Productivity or Pressure : Can Tracking Employees Really Drive Better Results?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Think about a time when you felt constantly watched or pressured to perform-maybe it was during a board exam, a big presentation at work, or even when you're trying to impress friends at a social gathering. That sense of being under a microscope can stir up a mix of emotions, from anxiety to determination.

On one hand, there is no doubt that a little pressure can motivate us to excel, but too much can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stifled. Just like in our personal lives, the workplace is no different. As companies increasingly turn to surveillance methods to monitor employee performance, the question arises: does this kind of oversight genuinely drive better results, or does it create an atmosphere of stress and distrust?

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

Is Tracking Efficiency the Key to Performance?

Should efficiency really be prioritised at all costs? With technology like AI and robotics, it's easier than ever for companies to automate processes, but this also brings a new era of intense workplace surveillance. Many businesses now have tools to track employees' productivity in detail, raising questions about the impact of such monitoring.

A recent example from The Guardian highlights Woolworths, which has come under fire for its "unrealistic" productivity expectations for warehouse pickers. Their new system aims for 100% efficiency, placing those who don't meet the mark in a coaching program. While the ethics of such practices are debatable, the bigger question remains: does this level of tracking actually boost employee performance?

Does Digital Surveillance Really Work?

The concept of treating employees as mere parts of a productivity machine isn't new, but with digital surveillance on the rise, it seems we're still far from a human-centred approach. The remote work boom post-pandemic pushed monitoring tools into the mainstream, yet research on their actual effectiveness remains limited.

A 2023 review by the University of Turin analysed 57 studies and found mixed results. While some workers felt motivated to perform better when observed, others felt stifled and even resentful under constant watch. So, while there's no clear evidence that digital surveillance truly boosts performance, companies continue to apply it in hopes of higher productivity.

The Paradox of Trust

There's a real paradox when it comes to workplace surveillance: while it gives employers more control, it often undermines trust. Monitoring employees' keystrokes or how quickly warehouse workers pick items might yield short-term gains, but it can make workers feel more like machines than humans.
This dissatisfaction can lead them to seek better opportunities, resulting in high turnover rates that create inefficiencies as companies scramble to recruit and train new staff. A recent Slack survey revealed that about 25% of desk workers don't feel trusted, and those who do feel that way are twice as likely to switch jobs.

Balancing Monitoring and Trust

Employers really need to think carefully about the pros and cons of tracking their employees. Sure, monitoring can cut down on distractions like water cooler chats or social media scrolling, and it might help identify safety issues. However, constant surveillance can make employees feel anxious and untrusted, stifling their creativity and problem-solving skills.

This excessive scrutiny can create a tense environment that discourages risk-taking and innovation. Instead of leaning heavily on surveillance, companies might want to explore other ways to boost efficiency, like automating processes or fostering a workplace where employees feel safe to experiment and make mistakes.

When workers know they're trusted, they're more likely to perform at their best because of their own pride and motivation, rather than just to avoid punishment.

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

In the debate of productivity versus pressure, it's clear that simply tracking employees isn't a universal solution for better results. While monitoring can provide insights and reduce distractions, it often comes at the cost of trust and morale. To truly enhance productivity, employers must seek a balanced approach that fosters a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

By prioritising open communication, psychological safety, and intrinsic motivation over constant oversight, organisations can unlock their teams' full potential, leading to not only better results but also a happier, more engaged workforce. Ultimately, it's about finding the right mix-where accountability meets trust, driving success without the stress.