In a world where digital footprints are expanding every day, it’s crucial to understand what information your employer can access within the Microsoft ecosystem. In a recent video, Brian Knight from Pragmatic Works explores the depths of this topic, providing a comprehensive overview of what your boss and company can track regarding your activity at work.
Tracking Your Search History
One of the first topics Brian covers is the extent to which Microsoft tracks your search history when using its products like Bing and Edge:
- While search activities are tracked by Microsoft, this data does not directly bubble up to your company unless specific conditions are met.
- However, if you are at the office, assume that every type of search you perform and every website you visit is being tracked by your employer.
Access to Emails and Teams Messages
Brian explains that your emails and Teams messages are not private, and your employer can access them through the Microsoft Compliance Center:
- The Compliance Center allows companies to search through Exchange mailboxes, SharePoint sites, and Teams messages.
- Employers can create detailed queries to find specific keywords, senders, or receivers, and export results for further analysis.
- IT administrators can even add themselves to an employee’s inbox to read all sent and received messages.
Tracking Teams Activity
In terms of Teams activity, Brian outlines what kind of data can be monitored by your employer:
- Through the Teams Admin Center, companies can generate usage reports, which include details about user activities, app usage, phone calls, and more.
- Although Microsoft attempts to protect employees by anonymizing usernames, companies can still turn off this feature or look up individual users.
- Advanced diagnostic information is also available, including data on network connectivity, microphone usage, and other technical details during meetings or calls.
Employee Presence Monitoring
Although Microsoft does not provide a rolled-up report on employee presence, Brian warns that companies can still gather this data:
- Employers can use PowerShell scripts or third-party applications to automate the collection of presence data from Microsoft 365.
- This allows them to monitor when an employee is available online and generate detailed presence reports.
Access to Files
Brian also discusses how employers can access files stored in OneDrive for Business:
- IT staff or administrators can create shareable links to access an employee’s files stored in OneDrive.
- This is particularly useful for backing up files when an employee is leaving the organization or in cases of litigation.
- Employees may not even be aware that their files are being accessed.
AI and Copilot Integration
In a fascinating segment, Brian explains how artificial intelligence and Microsoft Copilot can be used by employers:
- Employers can ask Copilot specific questions about an employee’s activities, such as “What is Zane working on right now?”
- Copilot can provide a detailed list of files, messages, and interactions, along with links to these items for easy access.
- Additionally, Copilot can scan for any inappropriate content, ensuring that employees adhere to company policies.
Microsoft’s Stance on Employee Tracking
Interestingly, Brian notes that Microsoft has taken steps to limit overly intrusive tracking by companies:
- Microsoft has restricted certain reports that were previously available to employers, emphasizing a balance between surveillance and productivity.
- However, with the right tools and knowledge, companies can still access a significant amount of employee data.
For those interested in learning more about AI, Copilot, and employee monitoring, Brian recommends checking out the training resources available at Pragmatic Works.
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