A common question we receive from clients is “Can you tell me if Clark is working?”  Replace Clark with any staff member you suspect isn’t producing. Many people believe that IT can track and confirm if a staff member is working effectively. However, IT is not HR or a department manager and cannot provide the definitive proof needed to assess a staff member’s productivity. Asking IT to confirm if someone is working often reflects a bias to prove what you might already suspect—that the staff member isn’t performing well.

IT’s Limitations

Basic Tracking

IT can monitor logins and activity in apps but can’t measure the quality of the work done. Someone could appear active but produce low-quality work, while another might be less active online but still highly productive. IT data is limited to surface-level activity.

Quality of Work

IT provides numbers, such as emails sent or documents edited, but cannot judge the creativity or accuracy of the work. Quantity does not always mean quality, and IT systems and staff are not equipped to evaluate this.

Task Context

Different tasks require different kinds of activity. Strategic planning might not involve constant IT interaction but is still critical work. IT reports might show inactivity when important thinking is happening offline.

Screen Captures

We can go as far as capturing screens from folks computers but it still doesn’t give the whole picture.

Confirmation Bias

Seeking Proof

When asking IT to check on a staff member, you might just be seeking confirmation of your own suspicions. This can lead to trusting IT data that supports your preconceptions rather than getting a full picture.

Missing the Real Issues

Relying on IT data can distract from understanding why a staff member isn’t performing well. We can provide some data, but it won’t ultimately tell you the whole story or give you the “Why”.

Conclusion

We aren’t HR experts, asking us about a staff member’s productivity is like asking a plumber to comment on the electrician’s work. We can monitor certain activities but can’t provide proof of staff members’ overall productivity. Relying on IT data can confirm biases and overlook deeper issues. We can do a lot and can provide you with the information you request, but the decision of productivity is best handled internally.