As a business owner, keeping your team productive and protecting company data are top priorities. But how can you ensure employees stay on task when you’re not looking over their shoulder? Enter employee monitoring software.
Employee monitoring tools allow managers to discreetly track employee computer activities during work hours. The software runs silently in the background, logging keystrokes, app usage, web browsing, idle time, and more. Some solutions even capture screenshots or record employee screens.
With these insights, managers can identify productivity issues, security risks, and time theft. Employee monitoring brings transparency to the workday and gives managers data to support any disciplinary action.
I recently tested some of the top options to find the best employee monitoring software on the market today. In this blog post, I’ll share my top recommendations based on factors like features, ease of use, and value.
You’ll learn:
- Key features to look for in monitoring tools
- My hands-on experience with the top systems
- A comparison of the leading solutions
- How to choose the right product for your needs
Monitoring software can be tricky to evaluate, so I’m here to cut through the noise. My goal is to help you make an informed decision to protect your business without going overboard on monitoring. Let’s dive in!
What is Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee monitoring software refers to tools that track employee activities on work devices like computers, phones, and tablets. These monitoring systems run silently in the background to log data on app usage, web browsing, communications, productivity, and more.
Key Features of Employee Monitoring Software 🛠️
- Activity Tracking: Monitors applications used, websites visited, and the time spent on each task.
- Screenshots & Screen Recording: Captures visual evidence of on-screen activities at periodic intervals.
- Communication Monitoring: Keeps tabs on email exchanges, chat applications, and other forms of digital communication.
- GPS & Location Tracking: For businesses with on-the-go employees, tracking their physical location becomes essential.
- Keylogging: Records keystrokes to understand search queries, messages, and more.
- Productivity Analysis: Analyzes data to give insights into employee efficiency and areas of improvement.
- Alerts & Notifications: Sends real-time notifications for suspicious or prohibited activities.
Monitoring tools empower managers to:
- Ensure employees stay on task during work hours
- Reduce time theft and other counterproductive activities
- Protect company data and assets
- Gain insight into employee productivity levels
- Optimize workflows based on activity data
Key types of employee monitoring software:
- Desktop monitoring – Tracks work computer activities
- Mobile monitoring – Tracks work phones and tablets
- Cloud-based monitoring – Works across devices and networks
- Time tracking – Logs time spent on tasks and apps
- Project management – Tracks progress on projects
Monitoring tools generate easy-to-interpret reports on employee actions. Managers can then address issues like excessive social media use or security risks.
The main goal is to ensure employees utilize work devices properly and remain productive. When used ethically, monitoring software protects company interests without being overly invasive.
Why is Employee Monitoring in the Workplace Important?
There are several key reasons why implementing employee monitoring is crucial for modern businesses:
1. Enhancing Productivity & Efficiency ⏳📈
- Time Management: Monitoring helps managers identify time-wasting activities, allowing them to guide employees towards more productive tasks.
- Performance Metrics: By analyzing the data, managers can set clear performance benchmarks and identify areas for improvement.
2. Data Security & Protection 🔒💻
- Preventing Data Leaks: With cyber threats on the rise, monitoring can alert businesses to any suspicious activities that could lead to data breaches.
- Insider Threats: By overseeing employee activities, companies can detect any malicious or negligent behavior that could jeopardize company data.
3. Legal Compliance & Liability ⚖️📜
- Regulatory Compliance: Some industries require strict adherence to data handling standards. Monitoring ensures that these standards are consistently met.
- Evidence for Disputes: Should any legal issues or disputes arise, recorded data can serve as unbiased evidence.
4. Remote Work Management 🌐🏡
- Bridging the Gap: With the rise of remote work, monitoring tools ensure that employees stay on task, regardless of their physical location.
- Maintaining Team Cohesion: By understanding work patterns, managers can ensure that remote teams collaborate effectively.
5. Efficient Resource Allocation 🔄📌
- Identifying Needs: Monitoring can highlight the need for additional resources or training in specific areas, allowing for proactive management.
- Cost Savings: By understanding where time and resources are spent, companies can make informed decisions on cost-cutting or reallocation.
6. Ethical & Fair Treatment 🤝💡
- Equality: Monitoring ensures that all employees are held to the same standards, fostering a sense of fairness in the workplace.
- Conflict Resolution: Should issues arise between employees, data can provide clarity and aid in resolution.
