Remote work has completely changed the way companies operate. It has opened new doors, made work more flexible, and given people more control over their time. But it also brought new challenges. One of the biggest is trust. Companies want to make sure work gets done. Workers want freedom and privacy. That’s where surveillance comes in.
1. 60% of companies with remote employees use monitoring software
As remote work grew, so did the number of companies investing in monitoring software. Right now, about 60% of businesses with remote staff use some form of digital tracking. This figure shows a clear shift in how companies think about managing people who are not physically present.
Why Monitoring Software Has Grown
When workers are at home, managers lose the visual cues they are used to. They cannot walk past desks or have quick face-to-face check-ins. Monitoring software seems like an easy solution to make up for that gap. It promises insights into productivity, online behavior, and time management.
However, businesses must be careful. Software that tracks every click or keystroke can quickly feel invasive. What starts as a way to boost productivity might actually lower morale if employees feel mistrusted.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you are considering monitoring software, make sure to be upfront. Have an open meeting with your team. Tell them what you plan to monitor and why. Explain how it will help protect company data and improve workflows rather than spying on individuals.
Also, pick tools that offer flexibility. Instead of strict surveillance, look for software that provides general trends and work patterns. Allow employees some privacy, especially during breaks or non-working hours. Choose solutions that let workers turn off tracking outside of work time.
The goal is not just about watching employees. It is about supporting them. Using monitoring tools wisely can create a culture of accountability and freedom at the same time.
2. 78% of employers admit to using electronic surveillance on remote workers
A huge 78% of employers now openly say they use electronic surveillance. This is not something companies hide anymore. From checking email traffic to watching login patterns, businesses want to know what is happening behind the scenes.
Why Employers Turn to Surveillance
Trust is important, but businesses have real concerns. Cybersecurity risks, client confidentiality, and project deadlines make companies nervous. Electronic surveillance feels like a safety net.
But there is a thin line between safety and overreach. Employees want to feel trusted. If they believe they are being spied on, motivation drops and resentment grows.
Practical Advice for Companies
First, frame surveillance as a protection tool rather than a punishment tool. Help employees understand that the goal is to secure client data, prevent fraud, and maintain a productive workflow.
Second, set clear rules on what is being monitored. Are you tracking login times? Are you looking at internet history? Spell it out clearly in your remote work policy.
Lastly, revisit surveillance practices often. Technology changes fast, and so do expectations. Survey your employees twice a year. Ask if they feel comfortable with the current systems. Adapt where necessary. Keeping communication open is key to keeping remote teams happy and loyal.
3. 30% of large enterprises increased monitoring efforts after 2020
After 2020, around 30% of big companies decided to strengthen their monitoring efforts. The pandemic caused a sudden shift to remote work, and many businesses were caught off guard. As a result, they scrambled to set up systems that could keep operations smooth from afar.
Why Enterprises Increased Monitoring
The pandemic forced remote work upon companies without warning. Managers who were used to face-to-face supervision found themselves struggling to maintain control. Deadlines still had to be met, client data had to be protected, and internal communication needed to be managed effectively.
For large enterprises, the stakes were even higher. With thousands of employees and massive volumes of sensitive information, a single security breach or productivity issue could cause major losses. Increased monitoring was a way to regain a sense of order during chaotic times.
Practical Advice for Companies
If your business grew its monitoring efforts quickly during 2020, now is a good time to step back and reassess. Are the systems you put in place still serving your company well? Or have they become a source of frustration for employees?
Audit your current monitoring tools. Make sure they are up-to-date, secure, and aligned with your company’s values. Cut out any software that collects unnecessary data or adds little value. Always keep your focus on efficiency and security, not control.
Offer training sessions to employees explaining the purpose of monitoring. When workers understand how it protects the company and themselves, they are more likely to accept it. Transparency and continuous dialogue are critical to making surveillance acceptable rather than oppressive.
