My data, my choice?! The difference between fitness and stress data monitoring on employees’ perception of privacy

Besides the vast distribution in the private sector, employers begin to integrate wearables in occupational health management (OHM). Through the implementation of 'stress' and 'fitness monitoring', organizations are able to invest in employees' health and well-being. While employees' consent is mandatory for the implementation, these, in turn, might perceive monitoring as a risk instead of realizing the benefits going along. By conducting an experimental study, we compare employees' perceived privacy risks/costs (PRC) and benefits (PBE) regarding the two monitoring cases. According to our results, employees interpret their stress data as rather sensitive while rating the PBE of fitness monitoring higher. Further, fair communication practices towards employees plays an essential role in the successful implementation of OHM. The research article provides theoretical and practical implications and sheds light on paths for further research regarding actual use behavior, international aspects, and employers' interests