7. Informed Decision Making 🧠🔍
- Data-Driven Strategies: With consistent monitoring, managers can make decisions based on tangible data, leading to better outcomes.
- Future Planning: Insights from monitoring can inform future strategies, from recruitment to training and beyond.
The workplace insights and increased control provided by monitoring systems make them a vital productivity and security tool for modern businesses. When implemented ethically, they also improve the employee experience.
My Top Picks for Employee Monitoring Software
In addition to traditional desktop monitoring tools, software also exists to track employee activities on mobile devices. For companies that issue phones or tablets to employees, mobile monitoring provides visibility into how those devices are used during work hours. There are excellent mobile tracker options available that offer robust features tailored to monitor Android and iOS devices. Many of these tools also allow monitoring of PCs and Macs. In the next section, I’ll provide an overview of the top mobile and desktop monitoring apps and how they can empower managers to monitor all employee devices, whether mobile, PC, or Mac. By implementing cross-device monitoring, you can ensure company-issued devices are used properly during work hours.
mSpy – Best for Mobile Device Monitoring
If you need to monitor employee activities on mobile devices, mSpy is a top choice. mSpy offers robust tracking features for both Android and iOS.
With mSpy, managers can:
- View real-time GPS location data to track traveling employees
- Record on-screen activity with the screen recorder
- Log keystrokes on the mobile device keyboard
- Read sent/received text messages, even deleted ones
- Track calls made on the device
- Capture website browsing history and app usage
- Access calendar events and contacts
mSpy makes it easy to ensure employees properly utilize company-issued mobile devices. You can set up alerts for prohibited apps or suspicious keywords typed.
Key mSpy Features:
- 🌐 Internet Usage: Dive deep into their browsing habits.
- ⏰ Work Hour Insight: See what they’re up to during work hours.
- 🖥️ Screen Recording & Email Monitoring: Keep tabs on screen activity and emails.
- 📞 Call & Text Tracking: Know who they’re communicating with.
- 🚫 App & Website Blocking: Restrict access to distracting or inappropriate content.
- 🔠 Keylogging: Real-time data on every keystroke, perfect for understanding communication or searching for specific terms.
- ⚠️ Custom Keyword Alerts: Get notified if they type certain words – think “leak,” “not safe for work,” or anything suspicious.
Pricing & Compatibility 💰📱
- Monthly Pricing: $69.99/month for a single device
- Annual Pricing: Just $16.67/month (billed annually) for one device
- Compatibility: Fully supports Android and iOS
- Test Drive: They offer a demo for you to try out the features.
- Peace of Mind: If it doesn’t live up to your expectations, there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Unique Selling Points: Top-notch keylogger alerts and a nifty screen recorder
For affordable mobile device monitoring, mSpy is a top choice trusted by managers for over 10 years. It brings unparalleled visibility into how employees use company phones and tablets.
EyeZy – Excellent for Mobile and Remote Monitoring
For affordable mobile and remote employee monitoring, EyeZy is a top pick. Though designed as parental monitoring software, EyeZy’s robust features also provide excellent visibility into remote employee activities.
Key capabilities include:
- Real-time screen recordings show on-device activity
- Track GPS location of mobile devices
- Log keystrokes to capture typing
- View browsing history and app usage
- Remotely restrict apps and websites
- Access messaging content and deleted messages
EyeZy makes it easy to monitor remote workers directly from your dashboard. You can set up custom alerts for risky keywords typed or suspicious sites visited.
Notable EyeZy Features:
- 🔍 Search & Chat Monitoring: Stay updated with every query and conversation.
- ⚠️ Keyword Alerts: Be the first to know about any shady activity.
- 💌 Deleted Messages: Even if they erase it, you’ll still see it.
- 🌍 GPS Location Tracking: Know their whereabouts when on the clock.
- 🖥️ Screen Recording & Grabbing: Track work ethic by differentiating between idle time and active work hours.
- 🚫 App & Website Restriction: Ensure devices are used for work and work alone.
- ⏳ Time Tracking: Get insights on where and how time is being spent.
Pricing & Compatibility 💰📱
- Monthly Pricing: $47.99/month for a single device
- Annual Pricing: Steal-deal at just $9.99/month (billed annually) for one device
- Compatibility: Works smoothly on Android, iOS, and even tablets.
