I Refused to Let My Boss Install a Time-Tracking Software on My Laptop Because I Work Remotely
Remote work has changed how we see our jobs, giving people freedom, flexibility, and a sense of trust. But sometimes, that trust is tested when companies try to control how employees spend every second of their day. In a world where technology can track our every move, one reader recently sent a letter to Bright Side to share her surprising experience with this very issue.
Here’s Betty’s letter:
Hi Bright Side,
I work remotely. Last week, my boss asked to take my laptop to install a “productivity” tool that would track my working hours. I refused. “I don’t need a digital babysitter,” I said. “Remote work runs on trust, not control!”
The next day, HR insisted I install it anyway. I smiled, thanked them, and complied. Turns out, this so-called “productivity” software is nothing more than spyware that monitors every mouse movement and keystroke. If you stop moving the cursor for three minutes, your status turns red, and your boss receives a “low activity” alert.
But what they didn’t know is that now I have my own workaround: I tape my mouse to my Roomba whenever I step away, or casually spin a pen on my mousepad when I’m on my desk but doing something else.
Still, something inside me has shifted. I can’t give to this job the way I once did—now that I know trust has been replaced with surveillance. Before, it felt like I was building something of my own; I worked with heart, with pride.
But that’s gone. The moment they decided to monitor my every move, something vital between us broke, and I don’t think it can be repaired.
— Betty
KISS MY TRUMP HATING ASS!!!
That is a dumb take
Lame. You know what I do? "Here's the work. Deadline is Monday. Let me know if there's a problem. " then I don't talk to them until it's time to collect it.
@Louis G … Ridiculous. I work all day every work day and there is no way my mouse moves constantly all day long. I have to research and troubleshoot and that can take time. I am not non-productive by any means. Your comment is insulting.
There's just as much down time when you're in an office if you have a boss that wants you to be focused on your job 99.9% of the time when you're in an office 3 minutes is not a significant amount of inactivity. Not everybody uses the computer 100% of the time to do their job. I do not read documents electronically I use paper I don't care about the earth I don't care about conservation if we need resources that's what the third world lower class countries are for they're not human anyway. But I have documents that are hundreds of pages long that need to be annotated or I need to outline and I use a pen a paper and a highlighter to identify things. Additionally I do a lot of coding and coding begins on paper not on the computer if you don't want to make mistakes. Companies are motivated to get people back into the office because they want control. They need to justify middle management in many cases. I work the children's hospital Boston and the manager there from a third world country namely India left because she was being discriminated against but broke every single labor law in the country. If you were one minute late she read you the riot act but she expected you to be on time with all your deliverables even if you had a stay three extra hours a day. She also got upset if you went to the bathroom too much she wanted everybody working constantly and as a result when I quit within 3 months the entire staff broke and by the end of the year which was 4 months later she was transferred to a non supervisory management position. She went down to Atlanta where she bumped herself in line to get the covid vaccine. She's the reason why we need an American kristallnacht. And God help me if we ever do have one I would have no problem making a new American arbeot macht frei... People that are sexually assaulted have their lives destroyed and people that commit those crimes should be executed but I also consider the H-1B visa program to be economic sexual assault on par with actual rape and the holders of that are rapist and should be executed their families and assets seized and even if their children were born here have a nice day all
You need HELP. I am from Boston, and I will be asking my friends to look out for you. You are dangerous.
They have every right to make sure their employees are working 8 hours
BULLSHIT!!!
There is the same amount of time wasted in office
That is why the roads are so crazy busy now during the day. Office workers running errands....NOT.
No. They have every right to know the work is getting done. That's all that matters, not how long it took to do it.
When i drop the work on the ppl helping me, I just want it done by the deadline. They can give it all back, completed, the next day or they can give it back on the day of the deadline.
I don't care if they spent all the days before the deadline playing Call of Duty.
No. If you want to get paid by deliverables become a independent consultant and leave the comfort of a salary. I know developers. Most piss around and grind a few days a month then talk about that grind for the rest of the month.
