The COVID-19 lockdown meant a surge in remote work, and the trend toward remote and hybrid workplaces has persisted long after the pandemic receded. That has changed the nature of workplace management as well. Bosses can’t check for butts in seats or look over their employees’ shoulders in the office to make sure they’re working instead of having a LAN party. So they’ve turned to software tools to fill the gap.
So-called “bossware” lets managers keep a close eye on employees’ activity, tracking everything from knowledge workers’ website visits to the gait and facial expressions of those involved in more physical activities.
the more I am watched, the less productive I am. both in actual output, and in appearance.
want to watch my every move? okay, I now spend time ensuring it appears acceptable when I am using it. but I’m also going to avoid using my watched device whenever possible to do work via other methods, like writing things out in a notebook instead of digitally
thankfully I am (for now) not under any sort of digital supervision. that I am aware of.