Biometric Privacy Issues
Although biometric time systems can undoubtedly provide benefits and advantages to employers there are serious issues with regard to acceptibility amongst the work force.Biometrics are, by their very nature, the most personal things we have. Many people feel that being forced to hand them over is a significant invasion of personal privacy. Being fingerprinted also makes many people feel that they are being treated like criminals with subsequent loss of dignity, morale and company loyalty. There are also concerns about biometrics in the workplace being a stepping stone to their wider use in society, leading to images of Big Brother and fears of a database state. Some even have religious objections to biometric scanning.
Introduction of biometric systems must be handled with great sensitivity. Even if you can see no logical reason why anyone should object, remember that there may be members of the workforce who have deeply held issues of principle on the subject.
Data Protection
Local data protection law may require you to have a policy regarding retention and use of biometric indicators. Treat this as a starting point for developing your own policy - a minimum standard rather than a ceiling. Make sure that policies and safeguards are communicated and enforced. If at all possible allow alternative systems and for those who hold the deepest concerns.With biometrics even more than most other time management systems, true consultation is essential to success.
I personally believe that as the Internet raises privacy awareness the controversy over the use of biometrics in society - not just the workplace - will grow.