More hybrid and remote work has created a culture of paranoia by employers that employees are not working productively since they are not observed in the physical workplace, according to this recent CNBC article. More employers are monitoring employees' working time and tasks through various software applications, which carries some legal implications in various countries, as well as erodes trust within the corporate culture. Some employees are aware of this and others are not, which is also fueling anxiety by employees and a change in employees' work habits (e.g. why should I get a task done quickly/efficiently because then I am questioned as to what I'm doing with the rest of my time) or seeking alternative software that mimics keyboard and work activity.
Do you think employee surveillance helps or hurts productivity?
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I think it is essential to recognize that the effects of surveillance may vary depending on the context, such as the type of work being done and the relationship between the employer and team members. Additionally, it's essential to balance the need for productivity with privacy and ethical considerations. Employers should communicate their monitoring policies, respect their employees' privacy rights, and be transparent about using the data collected. Finding the right balance is crucial to maintaining a positive workplace culture and improving productivity.