How AI-enabled ‘bossware’ is being used to track and evaluate your work

Imagine, for example, that a large organization gathers data on employee sentiment, tone, and interactions in an anonymous, aggregated way to track overall mood over time. Or, after announcing a major corporate change that could create uncertainty, anxiety, or mistrust, business leaders can analyze the data to see how employees are reacting — what they’re worried about or where confusion exists, Brodeur-Johnson said.

“This insight helps leadership adjust messaging, clarify priorities, and offer more support,” he said. “However, there’s a risk this data could also be used in unethical ways.”

Several prominent companies, Brodeur-Johnson said, use AI-enhanced tools to evaluate employee performance and time engaged in work, including ActiveTrak, Microsoft Viva, Desk Time and Sapience Analytics. Others include, Veriato (owned by Awareness Technologies), Time Doctor, Snapsoft, Hubstaff, and Teramind.