A new survey from Owl Labs indicates that 82% of workers want employers to be legally required to disclose when they use AI-based monitoring tools. The State of Hybrid Work report, based on responses from 8,000 employees globally, also found that 58% believe their employer already uses such systems.
The disclosure demand
The survey highlights a significant gap between employer practices and employee expectations. While 58% of respondents believe AI monitoring is already in use, 82% want disclosure of this practice to become a legal requirement. This suggests workers are not merely aware of potential surveillance but actively seek formal transparency.
Workplace reactions
The report documents several behavioral shifts among employees. Overall, 38% now practice 'work to rule,' sticking strictly to their job descriptions, with higher participation among Gen Z (47%) and Millennials (42%). Additionally, 30% of workers engage in 'billboard days,' coordinating office attendance with senior colleagues, while 35% admit to 'job hugging'—holding onto positions that offer little fulfillment.
Stress and expectations
The survey links AI monitoring to increased stress and higher performance expectations. Employees report that AI has raised the bar for daily output while simultaneously making them feel watched. Owl Labs CEO Frank Weishaupt noted that organizations adopting AI rapidly have seen productivity gains, but warned that failing to address employee experience could hinder retention.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: Almost all workers want their employers to legally have to disclose AI monitoring
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