Glassdoor reports a staggering 216% increase in references to remote monitoring in employee reviews since Q1 2021, signaling a seismic shift in workplace dynamics. Driven by the rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in monitoring technology, this trend has sparked debates about productivity, trust, and corporate culture. HR professionals must navigate this landscape carefully to balance organizational needs with employee morale. Here’s what HR pros need to know about this surge and how to address it.
Understanding the Surge
The 216% uptick in remote monitoring mentions reflects the widespread adoption of tools like ActivTrak, Sapience, and Worksmart, which track everything from keystrokes to time spent on tasks. These tools gained traction as remote work became the norm, with employers aiming to ensure productivity without physical oversight. One Glassdoor review praised such software for enabling work-from-home arrangements by reducing “time wasted driving and involved in office distractions.”
Yet, the data tells a complex story. A 2023 Glassdoor report found 40% of workers felt less productive under monitoring, and 59% of Forbes survey respondents in 2024 raised ethical concerns about surveillance. Employees often perceive monitoring as a breach of trust, with one review noting that ActivTrak “tanked employee morale.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Monitoring
Remote monitoring can boost efficiency by providing data-driven insights into workflows. For example, time-tracking tools help identify bottlenecks, enabling HR to optimize processes. However, excessive surveillance risks alienating talent. Glassdoor’s lead researcher, Chris Martin, warns that employees “hate being watched too closely,” and the impact on trust may outweigh the benefits. A VP’s review echoed this: “Trust your talent instead of monitoring their every move.”
The rise of “mouse jigglers”—devices that simulate activity to evade monitoring—further highlights employee resistance. This behavior suggests a culture of distrust, where workers feel compelled to game the system rather than focus on meaningful output.
What HR Pros Can Do
- Prioritize Transparency: Clearly communicate the purpose and scope of monitoring tools. Explain how data will be used to improve workflows, not to micromanage. Transparency can mitigate perceptions of “Orwellian overreach.”
- Balance Monitoring with Trust: Limit monitoring to essential metrics, like project completion rates, rather than invasive measures like keystroke logging. This approach respects employee autonomy while maintaining accountability.
- Invest in Culture: One employer, after noting morale issues with ActivTrak, vowed to focus on “improving company culture” in 2025. HR can lead by fostering open dialogue and recognizing achievements, countering the negative effects of surveillance.
- Train Managers: Equip leaders to interpret monitoring data constructively, focusing on coaching rather than punishment. This shifts the narrative from surveillance to support.
The 216% surge in remote monitoring mentions on Glassdoor underscores a pivotal moment for HR. While these tools offer productivity insights, they risk eroding trust and morale if mismanaged. By prioritizing transparency, balancing oversight with autonomy, and investing in culture, HR pros can harness monitoring’s benefits while fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, not watched. The future of work demands trust as much as technology.
