When staff began working remotely, early in the Covid crisis, employers rushed to install monitoring systems to keep an eye on them. But researchers are now warning that these programs can make employees less productive.Monitoring grew in popularity during the first lockdowns as executives sought to check on employees that they feared might be watching television, playing with their kids, or cooking during business hours spent at home. By using software tools to track when workers were actively using their computers, how long they spent on websites, and who they were corresponding with, employers claimed they could ensure staff were connecting to their work and each other.
However, both employees and academic researchers now say that such systems are more likely to degrade corporate culture than boost efficiency.
According to a study published in the Journal of Management, US workers who know that they are being watched digitally tend to take more breaks, work slower, and steal more office equipment than peers who work independently.