Companies Tie Office Attendance to Pay and Bonuses

Some businesses are making office attendance a key factor in performance reviews, affecting salaries and bonuses. After years of flexible work arrangements, companies are now using attendance data to enforce return-to-office policies, sparking concerns among employees.

Hybrid work remains common, but large employers are tightening rules. Some, like major financial institutions and consultancy firms, have started tracking attendance through security systems and tech monitoring tools. This data is increasingly being used to assess job performance and determine compensation.

Employers argue that in-office collaboration enhances productivity, but stricter policies may lead to employee dissatisfaction and higher turnover. Research suggests that rigid return-to-office requirements could push away high performers and minorities who value workplace flexibility.

Legal and ethical concerns are also emerging. Experts warn that linking pay to attendance could create potential discrimination risks, particularly for those with caregiving responsibilities or health conditions. As companies navigate this shift, they must balance performance goals with employee well-being.

Source: Australian Financial Review, Financial Post, Blue Sky Thinking, Douglas Scott