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.
As a manager of sorts, I already know if people are doing their job: the work gets done. I’m involved enough to know how much time their work should take and see through their BS since I do similar work.
Maybe these bosses should do the same: do similar work and you’ll know when they’re BS-ing you.
No, absolutely not! When you’re a manager you are supposed to stop doing actual work and instead spend your time in meetings, making PowerPoints and “navigating office politics”.