The Panopticon of Labour

Micromanagement, the practice of closely overseeing and controlling every aspect of an employee's work, has long been a contentious issue in the workplace. In today's digital age, this issue has taken on new dimensions with employers increasingly relying on monitoring software to keep tabs on their workforce. A recent report from Express VPN revealed that a staggering 78% of employers are now utilizing such tools.  

Constant surveillance

Although this isn't a new development, micromanagement has been a persistent problem in workplaces for decades. Employees subjected to this style of management will often feel overwhelmed, stressed and demotivated. The conventional image of a boss constantly peering over an employee's shoulder is now evolving into something more invasive, due to the prevalence of monitoring software.

Along with technological advances, employers now have a multitude of options to monitor their employees, from keystroke tracking to screen recording, adopting all kinds of tools to maintain constant surveillance. Some will argue that this is a necessity for productivity or even security, but what this often comes down to is a lack of trust and an invasion of privacy.

Is it lucrative?

While it’s normal for employers to have legitimate concerns about productivity and security, it is essential to find a balance between accountability and trust. Open communication, setting clear expectations and empowering employees are all much more effective strategies that could be implemented. Workers who feel trusted, valued and heard are more likely to perform better and be more loyal to their organisations.

The figures from Express VPN serve as a stark reminder of the prevalence of monitoring software and the need for organisations to consider the well-being and autonomy of their employees. If expectations are discussed from the start, this can be a great start in creating a positive and productive work environment where both employers and employees can thrive.