- Test Out the Waters: Before diving in, try out their demo and a 3-day free trial.
- Peace of Mind: Not feeling it? They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Standout Features: GPS geo-fencing alerts combined with top-tier screen recorder and grabbing functionalities.
For small business owners on a budget, EyeZy brings robust remote monitoring without the premium price tag. It’s a top choice for keeping tabs on your mobile and remote employees.
uMobix – Robust Mobile and Desktop Monitoring
uMobix stands out for its robust set of over 30 monitoring features for mobile and desktop. It offers unmatched visibility into employee device activities.
With uMobix, you can:
- Record screen activity in real-time
- Log keystrokes, including incognito searches
- Block access to apps, sites, camera, etc.
- View messaging content and deleted messages
- Set time restrictions for app categories
- Remotely lock company-issued devices
uMobix empowers you to control how employees utilize mobile devices and computers. You can permit or restrict access to certain functions.
Key Features:
- 📱 Complete App & Web Control: Choose which apps and sites are work-friendly.
- 📞 Call & Message Monitoring: Check durations, restrict calls, and even set alerts.
- 📲 Social Media Oversight: Set online alerts for productivity tracking.
- 💌 Deleted Messages: Nothing goes unnoticed, even if they hit delete.
- 🕵️ Incognito No More: Their keylogger even detects text in stealthy incognito searches and copied content.
- 🔊 Remote Mic & Camera Access: You’re in control, even from afar.
- 📊 Holistic Dashboard: Every detail, every activity, every stat – it’s all there.
Key uMobix Capabilities:
- Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
- Affordable monthly plans
- Tracks time spent in apps/websites
- Monitors messaging on apps like WhatsApp
- Easy-to-use online dashboard
Pricing & Compatibility 💰📱
- Monthly Pricing: $49.99/month for a single device
- Annual Pricing: An affordable $11.66/month (billed annually) for one device
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and tablets – they’ve got you covered.
- Demo Time: Not sure? Check out their live demo.
- Peaceful Purchase: If things don’t work out, there’s a 14-day refund policy.
- Unique Features: The ability to lock devices remotely and catch those incognito searches.
For robust monitoring of both desktop and mobile, uMobix is feature-packed yet affordable. It’s an excellent choice for comprehensive employee tracking.
Cocospy – User-Friendly Mobile Monitoring
Cocospy stands out as one of the most user-friendly mobile monitoring tools. Though light on advanced features, it excels at delivering easy yet effective employee tracking.
With Cocospy, managers can:
- View text messages, including deleted content
- Log keystrokes on mobile keyboards
- Track GPS location in real-time
- Monitor time spent in apps and websites
- Block access to apps, sites, camera, etc.
Cocospy makes mobile monitoring straightforward. You don’t need to jailbreak or root devices. Installation takes just a few minutes.
Key Features:
- 🔑 Keylogging Mastery: Every keystroke tells a story, and Cocospy captures it all.
- 👥 Group Chat Monitoring: What’s being discussed? Now, you’ll know.
- 📱 WhatsApp & Skype Oversight: Whether it’s informal chats or official communications, you’re in the loop.
- 📍 Location & Call Tracking: Know where they are and who they’re talking to.
- 🚫 App & Site Blocking: Take control by restricting access to non-essential apps and websites.
- 🗓️ Calendar Monitoring: Minimize scheduling hassles by overseeing work calendar events.
- 🌐 Browser Insights: Dive into their online explorations.
- 🌍 Geo-Fencing Alerts: Set boundaries and get notified when they’re crossed.
Why Businesses Love Cocospy:
- Intuitive online dashboard
- No advanced technical skills required
- Tracks popular chat apps like WhatsApp
- Affordable monthly plans
- Responsive customer support
Pricing & Compatibility 💰📱
- Monthly Pricing: $49.99/month for a single device
- Annual Pricing: Settling at $12.50/month when billed annually for one device.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and tablets – they’ve got wide coverage.
- Take a Peek: Explore what it offers with their demo.
- Purchase Peace: A 14-day refund policy ensures you’re making a risk-free decision.
- Unique Selling Point: Enjoy all it has to offer without the technical hassle of jailbreaking or rooting the device.
For easy and user-friendly mobile tracking, Cocospy is a top choice. It delivers core monitoring features businesses need without complexity.