4. 41% of employers track work computer activity remotely
Roughly 41% of employers are keeping an eye on what employees do on their work computers. This includes checking which websites are visited, how long certain apps are used, and even what files are downloaded.
Why Computer Activity is Monitored
Company devices are extensions of the business itself. Sensitive emails, confidential projects, and customer information all flow through these machines. Employers have a real need to make sure that computers are being used responsibly.
Remote work raises even more concerns. When employees work from home, they might be tempted to use company devices for personal tasks. While occasional browsing might not seem like a big deal, regular misuse can pose security risks and impact productivity.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you monitor computer activity, set clear expectations from day one. During onboarding, tell employees what is acceptable use of work devices. Define personal use boundaries clearly. For instance, occasional news browsing might be okay, but downloading personal software could be off-limits.
Choose monitoring tools that track general trends rather than spying in real-time. Aggregated data showing app usage or internet categories is less invasive and more useful for spotting broader issues.
Respect employee privacy wherever possible. Avoid accessing personal files or tracking private messages unless absolutely necessary for security reasons. Protect the trust between you and your workers by being fair and transparent in your approach.
5. 26% of companies use webcams to monitor remote workers
A concerning 26% of companies go as far as using webcams to check on remote workers. This type of monitoring, sometimes called “camera surveillance,” is one of the most controversial.
Why Some Companies Use Webcams
Employers who use webcams usually say it is to verify that employees are at their workstations during work hours. They may also want to ensure that virtual meetings are attended properly and that employees remain focused.
Some monitoring software even takes random webcam snapshots throughout the day. This can create an intense feeling of being watched, even when no one is actually viewing the footage in real time.
Practical Advice for Companies
Think twice before using webcams for monitoring. In most cases, it does more harm than good. Employees feel uncomfortable and stressed when they think they are being watched constantly. This can destroy morale and increase turnover.
If you absolutely must use webcams, be very clear about when and why. Limit webcam usage to video meetings only. Never use random snapshots without consent. Offer opt-outs wherever possible, especially for employees with valid privacy concerns.
Consider other, less invasive methods for accountability. Task management tools, regular check-ins, and project updates can often replace the need for visual surveillance entirely. Trust your employees until they give you a reason not to. In the long run, building a culture of trust pays off much more than intrusive monitoring ever will.
6. 24% of companies monitor employees’ social media activity
About 24% of companies are now keeping an eye on their employees’ social media use. This includes both public posts and, in some cases, activity that happens during work hours.
Why Companies Watch Social Media
Businesses worry about their reputation. A careless tweet or an inappropriate comment on LinkedIn can easily damage a company’s image. Monitoring social media helps companies spot potential problems before they spiral out of control.
Another reason is security. Sometimes, employees accidentally share sensitive company information online. By watching public posts, companies hope to prevent leaks of confidential data.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you are monitoring social media, be very cautious. Always respect employees’ rights to free speech and privacy. Focus only on public posts that could harm your company’s reputation or reveal sensitive information.
Write a clear social media policy. Define what is considered unacceptable behavior, both during and outside of work hours. Be specific about what types of content could trigger disciplinary action.
Importantly, separate work-related monitoring from personal scrutiny. Never demand access to private accounts. Only address posts that are visible to the public or made on company-related pages.
Foster a culture where employees feel proud to represent your brand online. Offer social media training if needed, so workers know how to engage positively without risking their jobs.
7. 50% of IT managers say employee monitoring tools are essential for security
Half of IT managers believe that monitoring tools are no longer optional. They see them as vital for keeping the company safe in a remote working environment.
Why IT Managers Depend on Monitoring
Cybersecurity threats have exploded in recent years. Hackers target remote workers because home networks are often less secure than office systems. Employee mistakes, like clicking on a bad link or downloading an unsafe file, can open the door to major attacks.
Monitoring tools allow IT departments to catch suspicious behavior early. They can detect unauthorized access, prevent data leaks, and shut down threats before they spread.
