No increment but company installs software that takes screenshots every 10 minutes. Techie vents about his workplace frustration

Imagine opening your inbox to learn that your annual raise has been scrapped, only to be told days later that your screen will now be randomly screenshotted every 10 minutes in the name of productivity. That is exactly what one tech employee claims is happening at their workplace. The post, shared on Reddit, has struck a nerve online, capturing the growing tension between corporate surveillance and employee morale in the work-from-home era.

The techie explained that their company recently rolled out a productivity monitoring tool that takes random screenshots of employees’ computer screens throughout the day. According to the post, the announcement came through a casual email from the IT department, presenting the change as routine.

No increment

Just weeks earlier, HR had informed staff that annual merit increases were being suspended indefinitely due to budgetary constraints. The employee pointed out the sharp contrast in timing, especially since the CEO had recently spoken publicly about record-breaking revenue growth. The Reddit user also mentioned seeing the CEO arrive at the office in a new luxury car, which further deepened their frustration.


Having worked at the company for four years, the techie described a pattern of explanations about tough quarters, uncertain markets, and the need to stay lean. Now, alongside stagnant wages, employees are expected to keep their cameras on during Zoom meetings, even while working remotely. With a few months of expenses saved, the employee said they are seriously considering resigning. What was once a tolerable job now feels difficult to endure amid heightened monitoring and frozen pay.

Internet reacts

The Reddit post sparked strong reactions, with many calling the company’s move unreasonable. Some argued that monitoring screenshots could unfairly label harmless browsing as unproductive, especially while wages remain frozen. Several advised the employee not to resign impulsively, warning that the job market is challenging and suggesting securing another offer first. Others encouraged staying professional without pretending to be satisfied. A few users speculated that the surveillance measures could be a tactic to push employees to quit voluntarily, making potential layoffs easier for the company to manage.