What do you think about employee monitoring tools?
Posted by UnhingedOven@reddit | ExperiencedDevs | View on Reddit | 17 comments
I've had 2 jobs since 2020, both were WFH and had me punch my time in TimeDoctor.
However, when punched, it was monitoring my mouse and keyboard activity, as well as the time I spent on each application and website. It was also taking screenshots every 10 minutes.
So when punched, I worked as hectically as I could and never left the computer at all. Somehow felt obligated to, knowing that my activity was tracked. Not sure if that was sustainable tho.
What's your opinion and experience about employee monitoring tools?
authorcopper@reddit
I have seen both sides of employee monitoring tools, and I totally get where you're coming from. Tools like TimeDoctor can feel pretty invasive if they track every click and take constant screenshots. It can definitely create a "digital pressure" that’s not always healthy or sustainable long term.
That said, not all employee monitoring tools are that intense. For example, Staff Tracker focuses more on time tracking with simple screenshots and activity reports but gives teams more breathing room without the feeling of being micromanaged. It's more about building trust while still helping businesses stay organized and accountable.
I think the key is balance—tools should support productivity, not create anxiety. Open conversations between managers and employees about why monitoring is in place can really help reduce that pressure.
What’s worked best for you so far—strict tracking or more flexible setups?
Previous-Ostrich-447@reddit
Employee monitoring tools can be intrusive if not used for the right reasons. I personally feel there's a subtle balance in how companies use it. Employee time tracking and monitoring software like Hubstaff is being used by a lot of outsourcing companies to manage their teams working remotely. It can be really useful to track work hours, use tracked hours for payroll, and keep productivity in check. It shows you how long it takes to finish one task/project, or even allocate better whenever there's a productivity gap. Let's say someone is getting more done within a short time while another person is taking too long to finish a task; in a way, employee monitoring tools help identify these kinda gaps. But yes, transparency is the key in this kind of situation. Maintaining open communication with employees is always better when an employer implements time tracking/ employee monitoring tools.
captain_americas357@reddit
I think this is a fair think nowadays. As an entrepreneur, I have enormous risk that I invest into business, whereas my employees have almost guaranteed salaries - it is true that I would be compensated if there is an exit event, but still these kinds of tools help me get a clear indication of who is involved in dangerous activities. I have tried several tools and they are all similar (insightful, activetrack, teramind). This is especially useful if you are hiring external contractors.
NoGur9740@reddit
We use https://www.insightful.io/. For remote workers, you need to use a tool for time tracking even monitoring. This tool is the least intrusive and has a module for employees. We also tested other tools, such as Timedoctor, Hubstaff, and similar ones. Initially, people were afraid of this tool, but in time, everyone adjusted, and I think this was a good idea after all. If you need advice, please contact me.
satindertbi@reddit
I understand your concerns about employee monitoring tools, especially when they create pressure to stay glued to the computer. Tools like Time Doctor, which track mouse clicks, keyboard activity, and take frequent screenshots, can sometimes feel invasive and may unintentionally push employees to overwork.
However, not all monitoring tools function this way. For instance, MaxelTracker offers a more balanced approach that focuses on improving productivity without promoting unhealthy work habits. Instead of tracking constant mouse and keyboard movement, MaxelTracker emphasizes meaningful insights that help both employees and managers understand how time is spent.
Key features like App Logs and System Logs provide clear visibility into productive and unproductive apps, helping teams make better decisions rather than micromanaging every second. The Smart Screenshot feature captures screen activity but avoids excessive monitoring by offering a blur option — reducing the feeling of being watched.
More importantly, MaxelTracker's insights help HR teams identify employees who may be struggling or overworking, encouraging healthier work routines instead of adding pressure.
Employee monitoring tools can be helpful when designed to boost productivity, improve focus, and identify bottlenecks — but they shouldn’t create a stressful environment. Tools like MaxelTracker strike a better balance, providing useful insights without making employees feel like they need to perform nonstop.
Finding the right tool — one that supports productivity without causing burnout — can make a big difference in long-term job satisfaction and performance.
christianhorniman@reddit
I took a demo last night with their team.
satindertbi@reddit
Can you tell me who was the person that gave you demo
MemorySensitive8956@reddit
That kind of monitoring sounds intense. Personally, I think tools should be about tracking productivity, not making employees feel like they have to be glued to their screens every second. We use Buddy Punch, which focuses on time tracking without invasive monitoring, and it works well without creating that pressure.
jfcarr@reddit
Beyond basic cybersecurity needs, such monitoring tools are sign of dysfunctional management. This means that one should avoid working for such a company or if this change happens while you're working there, seek new employment.
a_library_socialist@reddit
exactly. The fact that the organization works on that level says much more about the management - who will get the employees that only work when spied on, given time. I don't personally want to work with either.
ccricers@reddit
They have trust issues with their own hires. Why hire someone if you can't trust the pace at which they're going. But pacing is overrated. Just check on them for results.
Emergency_Prune_2800@reddit
oh man, reading about those employee monitoring tools makes me feel like we're in some kind of weird dystopian future where Big Brother is actually your boss. like seriously, who wants to work under the watchful eye of an app that’s basically a digital helicopter parent?
InterviewPrudent3775@reddit
The company I have been working with 4 years has seen constant growth. And out of nowhere my boss decides to install this awful thing claiming that productivity is on an all time low even though revenue shows constant growth. What are we supposed to do? M sure I will be called as unproductive because I am not on the screen 8 hours of the day.
richardpatey@reddit
Totally get why devs are sceptical of tracking tools – a lot of them can feel invasive, but not all are bad. Some actually help remote workers stay organised without the micromanaging. I came across this list of time-tracking tools that seem pretty worker-friendly: https://www.hustleremote.com/p/the-best-time-tracking-tools-for-remote-workers (no affiliation or anything, just thought it might be useful)
WorkStatus1@reddit
If you're looking for a more balanced approach to remote team management, Workstatus could be a great alternative to those intense monitoring tools. It’s designed to track productivity without creating that overwhelming feeling of constant surveillance. With Workstatus, you can track employee hours, monitor time spent on tasks, and gather insights into team productivity without the pressure of taking random screenshots or tracking every single keystroke.
What’s great about Workstatus is that it’s more about helping teams manage their workload efficiently rather than just catching every detail. It offers real-time activity tracking, but also allows for flexible working hours, which helps promote autonomy and work-life balance. You can set goals, track progress, and see where improvements can be made without micromanaging.
Plus, it's really intuitive—your team can get clear visibility into their own time management, and it makes it easier for managers to identify trends or areas for improvement, without crossing into that "always watching" territory. If you’re looking to maintain productivity without causing burnout or stress, Workstatus strikes a good balance!
louis3195@reddit
https://github.com/mediar-ai/screenpipe
i like this one
BananaStockMan@reddit
I think this really depends on the software being used. If it's a creepy tool like teramind then god no! They track every freaking letter you press. But if it's something like Intelogos.com that shows how engaged people are and how much they work - then this makes sense.