Surveillance programs impact productivity, says survey

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — The rise in hybrid and remote work policies since 2020 has fueled discussions on productivity and work environments on platforms like Fishbowl by Glassdoor. Accompanying this shift is an increasing trend in employer surveillance programs.

A recent Fishbowl by Glasdoorf survey involving over 2,300 U.S. professionals suggests that 41% of respondents felt their productivity dipped due to employer monitoring. Surprisingly, 36% were unsure if they were even under surveillance.

The survey also highlighted diverse reactions across sectors. Both finance and tech professionals were most affected, with 43% in each sector claiming surveillance diminished their productivity. Meanwhile, 39% of consulting professionals felt the same.

Contrastingly, accounting professionals showed more comfort with employer surveillance, with only 25% feeling their productivity was affected. However, this group also topped the list of those unsure about surveillance status, with 41% unsure if they were being monitored.

Conducted between June 21 and June 28, 2023, the survey sheds light on the potential repercussions of employer surveillance programs.