The topic of employee monitoring during remote work has become increasingly relevant, particularly since the global shift towards remote working arrangements. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and Remote working: advantages and disadvantages?, this topic has appeared multiple times in different forms, making it a high-probability subject for future tests.
Employee monitoring systems displayed on multiple computer screens
Task Analysis
Some people believe that employers should monitor their employees’ activities when working remotely. Others think this practice violates privacy rights. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on remote worker monitoring
- Present a balanced discussion
- Express and justify a personal view
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The widespread adoption of remote work has sparked debate about whether employers should track their employees’ activities, with some supporting this practice while others consider it an invasion of privacy. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that limited monitoring can be beneficial when implemented transparently and ethically.
Those who advocate for employee monitoring argue that it ensures productivity and accountability in remote settings. Companies invest significant resources in their workforce and need to protect their interests by verifying that work hours are used effectively. As discussed in how technology affects productivity at work, monitoring tools can help maintain operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
However, opponents contend that surveillance infringes on personal privacy and demonstrates a lack of trust. They argue that constant monitoring creates stress and anxiety, potentially decreasing productivity and job satisfaction. Furthermore, such practices could violate employees’ right to privacy, especially when working from their homes.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is most appropriate. Employers should implement minimal necessary monitoring measures while being completely transparent about their methods and purposes. This could include tracking project milestones and work outputs rather than constant surveillance. Additionally, clear policies should be established regarding data collection and usage, with employee consent being paramount.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Remote work monitoring is a controversial topic nowadays. Some people think companies should check what their workers do at home, but others say this is wrong. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
For monitoring, companies want to make sure employees are working properly. They pay workers money, so they need to know if the work is being done. Some workers might watch TV or do other things during work time if nobody checks them. This makes monitoring important for companies.
Against monitoring, many people think it’s not good for privacy. When working from home, people don’t want their boss watching everything they do. It can make workers feel stressed and uncomfortable. Also, good workers don’t need someone always watching them to do their job well.
I think some monitoring is okay but not too much. Companies can check if work is finished on time and if it’s good quality. But they shouldn’t watch everything workers do all day. This way, both companies and workers can be happy.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (“advocate,” “surveillance,” “transparency”)
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- surveillance (n) /səˈveɪ.ləns/ – systematic monitoring
- infringe (v) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – violate or breach
- transparency (n) /trænsˈpær.ən.si/ – openness and clarity
- accountability (n) /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – responsibility to explain actions
- paramount (adj) /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/ – supreme; most important
For additional practice, consider writing about advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting and share your essays in the comments for feedback.
