Why do employees not want to be tracked while working from home?
With the rise of remote work, many companies have implemented tracking measures to ensure that their employees are actually working during their designated hours. Microsoft Teams users are able to view all employees live status as they work from home. Managers with Teams rights access receive alerts when a worker returns to activity on their computer.
While this may seem like a reasonable approach, it can actually be a source of stress and anxiety for employees. Here are some reasons why employees may not want to be tracked while working from home:
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Invasion of privacy - Being tracked by your employer can feel like an invasion of privacy. Employees may feel uncomfortable knowing that their every move is being monitored and recorded.
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Lack of trust - Implementing tracking measures can signal to employees that their employer doesn't trust them. This can create a negative work environment and damage morale.
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Micromanagement - Tracking can also lead to micromanagement, with managers constantly checking in on employees and questioning their productivity. This can be stressful and counterproductive, as it can distract employees from their work.
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Difficulty disconnecting - When employees are constantly being tracked, it can be difficult for them to disconnect from work and fully relax during their time off. This can lead to burnout and other mental health issues.
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Technical difficulties - Finally, tracking measures can be prone to technical difficulties, leading to inaccurate data and further frustration for employees.
In summary, while tracking measures may seem like a logical solution to ensure productivity during remote work, they can actually have negative effects on employee morale and mental health.
It's important for employers to strike a balance between ensuring productivity and respecting their employees' privacy and trust. This can be achieved through clear communication, mutual understanding, and a focus on results rather than monitoring.