Practical Advice for Companies
If your IT team is pushing for monitoring tools, support them—but put guardrails in place. Make sure the tools are focused purely on security, not micromanagement.
Use monitoring software that alerts IT staff to real risks, like strange login locations or unexpected downloads. Avoid systems that simply tally up mouse clicks or time spent on websites unless it relates to security.
Inform employees about these practices. Knowing that monitoring exists for protection, not spying, makes workers feel safer rather than watched. Reinforce that the main goal is keeping everyone’s data secure, not judging how they spend every second online.
Offer cybersecurity training as well. Teach employees how to recognize threats, use strong passwords, and handle sensitive data properly. The more knowledgeable your team is, the less you will need to rely on intensive surveillance.
8. 48% of remote workers report feeling stressed by monitoring
Almost half of remote employees say that being monitored makes them feel stressed. Surveillance, even when well-intentioned, can have real emotional effects.
Why Monitoring Causes Stress
Being watched changes how people behave. Even if no one is actively spying, the knowledge that tracking exists can create anxiety. Workers may fear making small mistakes or feel they have to be “on” all the time.
Over-monitoring can also signal a lack of trust. If employees feel that managers do not believe they can manage their own time, morale drops quickly.
Practical Advice for Companies
Stress kills productivity. If your monitoring policies are causing anxiety, it is time to rethink your approach.
Focus on output, not activity. Instead of measuring hours logged in or keystrokes made, track project completion and results. Judge employees based on their work quality, not their online behavior minute-by-minute.
Offer flexibility where possible. Allow workers to manage their own schedules as long as they meet deadlines. Trust builds loyalty and motivation far more effectively than constant oversight.
Finally, check in regularly. Ask employees how they feel about the current systems. Show a willingness to adapt if certain policies are causing unnecessary pressure. The goal should be to support employees, not burden them.
9. 35% of employees are unaware they are being monitored
Shockingly, about 35% of workers do not even know they are being watched. This creates huge ethical and legal risks for companies.
Why Employees Are Left in the Dark
Sometimes monitoring is set up quietly to avoid backlash. Other times, companies assume that signing an IT policy at hiring is enough. But employees often forget or misunderstand what they agreed to.
Lack of clear communication leads to feelings of betrayal if workers find out later. It also exposes businesses to lawsuits and damage to their reputation.
Practical Advice for Companies
Always tell employees when and how they are being monitored. Do not bury the information in a long, unread policy document.
Hold regular briefings about monitoring practices, especially when changes are made. Use plain language. Explain what data is collected, how it is stored, who can access it, and why it is necessary.
Give employees the chance to ask questions and raise concerns. When workers are part of the conversation, they are more likely to accept monitoring as a fair practice.
Honesty is not just the best policy—it is the safest one. Being upfront builds trust and shields your company from serious problems down the road.
10. 53% of organizations plan to increase employee surveillance in the next 3 years
More than half of organizations are planning to expand their surveillance efforts soon. Remote work is here to stay, and companies want to be ready.
Why Companies Are Planning More Monitoring
The shift to hybrid and remote work models means managers will continue facing visibility challenges. Also, regulations around data security are tightening, pushing companies to be more vigilant.
At the same time, new technologies make monitoring cheaper and easier than ever before. Artificial intelligence can now detect patterns that human managers would miss, allowing for even greater oversight.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you are thinking about expanding your monitoring, plan carefully. More surveillance does not automatically mean better management.
Start by defining your goals clearly. What do you hope to achieve with increased monitoring? Protect data? Boost productivity? Identify performance issues early?
Whatever your goals, make sure your methods are proportionate. Monitor only as much as needed to achieve your purpose, and no more.
Involve your legal and HR teams in planning. Make sure your surveillance policies comply with privacy laws and ethical standards. And always communicate openly with your employees about any changes.
Remember, building a high-trust culture will deliver better results than any amount of surveillance ever could.
11. 45% of companies monitor emails sent from company devices
Almost half of all companies now monitor emails that are sent from work computers or devices. They want to make sure that company information stays safe and professional standards are maintained.
