Memo To Workers: You’Re Being Watched

Corporate surveillance of workers continues to grow, with nearly three-fourths of major U.S. companies now monitoring their employees on the job, a new study shows.

The survey of 2,133 human resources managers by the American Management Association found that 73.5 percent of firms use some workplace surveillance as part of performance reviews, productivity measures or for legal protections. That’s more than double the number from three years ago.

Most surveillance isn’t continuous, but occurs as spot checks or as part of a company investigation, the study said. Common forms of surveillance include taping customer relations personnel and monitoring Internet use, a practice followed by more than half the respondents.

The amount of communications monitoring is greater at larger companies, the AMA found. While 89.8 percent of financial services companies reported some kind of surveillance, only 62.4 percent of nonprofit organizations monitor their workers.

Workers hit benefits bonanza

Which of America’s largest companies provide the best benefits?

The top five, according to an analysis by “Money” magazine, are Philip Morris, Conoco, Pacific Gas & Electric, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Raytheon. Boeing ranked 11th.

Money based its rankings on the four most important benefits offered by the Fortune 100: retirement plans (including profit sharing), stock options, insurance and health care.

Philip Morris topped the list for the second consecutive year because of a hefty traditional pension, low health care costs and a profit-sharing program that gives workers between 13 and 15 percent of pay.

It’s a real Catch-22

Professional experience is the most important factor that executives weigh when they consider hiring new college graduates.

Nearly half of executives polled for OfficeTeam, a specialized staffing service, rated experience as the most important criteria. That compares with 18 percent for type of degree earned, 17 percent for grade point average/academic performance, 7 percent each for university attended and involvement in campus/community affairs, and 2 percent for personality, attitude and motivation.

“Many graduates face a `Catch-22’ situation in their search for their first full-time position — they can’t get a job without experience, but they can’t get experience without having a job,” said Diane Domeyer, OfficeTeam executive director. “Working as an intern or temporary allows students to build their skills and business network, thereby enhancing their marketability to prospective employers.”