Remote work has changed the way we work: office desks have given way to home workstations and Zoom video calls. This offers remarkable flexibility, but there’s a catch: employers are monitoring us more closely than ever before. From tracking keystrokes to taking screenshots, workplace surveillance raises serious questions about privacy and trust. In 2025, everyone is wondering whether this surveillance is just a temporary phenomenon or will be here to stay. Let’s explore why surveillance is gaining momentum, how it impacts employees, and whether it will remain relevant in a world of remote work.
Why Bosses Are Watching
When the entire world switched to remote work, executives panicked—how could they tell if their teams were working if they couldn’t see them? That’s where tracking devices come in handy. Apps track things like time spent online, the websites you visit, or even just your mouse clicks. Some companies even use devices that take random screenshots or check whether you’re at your desk with a webcam.
From their perspective, this makes sense: they want to ensure work is getting done, sensitive data is protected, and no one is being hacked. For example, a bank might monitor access to prevent employees from sharing customer information. According to Forbes, by 2023, 60% of remote companies will use some form of monitoring, and this figure is only expected to grow. As remote work has become an integral part of life, executives see these devices as a way to feel in control when their teams are dispersed.
The Good Stuff About Monitoring
Time tracking isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can have many benefits. First, it provides precise productivity data. A design agency can use time tracking to see how long a project is taking and better plan its work. It can also identify situations where someone is struggling—for example, if an employee is stuck on a task—allowing managers to assist quickly.
Security is another benefit. Companies that handle sensitive data, such as medical or financial records, use time tracking to detect potentially dangerous activity, such as downloading unknown software. This isn’t always about hacking personal data; it’s about business security. And some employees appreciate it, too—precise numbers can be very important, which is great for remote workers worried about missing out on a raise or promotion.
The Not-So-Great Side
But let’s be honest: constant surveillance can be terrifying. Devices that record your screen or track your every click can make you feel like you’re under a microscope, and that can be frustrating. A writer trying to think outside the box might struggle to recognise when their work time is being marked as “off.” A Forbes study found that 43% of employees who are monitored feel overwhelmed, which can lead to burnout or even quitting altogether.
Privacy is also a significant concern. If you work from home, surveillance can intrude on your privacy. Let’s say you quickly check a note during a break—some devices may keep recording it. If it’s on your personal laptop, the situation is even more confusing. In countries like Europe, laws keep this under control, but in the US, it’s a complete no-no. Employees are also concerned about their data being hacked or misused, which is understandable given how much information the software collects.
Workers Are Pushing Back
People aren’t just slacking off. Employees are speaking out, demanding to know precisely what is being tracked and why. Some are resorting to tactics like “productivity theatre”—moving their mouse to appear busy without actually working. Others are simply abandoning tools they find too complex, especially if they’re installed on personal devices.
Unions and employee groups are also expressing their discontent. In the US, legislation regulating tracking, similar to the European GDPR, is being discussed. Employees want a voice, whether it’s opting out of tracking or reviewing the data being collected. This backlash is forcing companies to rethink their strategies, seeking a balance between monitoring and maintaining data relevance without upsetting their teams.
Will It Stick Around?
So, is monitoring here to stay? Probably not, but it’s changing. Remote work is here to stay—by 2025, more than 30% of American workers will still be working remotely or in a hybrid mode. As teams become increasingly dispersed, managers will need a way to maintain control. But noisy “Big Brother”-style tools are starting to fall apart. Companies are discovering that overly intrusive monitoring makes people unhappy and reduces their productivity.
A smart move would be to use simple monitoring, such as tracking project progress or requesting additional updates, rather than monitoring every second. An Insightful blog post on types of workplace monitoring points to tools that focus more on results—such as tasks completed—than on how much time you spent typing. Artificial intelligence should also be incorporated into the system, analysing work patterns without the need to look at a screen. But if companies don’t listen to their employees, they will continue to lose their ability to respect privacy.
Tips for Workers and Employers
If you’re an employee, ignore it and don’t engage in any dialogue. Ask your manager what’s being tracked and how it’s being used. Use tools that are outside your personal space, such as those that only work during work hours. If you’re looking for a job, check the company’s monitoring policy before signing up—some are very lenient.
Bosses, this is about trust, not control. Excessive monitoring screams, “I don’t trust you,” and it’s a quick way to lose good employees. Use data to help your team, not to play soldier. Your customer service team can track call times for training, not to yell at slow employees. Clearly explain what you’re doing, and your team will be more likely to enjoy it.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This whole discussion about monitoring is vital because it’s not just about technology—it’s about how we work together when we’re not in the same room. Done wrong, you’ll have stressed-out employees who hate their jobs. Done right, you can boost productivity while keeping everyone happy. As remote work becomes more common, achieving this balance becomes crucial.
By 2025, workplace monitoring won’t go away; it will have to be slowed down. Employees want to feel valued, not monitored. Companies will emerge that are innovative, open, and build trust. This is an opportunity for employees to stand out in a workplace where their personal space is respected as much as their work. Remote work is the future; let’s make it a place where everyone feels comfortable.