Work from home or work under CCTV?: Woman rejects WFH job after hiring company asks her to keep the camera on all day

WFH and this is what my company does.” Another comment that went viral summed up the mood with humour: “Bro isse jada aram to office me h 😂😂” (“Bro, office sounds more relaxing than this 😂😂”).

Many users said constant webcam monitoring would make them feel anxious instead of productive. Others joked that some work-from-home jobs now sound more exhausting than physically going to the office every day.

Interestingly, despite repeated requests from viewers, Gurleen chose not to reveal the company’s name. She clarified that her intention was not to target or shame a specific employer, but to talk about the policy itself and how uncomfortable it made her feel.

The rise of “bossware” in remote jobs

The controversy has also revived conversations around so-called “bossware”, a software used by companies to monitor employee activity remotely.

These tools can include:

• Webcam tracking
• Random screenshots
• Keyboard and mouse activity monitoring
• Time trackers
• Browser history logging
• Productivity scoring systems

Supporters of such systems argue they help companies maintain accountability, especially after the rise of remote work and concerns around moonlighting or disengagement.

But critics say excessive tracking creates distrust from day one.

For many Gen Z professionals, flexibility is no longer considered a “perk.” It is increasingly seen as a baseline expectation tied to trust, autonomy, and work-life balance. Because for a generation already dealing with burnout, hustle culture, and constant online visibility, the idea of being watched through a webcam all day feels less like remote work and more like living inside a productivity test.

The timing of this debate is especially interesting because it comes just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently encouraged Indians to revive Covid-era habits like work-from-home, virtual meetings, and reduced travel to help save fuel and cut economic pressure amid global tensions in West Asia.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and online reactions. The Economic Times has not independently verified the authenticity of the content and does not claim or endorse it.)