Having the right to do something doesn't make it a good idea.
I work in IT monitoring and customer support. I work 12 hours overnight in the office in the off-site data center. My supervisor encourages us to watch YouTube or Netflix or Amazon or get up and take a quick walk as long as one of the other 2 coworkers were "engaged" basically so we don't fall asleep. As long as we are not sleeping and work is getting done timely, we can do whatever we want that doesn't violate office rules. Boy do i have it easy. On snow days or sick at home working days, we do whatever we want as long as we're engaged and working, we need to be communicating with our coworkers when not in the office to prove we're not sleeping and our Teams status should be active.
Yall hiring? Haha
I find the comments interesting. Being monitored at home is fair. They could just eliminate remote work. As far as 3 minutes with no activity being the best way to be monitored, that is very hard to criticize without knowing details of the job. Someone could have a disability, but not qualify for government assistance and trying to work with a 3 minute time limit could reduce their productivity. For example if they are trying to analyze a report, and their thought process keeps getting interrupted by the 3 minutes rule and they have to worry about moving the mouse, it could take even longer to complete the task.Find another job? Could be just as bad somewhere else.
That's an automatic lawsuit their invading your privacy totally not coo
Not a lawsuit. When you are being paid to work, they have a right to know you are not walking away for 20 to 30 minutes every hour. When people are in office, they mo monitor your phone calls and can tell if you are not on the phone or if certain calls are taking longer. Personal time is just that....your break or lunch time and after hours.
BULLSHIT! EVERY EMPLOYEE FUCKS OFF AT LEAST THIS AMOUNT OF TIME AT THE OFFICE!!!!!
If the work is getting done, who cares if they're watching Love Island half an hour every hour?
A lawsuit for making sure they work? If they were physically there at the job and weren't working at a point in time during work hours would they be able to sue if the boss came up to them and said hey could you get back to work. Gen z is so lazy. Us Millennials definitely the last good generation. 😮💨
Ahahahah, this comment is so funny! Gen X here, i.e. the only superior generation left, in our perspective, with the exception of a few, Millenials and Gen Z are both useless human beings, waste of space and air.
They’re. It’s they-are = they’re
When you're supposed to be working there is no privacy.
These so called productivity softwares are simply spyware to track some form of activity and possibly a breakdown of which app consumed how much time. This is good for procedural based, factory model but counter productive for work involving mental states. So for most of the cases these tools are unproductivity tools being passed as productivity tools by some companies who sell hours irrespective of work involvements.
You did the right thing. Now the employees that didn't pull.their own weight can rig the system like you did and look like model employees
So basically, what you’re saying is that you were so upset by having some accountability that you became the very reason why companies need accountability tools like this? Seems smart….
People are so shortsighted that they fail to realize 2 things: first of all, at some point you’re going to ask for a raise. If you are truly worth the raise, accountability tools give you the metrics you need to prove it. The second thing is, if anything ever happens, and you need to be able to prove your whereabouts at any given time, accountability tools, by design, give you that. I used to manage a team of mobile technicians. A customer tried to say one of the techs broke one of their belongings. The gps tracking feature of their time clock software helped to easily prove that the technician wasn’t even at the customer’s house when they claimed the thing was broken. Turns out that it was the customer who broke it and they were trying to get the company to pay for it. Accountability tools are a non-issue if you already do the right things.
I’m just amazed she did not know they make mousepads that will continuously move the mouse while she doesn’t work.
Seems like she is not the brightest, possibly lazy… Probable that her performance warranted the installation of the software. They’d have done better to install a keystroke counter, which I’m betting was part of the install lol.
I feel like she is a bad employee.
And employees arent entitled to a paycheck for 8 hours of work, if they dont work 8 hours
So you're saying that if my guys get the work done in 4hrs when I budgeted 8, I shouldn't have to pay them the other 4?
That's dumb. If they get the work done earlier than I expected, they deserve the hours. That's what makes employees work harder and smarter and benefits my business.
