Regulating wellbeing in the brave new quantified workplace

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to lay out the conceptual issues arising alongside the rise of sensory technologies in workplaces designed to improve wellness and productivity. Design/methodology/approach This is a text based conceptual paper. The authors’ approach is to throw light on some of the emerging issues with the introduction of wearable self-tracking technologies in workplaces. Findings The paper indicates that scholars will need to put ethical issues at the heart of research on sensory tracking technologies in workplaces that aim to regulate employee behaviour via wellness initiatives. Practical implications The study explores the legal issues around data protection and potential work intensification. Social implications Privacy and personal data protection, workplace discipline are discuss in this paper. Originality/value This is an original paper. Since there is very little scholarly research in this area, it is important to begin to consider the implications of sensory technology in workplaces linked to wellness initiatives, given the probable impact it will have on work design and appraisal systems.