As office attendance has shifted in the wake of the pandemic, some employers have turned to employee tracking software to keep an eye on employees while they work remotely. But these tools, including activity monitors and location trackers, could be negatively influencing employee job satisfaction, stress levels and loyalty.

A survey of more than 1,000 U.S. employees conducted by Software Finder found that one in five employees are monitored by an activity tracker. One in three employees share their computer's location with their employer and one in seven share their phone's location, the survey found. 

Although activity tracking is intended to improve productivity, tracked employees reported equal productivity levels as untracked employees. But tracked employees reported higher stress levels, worse mental health and less job satisfaction than employees who are not tracked. More than one-quarter of tracked employees said they distrust their employer and half of tracked employees feel pressured to work more hours, the report found.