Employers could find they generate resentment by reviewing the productivity levels of staff, according to a representative from the Trades Union Congress.
Paul Sellers, policy officer at the organisation, suggested such activity could actually lead to a fall in the efficiency of employees.
"Whilst it's understandable that businesses are looking to cut costs if they're facing a financial squeeze, using this as a ruse to snoop on their workers is completely unacceptable," said Mr Sellers.
In his view, the best way to come up with money-saving strategies is to engage with staff and involve them in planning procedures.
Mr Sellers predicted that many of the firms that try to find hidden productivity capacity are likely to be disappointed and could ruffle feathers while they do so.
His remarks follow research by IRIS Accounting and Business Solutions, which indicated an increasing number of organisations are exploring opportunities for greater efficiency by looking at staff timesheets, expense claims and other records.
Companies keen to improve the motivation of their employees could attend the Performance Management Forum 2011 on February 15th.
Posted by Cameron Thomson