Why Email Monitoring Matters
Email is a powerful tool, but it can also be a big risk. A careless email can leak private company information. Worse, it can accidentally break the law if confidential client data is shared improperly.
Companies use email monitoring to catch mistakes early. They want to spot phishing attacks, prevent data leaks, and make sure that communication with customers and partners stays professional.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you monitor emails, be clear about it. Employees should know that work email is not private and that all communication should remain professional.
Set guidelines about what is acceptable to send using work email. Teach employees how to recognize suspicious messages and handle sensitive data.
Use email monitoring tools wisely. Focus on protecting the company, not micromanaging employees. Only review flagged communications that show a real risk.
Finally, offer regular training. Many mistakes happen simply because people do not know the risks. A few short training sessions each year can make a big difference in keeping your company safe.
12. 32% of companies record phone calls made from work phones
Around 32% of businesses are now recording calls made from company devices. This practice is especially common in industries like finance, law, and customer service.
Why Companies Record Calls
Phone calls often involve important discussions about deals, agreements, or sensitive customer information. Recording calls helps companies ensure that employees follow company policies, meet legal standards, and protect customer trust.
It can also be useful for training. Listening to past calls can help new employees learn how to handle tricky situations.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you record phone calls, always tell employees and clients at the start of the call. In many places, it is the law to inform people if their call is being recorded.
Clearly explain why you record calls. Whether it is for training, quality assurance, or legal compliance, being upfront helps avoid misunderstandings.
Store call recordings securely. Make sure only authorized people have access. Follow data protection laws strictly to avoid penalties and protect your reputation.
Train employees on best practices for phone communication. When workers feel confident on the phone, they are less likely to say something they should not.
13. 29% of organizations track employees’ keystrokes
Nearly 29% of companies are now monitoring what their employees type during work hours. This method, called keystroke logging, is one of the most intense forms of surveillance.
Why Keystroke Monitoring is Used
Some companies believe that tracking every keystroke helps them spot suspicious activity. It can alert managers if an employee is writing confidential information in an unsafe location or copying sensitive data.
In rare cases, it can also help recover lost work after a computer crash.
Practical Advice for Companies
Keystroke tracking can easily cross the line into privacy invasion. Use it only when absolutely necessary and for very specific security reasons.
If you must track keystrokes, limit it to company-owned devices. Do not monitor personal devices or outside work hours.
Be fully transparent. Employees should know if their typing is being tracked and for what purpose. Transparency reduces fear and suspicion.
Also, think about whether there are less invasive ways to achieve your security goals. Sometimes, good access controls and cybersecurity training are more effective than heavy surveillance.
Trust should be your first line of defense, not keystroke tracking.
14. 21% of employers use GPS tracking on remote workers’ devices
About 21% of employers are now using GPS tracking to monitor where their remote employees are located during work hours.
Why GPS Tracking is Used
For certain jobs, location matters. Delivery companies, field service teams, and salespeople often work outside of traditional offices. GPS tracking helps managers confirm that employees are where they need to be.
It can also protect workers. If something goes wrong in the field, knowing an employee’s last known location can be critical.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you use GPS tracking, set clear and reasonable rules. Only track employees during work hours and only for work purposes.
Choose tracking apps that allow employees to turn off monitoring outside of work time. Protect their personal privacy whenever possible.
Inform workers upfront about GPS tracking. Explain why it is needed and how it helps both the company and the employee.
Finally, be careful about how you use location data. Only access it when necessary and store it securely. Avoid micromanaging employees based on their movements. Focus on outcomes, not minute-by-minute location.
15. 72% of employers believe monitoring improves productivity
A strong 72% of employers believe that watching employee activity helps boost productivity. They feel that when people know they are being monitored, they work harder and stay more focused.
Why Employers Link Monitoring and Productivity
The idea is simple: when employees know their work habits are visible, they are less likely to waste time. Monitoring creates a sense of accountability.
