Is Your Job Watching You? A Q&A on Navigating “Productivity Panic” in Texas

A report released this morning from the Texas Business Institute has put a name to a feeling many workers are experiencing: “Productivity Panic.” The study, published October 28, 2025, highlights a sharp rise in the use of employee monitoring software across the state, leading to a culture of constant pressure where employees feel they must performatively prove their productivity. As the line between diligent work and digital surveillance blurs, many Texans are left feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and on the fast track to burnout.

This new reality raises critical questions about our mental health in the workplace. How do we cope when Big Brother is our new office manager? We’ve compiled some of the most pressing questions below to help you navigate this challenging new landscape.

### **Q: What exactly is ‘Productivity Panic,’ and why does it feel so overwhelming?**

A: “Productivity Panic” is the anxiety and stress stemming from the fear of being perceived as unproductive, often fueled by workplace surveillance tools that track activity like keystrokes, mouse movements, or time spent in applications. It’s that nagging feeling that you must always be “on,” visibly working, lest an algorithm flag you for inaction.

This feels so overwhelming because it taps into our fundamental need for psychological safety and autonomy. Constant monitoring can erode trust and make employees feel like they are just cogs in a machine, not valued contributors. This pressure cooker environment keeps your nervous system in a state of high alert, making it difficult to focus deeply, think creatively, or even rest properly during breaks. It shifts the goal from producing quality work to simply *looking* busy, which is an exhausting and unsustainable way to operate.

### **Q: My company just rolled out a new activity tracker. How can I manage the daily anxiety that comes with it?**

A: It’s completely normal to feel anxious about being monitored. Your feelings are valid. Instead of letting the anxiety take the driver’s seat, here are a few actionable strategies to regain a sense of control:

* **Clarify Expectations:** Have a direct conversation with your manager. Rather than focusing on the software, focus on performance metrics. You could say, “I want to make sure I’m focusing my energy