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Why Mandatory Employee Smile Testing Will Backfire
How can an organisation go so far wrong in their attempt to create a better working environment?
Canon China, a subsidiary of the Japanese camera and electronics giant, launched a new initiative to “create a positive [working] atmosphere”. The initiative monitors employees through cameras as they enter the building, and uses facial expression analysis algorithms to permit them to pass security and book meeting rooms, only once they have smiled.
My research extensively uses facial expression analysis AI, so I am familiar with the benefits — and shortcomings — of utilising this technology within the context of organisations. That’s why I am very sceptical when I read about Canon’s use of this AI. How can an organisation go so far wrong in their attempt to create a better working environment?
A spokesperson for Canon China detailed their reasoning to The Financial Times: “We have been wanting to encourage employees to create a positive atmosphere by utilising this system with the smile detection setting ‘on’. Mostly, people are just too shy to smile, but once they get used to smiles in the office, they just keep their smiles without the system which created a positive and lively atmosphere.”