Also, tracking can reveal bottlenecks. If a team struggles to meet deadlines, data from monitoring tools can help identify whether the problem is with workload, processes, or individual performance.
Practical Advice for Companies
Monitoring should support productivity, not stifle it. Focus on gathering big-picture trends rather than micromanaging individual tasks.
Use data to spot opportunities for improvement. For example, if monitoring shows that employees spend a lot of time switching between different apps, you might streamline tools or improve workflows.
Offer feedback based on insights from monitoring, but frame it positively. Use the data to start supportive conversations about time management and efficiency, not to criticize or punish.
Make sure monitoring is part of a broader productivity strategy that includes clear goals, good communication, and employee support. Monitoring alone will not solve productivity problems if other foundations are missing.
16. 44% of employees say monitoring reduces their trust in the employer
Nearly 44% of employees admit that being monitored makes them trust their employer less. Surveillance, even with good intentions, can hurt the relationship between companies and their teams.
Why Monitoring Damages Trust
When workers feel watched all the time, they often assume that their employer does not trust them. This feeling can create resentment, lower engagement, and reduce loyalty.
Trust is the foundation of a strong work culture. When it weakens, collaboration, innovation, and motivation can suffer. Employees who feel mistrusted might do the bare minimum instead of going above and beyond.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you rely on monitoring, balance it with strong communication. Make it clear that the purpose is not to catch people doing something wrong, but to protect everyone’s interests.
Hold open discussions about why monitoring is necessary and how it benefits employees too, such as preventing burnout or identifying workflow inefficiencies.
Empower employees to share feedback on monitoring tools. Show a willingness to adjust or improve systems based on their input.
Above all, focus on building relationships based on trust, respect, and open dialogue. If workers feel valued and heard, the negative impact of necessary monitoring can be greatly reduced.
17. 34% of organizations have faced backlash over monitoring practices
About 34% of companies have already experienced backlash from employees because of their monitoring practices. This can lead to protests, bad press, and even costly turnover.
Why Backlash Happens
Backlash usually happens when employees feel blindsided, misunderstood, or unfairly treated. They might not have been properly informed about monitoring. Or they might feel that the surveillance is too invasive compared to the risks being managed.
When workers feel that their privacy is violated without good reason, they speak up — loudly.
Practical Advice for Companies
Avoid backlash by involving employees in the process from the beginning. Before introducing new monitoring tools, ask for input. Hold forums or surveys to gauge opinions and address concerns early.
When introducing monitoring, roll it out in stages. Pilot programs with small teams first. Gather feedback and make adjustments before scaling up company-wide.
Also, make sure that monitoring practices align with your company’s values. If your brand promises to respect individuals, your surveillance policies must reflect that commitment.
Finally, always be ready to adapt. If backlash does occur, listen carefully, admit mistakes if needed, and change course quickly. Being flexible and responsive can turn a negative into an opportunity to strengthen trust.
18. 15% of companies use AI to analyze employee behavior patterns
About 15% of companies have already started using artificial intelligence to study employee behavior. AI tools look for patterns that humans might miss, from work habits to communication styles.
Why AI is Used for Employee Analysis
AI can process huge amounts of data quickly. It can spot trends like dips in productivity, changes in email tone, or shifts in collaboration patterns. Some companies use AI to predict employee burnout or flag potential resignations early.
In theory, this allows companies to offer help before small problems become big ones.
Practical Advice for Companies
AI can be powerful, but it must be used with great care. Algorithms can misinterpret behavior and draw wrong conclusions, especially without context.
If you use AI tools, be transparent. Employees should know what data is collected, how it is analyzed, and how decisions based on AI insights are made.
Use AI to support, not punish. For example, if AI suggests that an employee might be at risk of burnout, use that information to start a supportive conversation rather than issuing warnings.
Make sure that human judgment always has the final say. AI should be a tool, not a decision-maker.
