Employee Monitoring Software Usage on the Rise
Remote work has become the new norm for many companies worldwide. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing employees to work remotely or in a hybrid setting, employers have had to adapt to new challenges. Three years after the outbreak, companies are still grappling with trust issues related to employee productivity, leading to a significant increase in employee monitoring software usage.
According to a survey commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com, 96% of 1,000 US business leaders with a primarily remote or hybrid workforce reported using some form of employee monitoring software to ensure staff productivity. This is a substantial increase from just 10% before the pandemic.
Various Surveillance Methods Employed
The survey, which was conducted in mid-March, found that only 5% of employers who monitor their staff did so secretly, while 37% require remote employees to be on a live feed all day. Other surveillance methods include monitoring web browsing, app use, and blocking content.
Employers Collecting and Using Surveillance Data
Companies are collecting and using surveillance data to make employment decisions. About 75% of respondents said their companies had fired employees over data collected through employee monitoring. However, employees are pushing back, with more than two-thirds of companies stating that their employees have quit over the surveillance.
Struggle to Manage Remote Workforce Continues
Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, said the survey findings show that some organizations are still struggling to manage their remote workforce post-pandemic. She suggested that as hybrid work becomes more entrenched, the situation could improve as managers become more comfortable in managing a remote workforce.
Shift in Focus Needed
“It is not surprising that many employees do not want to feel like big brother is watching them daily when they are good employees and working hard for their organization,” said Haller. “As younger workers become managers and have been working more of their career remotely, software monitoring will hopefully become antiquated, and the focus will be on results and not the amount of time worked.”
The results of the survey suggest that employee monitoring software usage is on the rise, and companies are using the data to make employment decisions. While some employees may feel uncomfortable with the level of surveillance, the situation could improve as companies become more comfortable with managing remote workers. However, this will require a shift in focus towards results rather than time spent working.
