When screenshot monitoring makes sense
✓ Appropriate Use Cases
- • Remote contractors on hourly projects
- • Teams handling sensitive client data
- • Training and quality assurance
- • Compliance documentation requirements
- • Project-based billing verification
✗ Not Recommended
- • Salaried employees with output metrics
- • High-trust, established teams
- • Creative roles (can harm creativity)
- • Without transparent communication
- • As punishment or suspicion-based
Best practices for implementation
1. Full Transparency
Tell employees exactly what is monitored, when, and why. No secret surveillance. Include details in employment agreements and onboarding.
2. Written Consent
Get explicit written consent before monitoring begins. Many jurisdictions require this legally.
3. Work Hours Only
Only capture screenshots during clocked-in work time. Never monitor personal time or personal devices without explicit consent.
4. Privacy Protection
Screenshots may capture passwords, personal messages, or sensitive info. Blur sensitive areas or limit who can view captures.
5. Retention Limits
Don't keep screenshots forever. Set retention policies (e.g., 30-90 days) and auto-delete older captures.
6. Balanced Approach
Capture periodically (e.g., 2-3 times per hour), not constantly. Focus on accountability, not surveillance.
BBos screenshot features
Ethical Monitoring Built-In
- Employee visibility: Workers can see their own captures
- Work-hours only: Only captures during active time tracking
- Configurable frequency: Set capture intervals per project or client
- Auto-deletion: Configurable retention periods
- Role-based access: Control who can view screenshots