Half of people would quit their job if they thought their boss were spying on them. (And they are)

More than half of British employees would quit their job if they were subjected to surveillance whilst working, but more than half of UK bosses say they cannot trust their employees without monitoring them, according to a new poll from ExpressVPN. The new study explores the views and experiences relating to the ‘workplace surveillance’ of 1,000 employees and 1,000 employers in the UK. While physical surveillance through the use of cameras and badge/pass scanners in the workplace is more widely known, the increase in remote working in recent years has driven the rise of online surveillance, according to the report.

In fact, the survey highlights that 85 percent of employers in the UK now admit to using online employee monitoring techniques. This includes employers tracking websites visited and apps used by their employees, along with monitoring computer screens, to gauge performance and activity levels.

The survey also reveals key concerns among British workers about the concept of ‘workplace surveillance’, with 42 percent of Brits believing it is unethical for employers to monitor online communications such as emails, chats, and video calls. Worryingly, a staggering 45 percent suspect their bosses may already be monitoring their work hours, productivity, location, or other activities without their knowledge. Nearly half of Brits (46 percent) say the prospect of their boss monitoring their online activity and communication causes them stress and anxiety.

However, more than a third of people (38 percent) are unaware that employers are legally allowed to monitor all employee communications for legitimate business purposes. This lack of awareness contributes to the discomfort and distrust that exists in some workplaces. 17 percent of people say they would be willing to take a 25 percent pay cut to avoid being monitored. This clear aversion to workplace surveillance has also led to various behavioural changes and coping mechanisms among employees in the UK, with 27 percent saying they now take fewer breaks, 23 percent feel pressured to work longer hours, and 32 percent constantly wonder if they are being watched.

79 percent of Brits people also believe the Government should better regulate the use of workplace surveillance technology – underscoring the urgent need for a more balanced approach to workplace surveillance that respects employee privacy, while addressing employer concerns about productivity and trust.

The survey also sheds light on the employers’ perspective, with nearly three-quarters of UK bosses (72 percent) admitting they are more comfortable with in-person work because it requires less surveillance and monitoring. In addition, 61 percent of employers say hybrid working makes it difficult to maintain consistent supervision and control of their employees. 57 percent also feel uneasy about remote work due to the inability to observe employees in person, and 51 percent do not trust their employees to work without in-person supervision. In response to these concerns, 36 percent of employers have considered moving to full-time in-office work based on employee monitoring methods.

The study also explores how surveillance can impact employee performance reviews and even disciplinary procedures. 38 percent of UK employers say employees’ recorded emails or messages have been used to inform performance reviews, with a further 29 percent having fired or disciplined employees based on their recorded emails and messages. Interestingly, more than a quarter of UK bosses (28 percent) have used monitoring tools to assess potential union formation, while 62 percent of bosses have or have been tempted to check their employees’ browsing history.