workplace data. Companies have vast amounts of valuable data on work and their workforce, and executives recognize the opportunity to use this data to improve productivity and to motivate and engage people. We surveyed more than 10,000 workers, across all skill levels and generations, and 1400 C-level executives, in 13 countries and 13 industries. We found that more than 90% of the employees are willing to let their employers collect and use data on them and their work, but only if they benefit in some way.