AI Is Listening at Burger King and What That Says about Trust at Work

A new AI assistant being tested at Burger King can listen to employee conversations with customers, track friendliness, and analyze tone of voice. The tool, called “Patty,” is designed to give managers insight into how employees interact with customers.

But do tools like this go too far and erode trust and employee safety?

In this episode Steve explores the rapid growth of digital employee monitoring tools, from AI conversation analysis to Slack status tracking, and what they mean for trust, performance, and leadership. We also discuss how employees react when they know they’re being watched and what managers should do instead of relying on surveillance technology.

To listen to the Workplace Minute powered by H3 HR Advisors on Amazon Alexa – add the Workplace Minute by H3 HR Advisors skill to your Amazon Echo device’s Flash Briefing or Daily News Update.

NEW: Download the H3 HR Advisors 2026 Workplace Trends Report HERE

The HR Happy Hour Network is proudly sponsored by Workhuman. The role of HR is changing fast—and the leaders who move beyond administration into true business leadership will have the edge. Workhuman Live is where that shift becomes real. Four transformative days in Orlando built around the challenges HR leaders are facing now. With 65-plus standout speakers, you’ll get practical, research-backed insights you can use immediately, honest conversations with leaders under the same pressure, and a human-first experience designed to energize – not exhaust.  It’s why 93% of past attendees left inspired—and why you need to be there this April 27-30. Register now at WorkhumanLive.com and use code HRHAPPYHOUR before March 31st to save 20%. That’s HRHAPPYHOUR, all one word.