Is Your Employer Watching You?
A significant number of companies now use some form of electronic monitoring, a trend that accelerated during the shift to remote work. This technology, often called 'bossware' or 'tattleware', can range from tracking app usage and idle time to logging
keystrokes and taking screenshots. In India, employee monitoring on company-owned devices is legal, provided the employer is transparent about it. The law requires that companies inform employees, typically through an employment contract, that they are subject to monitoring for legitimate business reasons like productivity and security. The legal framework, including the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, focuses on transparency, necessity, and purpose. This means covert or excessive surveillance, especially on personal devices without explicit consent, can be challenged as a violation of the fundamental right to privacy.
The Great Work-Mode Negotiation
The debate between working from home and returning to the office has settled into a widespread, if sometimes tense, compromise: the hybrid model. While many large IT firms have pushed for a mandatory return to the office for at least a few days a week, employee preference for flexibility remains strong. Data from 2026 shows that while a majority of Indian employees work on-site, a significant portion—nearly 80% in one survey—prefer a hybrid arrangement. Companies are responding, with over half of Indian firms now operating a hybrid model. The conversation is no longer about if hybrid work will exist, but how it will be structured. The new focus is on making office days more intentional, centering them around collaboration, team building, and mentorship opportunities that are harder to replicate remotely. Even a recent appeal from the Prime Minister to consider more work-from-home to save fuel has added a new layer to the discussion, framing flexibility not just as an employee perk but as a potential tool for national energy conservation.
The New Rules of Business Travel
Corporate travel is making a strong comeback, with a majority of Indian companies expecting travel volumes to increase. However, its purpose has fundamentally changed. The era of routine, single-meeting trips is over, replaced by a more strategic approach. Today, business travel must be 'purposeful'. Companies are prioritising trips that deliver clear value, such as closing major deals, fostering key client relationships, or facilitating crucial team-building events. Many organisations now bundle multiple objectives into a single journey to maximise return on investment. This shift is accompanied by a growing focus on sustainability and employee well-being. 'Bleisure'—the blending of business and leisure travel—is also becoming mainstream, with many employees extending work trips for personal time. As a result, companies are adopting more flexible travel policies and investing in technology to better manage bookings and expenses, ensuring every trip is cost-effective, compliant, and valuable.
How to Navigate the New Norms
For employees, this evolving landscape demands proactivity. When considering a new job or navigating your current one, clarity is your best asset. During interviews, ask direct questions about the company's policies on work mode, in-office expectations, and the use of monitoring software. Scrutinise your employment contract for clauses related to monitoring and location tracking. Understand the difference between monitoring on company-owned assets versus your personal devices. When it comes to hybrid work, seek clarity on which days are mandatory and what the expectations are for in-office time. Is it for collaborative work, or simply for presence? For travel, understand the approval process and what qualifies as a necessary trip. Open communication with your manager about these aspects can prevent misunderstandings and help you align your expectations with the company's policies. Being informed allows you to not only protect your privacy but also to make career choices that align with your desired work-life integration.
