Field services industry worldwide has a longstanding practice of monitoring their employees during working hours. It’s common for employers to use apps such as time clocks equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) to keep tabs on their workforce. While GPS tracking apps offer several advantages, it also raises concerns about privacy and legal considerations.

Businesses across industries seek strategies to streamline their operations, boost efficiency, and secure a competitive advantage. GPS tracking and its technological advancements have transformed resource management for companies. However, companies continue to be riddled with the question– is it legal?

It offers a multitude of advantages tailored to the unique requirements of field services business, from growing startups to established enterprises.

Because GPS systems furnish business owners with real time insights into employee locations and vehicle positions, they can optimize their business operations. The data from GPS tracking also facilitates efficient resource allocation, streamlines workflows, and reduces response times.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the legalities and benefits of employer GPS tracking in the context of the field services industry.

Is GPS Tracking legal?

As long as employees are informed, businesses have the legal right to monitor their employees’ use of business property, which includes:

• Computers
• Mobile phones
• Internet usage
• Workplace emails

Many court rulings have affirmed the legality of GPS tracking as a method of employee monitoring. When it comes to the appropriate use of GPS tracking, legal principles based on case law indicate that businesses should adhere to two key principles:

• Businesses should only track employees if they can establish a valid and justifiable reason for doing so. For instance, GPS monitoring can be employed within time clock software to ensure that employees are at the correct location for work. Any monitoring activity must be well-grounded and relevant to the specific job or task at hand.

• GPS tracking should be limited to business hours. Most employees are typically comfortable with their employers monitoring them during their scheduled work hours since it aligns with the expectation of being productive during that time. Monitoring activities outside of agreed-upon working hours are considerably harder to justify.

GPS tracking laws in the United States fall into two main categories: federal and state. 

In the U.S., it’s generally legal to install a GPS tracker on a vehicle that you own, irrespective of whether you personally drive it or if it’s part of a fleet operated by an employee or contractor. However, using a GPS to track a vehicle that you do not own is typically not legal, and in some states, it may even be considered a form of stalking.

It’s worth noting that GPS tracking laws continue to evolve as technology advances and legal precedents are set, so staying informed about both federal and state regulations is essential for individuals and organizations that employ GPS tracking systems.

Benefits of GPS Tracking Apps for Employers

Employers can gain several advantages from the implementation of GPS tracking apps, which include the following:

Enhanced Productivity: GPS tracking empowers employers to monitor their employees, vehicles, and assets in real-time. This data equips them to make well-informed decisions regarding resource allocation, route optimization, and workflow streamlining, ultimately leading to heightened productivity and efficiency.

Cost Savings: By closely monitoring vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and driver behavior, GPS tracking aids businesses in identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-cutting measures. This data-driven approach can result in substantial savings in terms of fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, and labor costs.

Improved Customer Satisfaction: GPS tracking facilitates businesses in offering accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs), tracking shipments or deliveries, and promptly addressing customer inquiries. This transparency and reliability can result in heightened customer satisfaction and foster customer loyalty.

Asset Protection and Security: Real-time GPS tracking empowers businesses to keep a close watch on and safeguard valuable assets like vehicles, equipment, or cargo. This proactive approach reduces the risk of theft, unauthorized use, or improper handling.

Data-Driven Decision Making: GPS tracking systems provide a wealth of data and insights that can guide strategic decision-making. Through data analysis, businesses can uncover trends, identify operational inefficiencies, and make well-informed decisions to enhance overall performance.

Benefits of GPS Tracking Apps For Employees

The implementation of GPS tracking apps can offer various advantages for employees as well, including the following:

Increased Safety: GPS tracking enhances employee safety by facilitating swift responses to emergencies, promoting safer driving behavior through monitoring, and providing location information in case of accidents or breakdowns.

Reduced Stress: It helps employees optimize their routes and manage their time more effectively. This reduction in stress can lead to a healthier work-life balance.

Professional Growth: Employees can use GPS data to self-assess and identify areas for improvement, such as route optimization or time management. This proactive approach empowers them to enhance their performance and professional growth.

Enhanced Communication: GPS tracking facilitates seamless communication between employees and management, enabling real-time updates and streamlined coordination. This promotes a more collaborative and efficient work environment.

Improved Job Satisfaction: It contributes to a more organized and efficient workplace with clear expectations and objectives, employees can witness the positive impact of their efforts. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and overall engagement, ultimately boosting productivity and fostering a positive company culture.

Conclusion

Using GPS tracking apps as an employee monitoring tool has gained legal acceptance, provided that businesses adhere to specific principles derived from case law.

Considering its myriad benefits to both the employer and employee, a 360 app to meet all your workflow needs is ideal. Not only will it enhance visibility and communication, it will also automate repetitive, paper based tasks that take up considerable time. Over a period of time, this investment will translate into more productive hours, less downtime, saved costs and a robust workflow that will truly transform the business.

For field services businesses, efficient resource allocation, productivity, and employee safety are paramount. Therefore, having a single, integrated app that offers these benefits can be an ideal solution. Such an app can provide a comprehensive platform for employee monitoring, GPS tracking, and task optimization, simplifying operations and ensuring compliance with legal standards.