Finally, monitor your AI systems closely for bias or errors. Regular audits can ensure that your technology is truly serving your people and not just your bottom line.
19. 27% of companies use screen-capturing software
Around 27% of companies are using tools that take snapshots of employees’ screens during work hours. These programs aim to give managers a clearer picture of how work is progressing.
Why Screen-Capturing Software is Popular
Screenshots can show exactly what an employee is working on at a given moment. For companies that manage large remote teams, it can feel like a way to ensure that hours logged match tasks completed.
It is also used as a way to detect possible misuse of company resources or protect against data theft.
Practical Advice for Companies
Screen-capturing is one of the more invasive forms of monitoring. Use it only if absolutely necessary, and always tell employees when and how often screenshots will be taken.
Set strict rules about who can view captured screens and how long images are stored. Protect captured data as seriously as you protect financial or customer information.
Where possible, focus on results, not activity. If an employee consistently meets deadlines and delivers high-quality work, how they organize their screen during the day should matter less.
When you create a culture focused on trust and clear outcomes, heavy surveillance like screen capturing often becomes unnecessary.
20. 39% of organizations track login and logout times
About 39% of companies now track when employees log in and out of their systems each day. This simple form of monitoring helps businesses understand working patterns without being too invasive.
Why Login Tracking is Used
Login and logout data provides a basic view of employee attendance and time management. It helps companies see who is starting work on time, who may be overworking, and who might need support balancing their day.
It is also a useful tool for cybersecurity. Knowing when users access systems can help detect unauthorized logins and prevent data breaches.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you track login times, use the data wisely. Avoid using it to shame employees who log in a few minutes late. Instead, focus on patterns over time.
Encourage managers to pair login data with regular conversations. If an employee’s hours suddenly change, check in to see if there is a personal issue, a workload problem, or a need for flexible scheduling.
Also, respect boundaries. Track work hours, not personal habits outside of agreed working times.
A fair and supportive approach to login tracking can help you manage your workforce more effectively without feeling invasive.
21. 22% of remote workers say they would quit if they learned they were monitored
About 22% of remote workers say they would leave their jobs if they found out they were being watched without their knowledge. This shows how sensitive employees are to issues of trust and privacy.
Why Monitoring Can Lead to Resignations
Remote workers often value flexibility, independence, and trust. Monitoring that feels sneaky or excessive can ruin the remote work experience. Workers might feel disrespected, micromanaged, or even violated.
If employees believe their employer does not trust them, they may start looking for companies that respect their autonomy more.
Practical Advice for Companies
Before setting up monitoring tools, consider the risk of turnover. Losing good employees costs much more than the price of any surveillance software.
Focus on transparency. Always tell workers exactly what will be monitored, why it matters, and how it will impact their day-to-day work.
Offer employees choices where possible. For example, allow flexible schedules or output-based evaluations instead of rigid surveillance.
Respecting employees’ need for autonomy will help you keep your top talent and build a company culture based on mutual trust.
22. 31% of companies inform employees they are being monitored only vaguely
Around 31% of companies give only vague hints that employees are being monitored, instead of clearly explaining the full extent of surveillance.
Why Vague Communication is a Problem
When workers only receive partial information, they start to fill in the gaps themselves. Often, they imagine the worst. Uncertainty breeds fear and mistrust.
Moreover, vague policies expose companies to legal risks. In many areas, failing to properly inform employees about surveillance can result in hefty fines or lawsuits.
Practical Advice for Companies
Spell it out clearly. Create simple, easy-to-read monitoring policies that leave no room for confusion.
List what is monitored, when it is monitored, why it is monitored, and how the information is used. Distribute this information during onboarding and anytime changes are made.
Host Q&A sessions where employees can ask questions freely. Encourage an open-door policy around concerns about privacy and monitoring.
Clear, direct communication builds understanding and respect, which in turn makes surveillance less threatening and more acceptable.
23. 11% of employees discovered monitoring only after a privacy breach
Around 11% of employees only learned they were being monitored after a security issue or privacy incident came to light. This is one of the worst ways for workers to find out.
