Is it right or productive to watch workers?

The office is not only a place to do work. It is also a place to be observed doing work.

A large number of companies whose workforce has gone remote have acquired surveillance software to continue observing their employees work. However, employee monitoring software may not be a good thing for employees who prize their privacy and employers who desire a good relationship with their staff.

Studies show that being watched reinforces positive social behaviours. For example, if you think you're being watched, you're likely to donate to charity and less likely to steal or litter.

However, studies also show that surveillance tends to undermine trust between employees and employers. Employees perceive their working conditions as more stressful. They experience higher levels of job boredom, fatigue, anger, anxiety, and depression.