Modifying Consent Procedures to Collect Better Data: The Case of Stress-Monitoring Wearables in the Workplace

Abstract

Smart wearables can be used in the workplace for organisations to monitor and decrease the stress levels of their employees so they can work better. Such technologies record personal data, which employees might not want to share. The GDPR makes it compulsory to get employees’ consent in such a scenario, but is seen as asking a yes/no question. We show that implementing this consent procedure is not enough to protect employees and make them adopt devices. Based on interviews, we argue that more control must be given to employees on which data is collected and why through an ongoing engagement and consent procedure. It could lead to higher technology adoption rates and data quality.