Samsung has taken its return-to-office (RTO) efforts to the next level with a new tool that tracks employee attendance in its US semiconductor business. The compliance-tracking system, unveiled internally to employees, will provide managers with visibility into team member attendance and productivity metrics.
The move is part of Samsung’s ongoing push for increased office presence, following a global hybrid work model rollout last year. In 2023, the company introduced flexible work arrangements for many employees, including options for remote work. However, after reporting lower-than-expected sales in 2023, executives were asked to adopt a six-day workweek.
In recent months, Samsung has emphasized the need for full-time office attendance, citing increased foot traffic and demand for office resources. The new attendance tracking tool is designed to enforce this policy, ensuring team members meet their expectations for in-office work.
The system’s details are not yet clear, but Samsung has promised more information will be shared with managers soon. This move reflects broader trends in workplace surveillance, with 74% of US employers now using online tracking tools to monitor work activities. However, concerns about employee monitoring and privacy remain, with some companies facing backlash over their use of biometric data and AI-powered analytics.
Samsung’s implementation of the attendance tracking tool is likely to spark debate about the balance between business needs and employee rights. As the company continues to adapt to changing workforce dynamics, it will be watching how its employees respond to this new initiative.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91381406