Hi Barbara. I trust you are well. Barbara, I do have a fully equipped home office. I reside in Cape Town South Africa. I am very good in cold calling , appointment booking and closing deals on the phone. I am extremely hard-working and always goes the extra mile. I have worked on Pipedrive and Salesforce CRMs. I would highly appreciate it if you might consider me as a possible staff member. If you however do not have openings, can you perhaps refer me? Thanks so much. PS. I have applied to recruitment agencies who represents companies but it has not been fruitful as they have like very long processes. Like 5 plus steps and somewhere along the line you are either ignored or they inform you that you have been unsuccessful. This after spending hours on various assessments etc. My digits are +27786470288 email hopemarketing2012@gmail.com Thanks and kind regards Shaberah Christians
There always more work to be done.
The point I think is this-corporations have shifted in some cases to “remote” work, that’s fine. People think this is great! But rest assured it wasn’t done for the individuals benefit. Nothing is. This was done to cut overhead, to maximize profit and help the bottom line….period. So, tracking tools are only there to protect the bottom line….period (we are all rats in the rat race). I say, individuals need to protect their own bottom line which is ultimately THEIR TIME. So why not pay remote workers PURELY on a performance basis? Forget about “our time vs their time”. Slavery is supposedly dead right? Corporations want maximum productivity and workers want to maximize their personal time against the money needed to survive. If they tell a person, you need to do this much in order to make what you need to survive, not we want all of your time in order to survive that is when they will truly know how much production each person is willing to give. BUT, when they start tracking your time……they are breaking out the digital shackles and everyone knows this deep down and it’s a sinking feeling for most people. Let’s make work perfomance based…..that’s when you turn production into a true competition and that’s when production will soar through the roof.
Your own story proved you can't be trusted. Every job monitors its employees one way or another be it with cameras or software. The only ones that seem to not like it are the ones with something to hide. These devices just add to your metrics when you are up for a raise or promotion or just your regular review. "Why were you unable to complete this project by the deadline" "I didn't have enough time" "well Tracker says you averaged 3-4 hrs a day idled". As an IT pro, these apps have been used with or without your permission for some time. Even a chat app will rat you out for being "away" too long.
Spoken like a well trained rat.
Say you use work time for personal time without saying you use work time for personal time....
It's called work do your job. You'll be the same person crying when they downsize and cut remote workers.
You probably should not have made this public then. I agree that you shouldn't need to be babysat, as it were, but they WILL find out about your work around and make it much harder for you. Like required video shots or something equally as invasive. I worked at an AUTO AUCTION and outdoor cameras were everywhere. Inside when at a desk or outside moving cars, they saw everything.
totally agreed with you Cheryl! it's was a bad idea to make this public!
but I feel you Betty! And LMAO at "Digital Babysitter" 🤣
I would NEVER allow a tracker on my personal computer. EVER. Provide a company computer or kick rocks.
I don't think most companies allow the use of a personal computer for work.
If “they” can track your every movement then they can track your productivity. “They” are saving billions not having to safely house employees throughout the course of a days work, essentially turning you into a partner rather than an employee. Don’t be a sheep….you should be paid solely on production since you are a partner. Time should never enter the conversation and letting someone track your time in YOUR OWN OFFICE BUILDING makes you anything but smart. Wisen up, you’re in your own space, how much is that worth? Are you going to give up your right to EVERYTHING? maybe they will be monitoring your bathroom door next…or your refrigerator door. Or your coffee maker. Don’t be a SHEEP
Thank you, Betty, for sending us your story. It’s a powerful reminder of how trust and control can collide in the remote work era. Here are 4 pieces of advice that might help you—and anyone facing a similar situation—find clarity, confidence, and peace moving forward.
Redefine Trust, Don’t Let It Break You.
It’s understandable to feel betrayed when your company replaces trust with surveillance. Instead of letting that feeling fester, try redefining what trust means for you in this new reality. You can still take pride in your work by setting your own standards of excellence, not just following a timer.