Why Discovering Monitoring After a Breach is So Harmful
Finding out you are monitored only after a problem occurs feels like a betrayal. It suggests that the company hid important information. It destroys trust and damages morale badly.
It also often means that the company was not following best practices for transparency and communication, which can create legal troubles.
Practical Advice for Companies
Never wait for a crisis to disclose your monitoring practices. Transparency must happen from day one.
If you change monitoring practices, inform your teams immediately, not after the fact.
Develop a crisis communication plan that includes clear steps for addressing surveillance concerns in the event of a breach. Prepare in advance, so you are not scrambling when emotions are high.
Being proactive and upfront protects your company’s reputation and relationships when challenges arise.
24. 57% of organizations cite data security as the reason for surveillance
About 57% of companies say that protecting sensitive data is the main reason they monitor employees. In a world of rising cyber threats, this makes a lot of sense.
Why Data Security is a Top Priority
Remote work creates new vulnerabilities. Home networks are less secure than office networks. Personal devices are often used for work purposes. The risk of accidental or malicious data leaks is higher than ever.
Surveillance allows companies to spot suspicious behavior early and protect sensitive information before it falls into the wrong hands.
Practical Advice for Companies
Make sure your monitoring efforts are laser-focused on protecting data, not controlling employees.
Use software that flags real security threats like unauthorized downloads, access to restricted areas, or suspicious login attempts.
Educate employees about why surveillance protects them too. Their personal information, client data, and project materials are all safer when proper monitoring is in place.
Always frame monitoring as a shared responsibility: employees and employers working together to keep everyone safe.
25. 49% of companies say they monitor to ensure compliance with company policies
Nearly half of all companies say that surveillance is about making sure employees follow company rules, not just about watching them.
Why Compliance Monitoring is Important
Company policies exist for good reasons. They protect customers, guard against legal risks, and create a fair and ethical workplace.
Monitoring helps ensure that employees follow these rules even when they are not physically in an office.
For example, monitoring can detect when sensitive customer information is shared incorrectly or when company assets are used for personal projects.
Practical Advice for Companies
When you monitor for compliance, make the rules crystal clear. Employees should know exactly what is expected of them.
Tie your monitoring practices directly to your policy handbook. If your policy prohibits unauthorized software installation, then monitoring for software downloads makes sense.
Avoid looking for minor infractions or becoming overly punitive. Focus on serious risks that could genuinely harm the business.
Create a culture where following the rules feels like a shared commitment to the company’s success, not a burden enforced by surveillance.
26. 19% of organizations use monitoring to assess employee engagement
Around 19% of companies are using surveillance not just for security or compliance, but to measure how engaged employees are in their work.
Why Companies Monitor Engagement
Employee engagement is one of the most important drivers of business success. Engaged employees are more productive, more loyal, and more innovative.
By analyzing work patterns, response times, participation in meetings, and communication habits, companies try to spot signs of disengagement early.
For example, sudden drops in email activity or fewer contributions during meetings might suggest that an employee is feeling disconnected or overwhelmed.
Practical Advice for Companies
If you use monitoring to assess engagement, be extremely careful. Engagement is complex and personal. It cannot be fully understood through numbers alone.
Use surveillance data as a starting point, not a final judgment. If signs of disengagement appear, start a conversation. Ask employees how they are feeling, what challenges they are facing, and how you can support them better.
Never use surveillance data to accuse or shame employees. Instead, use it to open doors for coaching, mentoring, and problem-solving.
Also, be mindful of privacy. Only track work-related behaviors, and avoid digging into personal attitudes or private conversations.
By using monitoring as a tool for support rather than punishment, you can create a workplace where employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
27. 14% of companies monitor private conversations in internal chat tools
Shockingly, about 14% of companies go as far as monitoring private messages sent through internal chat platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Why Companies Monitor Private Chats
Businesses argue that work chat tools are company property and that monitoring them helps prevent harassment, data leaks, and inappropriate conduct.
