The Nexus Between Workplace Surveillance Practices and Employee Wellbeing: A Conceptual Review

This paper examined the relationship between workplace surveillance practices and employee wellbeing through a comprehensive review of conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature. Specifically, the study explored the relationship between workplace surveillance practices and employees' psychological wellbeing, physical health and emotional wellbeing. The paper was anchored on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) Theory and the Socio-Technical Systems Theory, both of which provide valuable explanations of how workplace surveillance influences employee experiences within technology-driven organizations. The conceptual review identified algorithm control, electronic performance monitoring (EPM), and data collection and usage as the principal dimensions of workplace surveillance practices, while psychological wellbeing, physical health and emotional wellbeing constituted the key dimensions of employee wellbeing. Furthermore, empirical evidence from recent international studies revealed that although workplace surveillance can improve organizational accountability, operational efficiency and workplace safety, excessive or poorly managed surveillance often contributes to psychological distress, emotional exhaustion, reduced employee autonomy and adverse physical health outcomes. Conversely, surveillance practices implemented ethically, transparently and with appropriate employee involvement were found to promote organizational trust, fairness and positive employee experiences. The paper concludes that workplace surveillance practices neither inherently enhance nor undermine employee wellbeing; rather, their effects depend largely on ethical governance, supportive leadership, responsible data management and balanced implementation. Consequently, organizations should adopt human-centered surveillance systems that protect employees' privacy, dignity and autonomy while achieving sustainable organizational effectiveness.