Spyic – Affordable Multi-Device Monitoring
Spyic excels at affordably monitoring multiple employee devices. It’s designed for family tracking but works great for basic employee monitoring needs.
Notable Spyic features:
- 🔑 Keylogging Mastery: Every keystroke tells a story, and Cocospy captures it all.
- 👥 Group Chat Monitoring: What’s being discussed? Now, you’ll know.
- 📱 WhatsApp & Skype Oversight: Whether it’s informal chats or official communications, you’re in the loop.
- 📍 Location & Call Tracking: Know where they are and who they’re talking to.
- 🚫 App & Site Blocking: Take control by restricting access to non-essential apps and websites.
- 🗓️ Calendar Monitoring: Minimize scheduling hassles by overseeing work calendar events.
- 🌐 Browser Insights: Dive into their online explorations.
- 🌍 Geo-Fencing Alerts: Set boundaries and get notified when they’re crossed.
Spyic offers plans that cover up to 25 devices, making it scalable for businesses. You can monitor a fleet of phones without paying a fortune.
What Makes Spyic Stand Out:
- Affordable annual subscription plans
- Tracks SIM card location changes
- No rooting or jailbreaking required
- Easy to install and set up alerts
- Intuitive online dashboard
Pricing & Compatibility 💰📱
- Monthly Pricing: $49.99/month for a single device
- Annual Pricing: Settling at $12.50/month when billed annually for one device.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and tablets – they’ve got wide coverage.
- Take a Peek: Explore what it offers with their demo.
- Purchase Peace: A 14-day refund policy ensures you’re making a risk-free decision.
- Unique Selling Point: Enjoy all it has to offer without the technical hassle of jailbreaking or rooting the device.
For affordable multi-device monitoring, Spyic delivers excellent value. It provides essential visibility into remote employee activities.
How To Choose the Best Employee Monitoring Software
Selecting the right monitoring software requires evaluating your business needs, use cases, and budget. Here are some best practices for choosing employee monitoring tools:
Determine Your Monitoring Goals
Are you primarily focused on productivity, security, remote work management, or all of the above? Knowing what you aim to achieve helps narrow down options.
Outline your reasons for monitoring such as improving productivity, preventing data theft, etc. This helps match software capabilities to your goals. Prioritize must-have features accordingly.
Consider The Devices To Monitor
Will you monitor desktop PCs, mobile devices, or both? This impacts software choice. Certain tools specialize in mobile or desktop. Pick solutions that support all your device types.
Evaluate Employee Privacy Concerns
Respect employee privacy by avoiding spyware-like approaches. Disclose monitoring and only collect essential data needed to protect company interests.
Assess Ease Of Use
Evaluate tools based on how easy they are to install, manage, and interpret data. Complex solutions create adoption challenges.
Review Reporting And Analytics
Assess the dashboard interface and reporting. Opt for actionable reports to readily spot productivity and security issues.
Compare Support Options
Consider responsive vendor support channels like live chat or phone. Lack of support can hinder monitoring success.
Determine Scalability Needs
Assess both current and future scalability if your company will add employees or devices. Confirm the tool scales affordably.
By carefully weighing factors like feature set, use cases, and ease of use, you can select employee monitoring software that enhances productivity without compromising ethics or privacy.
Conclusion
Implementing employee monitoring software is a smart move for modern businesses to boost productivity and data security. However, balancing employee privacy and transparency remains crucial.
Based on my hands-on research of the top systems, there are excellent solutions available to meet a range of monitoring needs. Leading options like Teramind and ActivTrak for desktop along with mSpy, EyeZy and others for mobile provide robust capabilities without being overly complex.
Key considerations include determining your specific monitoring goals, evaluating device support needs, comparing reporting/analytics, and assessing factors like support availability. The right software depends on your business priorities and use cases.
My advice is to avoid overly invasive spyware-like software and instead opt for an ethical approach focused solely on protecting company assets and improving workflows. Be transparent with employees about monitoring policies.
Overall, implementing monitoring thoughtfully can transform productivity, support management, and strengthen data protection without deteriorating employee trust. Reach out if you need any personalized guidance finding the ideal monitoring solution for your organization and use case. I’m happy to provide additional recommendations to support your search.
👉 FAQs
If you have any other questions about implementing employee monitoring software, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to provide additional guidance.