Some industries with strict regulatory requirements are even legally obligated to retain and review business communications.
Practical Advice for Companies
Monitoring private chats can easily feel like crossing a line. If you choose to do it, set strict boundaries.
Focus only on company-owned platforms. Do not try to monitor personal messaging apps or private devices.
Be upfront with employees. Let them know that communications on work platforms are not private and may be reviewed if necessary.
Encourage professionalism in all work-related communication channels. Set clear guidelines about appropriate behavior and language.
But also create safe spaces. Offer private channels for mental health support, confidential HR issues, or personal concerns that are not subject to monitoring.
Balancing oversight and privacy carefully is key to maintaining employee trust while protecting your company.
28. 64% of HR managers express concerns about the ethical implications of surveillance
A full 64% of HR managers say they are worried about the ethical side of employee monitoring. Even when legal, surveillance can sometimes feel morally wrong.
Why Ethics Matter in Monitoring
Laws provide the minimum standard of behavior. Ethics demand more. Just because you can do something does not mean you should.
Excessive surveillance can strip away dignity, create fear, and damage mental health. It can also disproportionately affect certain groups, creating hidden biases.
Companies that ignore the ethical side of monitoring risk more than lawsuits. They risk losing the loyalty and goodwill of their employees.
Practical Advice for Companies
When setting up monitoring programs, ask yourself not just, “Is this legal?” but also, “Is this right?”
Create an ethics review process for all new surveillance tools. Include HR, legal, and employee representatives in the discussion.
Always strive for the least invasive solution that still meets your business needs. Prioritize transparency, fairness, and human dignity.
Remember, your company’s reputation is built as much on how you treat your people as it is on your products or profits.
Ethical behavior today earns loyalty, trust, and long-term success tomorrow.
29. 36% of companies rely on third-party surveillance software
About 36% of businesses do not build their own monitoring tools. Instead, they buy or subscribe to third-party surveillance platforms.
Why Companies Choose Third-Party Solutions
Building custom monitoring systems is expensive and complex. Third-party software offers ready-made tools that are cheaper, faster to deploy, and often come with support and updates.
These solutions can monitor emails, internet use, device activity, and more from a single dashboard.
Practical Advice for Companies
Choosing the right surveillance vendor is critical. Not all third-party providers are created equal.
Before buying, do thorough research. Check reviews, ask for references, and dig deep into the company’s privacy policies and data security practices.
Make sure the software allows you to customize settings to respect employee privacy and meet your legal obligations.
Also, review the contracts carefully. Understand who owns the collected data, how it is stored, and what happens if you stop using the service.
Finally, be transparent with your employees about the use of third-party tools. Workers should know who is collecting their data and how it is being managed.
30. 43% of employers report improved remote workforce management through monitoring
Finally, 43% of employers say that monitoring has made it easier to manage their remote teams. When done right, surveillance can actually support flexibility and freedom.
Why Monitoring Can Improve Management
Remote work brings many benefits, but also many challenges. Managers cannot rely on casual hallway chats or quick office drop-ins to stay updated.
Monitoring provides structured insights. It shows work patterns, highlights collaboration gaps, and identifies where support is needed.
Used wisely, it helps managers coach better, support workers more effectively, and keep projects moving smoothly.
Practical Advice for Companies
Use monitoring data as a conversation starter, not a hammer.
Celebrate successes when data shows strong performance. Use insights to offer help when patterns show someone is struggling.
Train managers to interpret monitoring data with empathy. Remind them that behind every chart or graph is a human being with their own challenges and strengths.
By using monitoring to empower rather than control, you can create a remote work environment where people thrive and your business grows.
Conclusion
Employee monitoring is no longer a rare practice. It has become a normal part of managing remote teams. From tracking emails to analyzing work patterns with AI, companies are using a wide range of tools to keep business operations secure, productive, and efficient.
