One of the biggest challenges employers face today is the abuse of Internet use during working hours. We’ve all heard that complaint before, and it seems Microsoft is planning to do something about it in the near future.

According to the The  London Times, Microsoft has filed a patent application for a “unique monitoring system” that could keep tabs on a worker’s productivity level, physical well-being, and competence. The patent mentions wireless sensors that could read “heart rate, galvanic skin response, EMG, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure.” I’m guessing workers get to wear said sensors on their bodies.

Oh, and don’t even think about acting crazy because the software will automatically detect your level of stress and frustration, then offer and provide assistance accordingly. What type of assistance? Who knows. I suppose the system will place a call to the workplace psychologist, then one to human resources to schedule your exit interview. Leave it to Microsoft to develop something like this. Hopefully, this office spyware never sees the light of day, but you gotta wonder how long before something like this creeps into our dysfunctional place of employment.

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