Remember, your integrity isn’t measured by mouse clicks, but by the quality and impact of your results. Let this experience remind you that your worth is self-defined, not software-defined.
Turn Frustration Into Fuel for Change.
If this situation feels unfair, use that frustration as motivation to explore new opportunities. Many companies today value autonomy and results over constant monitoring—start looking for them. Use your time to update your portfolio, network with professionals in your field, or even learn new skills that open doors elsewhere.
Instead of feeling stuck, take back control of your career path. Sometimes, losing faith in one job is what pushes you toward finding the right one.
I am not really understanding those of you who are in agreement and approval of software monitoring???? It should be easy to know if she is a productive employee or not. Is the work she is reaponsible for being done? On time? Done well? Voila! Aside from the comical metric of moving a mouse every 3 minutes(wouldnt you love to need improvement on your review in this area?!), it is a Ridiculous ask of the business. If this ia the only way they have to know if her job is being performed adequately, its time to seek another more challenging position.. I think that you all have missed the point. Sounds as if she was well engaged, and working just fine. I would be offended as well if they asked to monitor my movements for no reason. Would the boss sit and look at you all day in office to record your movements? If this is necessary, hire children and let the rest of us work the big girl jobs and get things done. This cannot be all we are worth. If an employee is not getting the job done well, handle it. Dont make everyone else miserable by treating them like toddlers.
Communicate Before You Quit.
Before walking away, try having an honest conversation with HR or your manager. Calmly express how surveillance affects your motivation and sense of trust. Frame your thoughts around how mutual respect leads to better productivity—not rebellion.
You might be surprised: some companies install these tools without realizing how invasive they feel to employees. Speaking up could help them understand and perhaps even change their approach for everyone’s benefit.
Protect Your Peace and Privacy.
If you decide to stay, create healthy emotional distance between your work and your self-worth. Accept that you can’t control every policy—but you can control your reaction to it. Set clear boundaries: take breaks away from the screen, mute notifications after hours, and remind yourself this is just a job, not your identity.
Keep your personal devices separate and secure from any company-installed software. In a monitored world, peace of mind is your most valuable productivity tool.
In today’s world, more and more people work remotely, enjoying the freedom and balance it brings. But sometimes, not everyone sees eye to eye on what “working hard” really looks like when you’re not in the office.
I Refused to Work From the Office After Being Hired Remotely—My Boss Took It to HR
Comments
Unless that PC is your personal machine, you don't get a choice in the matter because it's not your machine.
This Is a great way to get fired
It is amazing the number of people that support this action by an employer. All that matters is whether the person is getting their work done-- period. How much time they sit in front of their laptop, how much time they move or click a mouse or type on their keyboard is irrelevant. Even if her employer *may* have the right to place monitoring software on her computer, it doesn't make it right. It is not necessary. Working from home has benefits for the company as well. It is not a privilege as some think of it. If people are hired to work from home their employer should be confident that they will. If they dont get their work done, if they are not available for meetings those are concrete things that are relevant not whatever some tracking software can report.
As an owner of a small firm tracking software is a life saver. We recently had to terminate an employee whom we thought was a model employee. We had even given her a mid term raise. It was only when her manager started doubting her output we installed a software. It showed she was available only 30% of time. She would fill all her time sheet against meetings which she said she had to conduct with her team to explain work. In a month she filled 147 hours against meeting while 33 hours against project. We figured this was happening since months. She had another laptop beside her where she was working another job. We got to know when the monitoring software mentioned a file opened not related to our work. In a hurry one day she opened the file on this system instead of the other one which got flagged.
This software also has helped to identify the silent ones who pull more than their weight and we have been happy to recognize them.
I work remote since covid. We all mostly do. I have a shift, I work 9-6 and I work the same at home as I did or do in the office. I feel that anyone that has your attitude is probably not doing the work they're supposed to be doing during the hours they are supposed to be doing it. That's probably why so many companies are asking people to go back to the office. If you don't give the employer any reason to suspect you why would it be a trust issue?
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