I recently had a conversation with a client who wants to ensure that their remote employees are actually working from home. They had set up offices with desktops during the lockdown, and now some employees are using personal laptops for work too. I suggested that we might need some sort of time or activity tracking software to monitor productivity. However, I'm concerned that installing this on personal devices will lead to pushback from employees. I'm curious about how to balance the need for oversight with employee privacy. What tracking tools, like Monitask or Hubstaff, are out there that people have found useful—or that I should steer clear of?
5 Answers
If they insist on tracking, they need to discuss this with HR first to avoid potential legal issues. Some tracking software can be seen as invasive and may lead to trust issues with employees. Just remind them it's about good management practices, not constant surveillance.
For real! If they want to monitor work, they need to do it the right way by respecting privacy too.
In my experience, trying to track remote employees through software is just asking for trouble. You can’t measure productivity that way. It’s much better to rely on deadlines and deliverables. Your client might need to rethink their management strategy rather than jumping into a surveillance solution.
Totally! It just leads to a toxic culture where people feel untrusted. Focus on results instead.
Exactly. Technology can’t solve a management problem!
I totally get why your client thinks this is necessary, but tracking software can have serious drawbacks. If employees are getting their work done, why spy on them? Plus, installing anything on personal devices can lead to backlash and even legal issues. Encourage them to focus on setting clear goals instead of tracking every second of work.
Right? I wouldn’t let any company install monitoring software on my personal device. That's just crossing a line.
I agree! Good management should know how to evaluate productivity without resorting to invasive measures.
Using tracking software is setting a dangerous precedent. If your client pushes for it, it might backfire by making good employees leave. They should focus on monitoring outcomes, not people’s movements. Trust is key in remote environments.
Couldn't agree more! They should really consider the long-term effects of their choices.
Exactly! A happy team is often a productive one.
Honestly, using a time tracking tool feels like a step back. Instead of monitoring every minute, it’s better to focus on outcomes. If managers aren’t seeing the results they expect, the issue often lies with management practices, not the employees themselves. An effective project management tool like Jira or Trello could help keep everything organized without micromanaging.
Exactly! If you're managing properly, you should already know who's doing the work based on performance. Tracking software can just add unnecessary stress.
For sure. If managers can't trust their teams, that's a bigger problem than any app can solve.
Yes! It's crucial to understand local laws regarding employee monitoring.