Updated Workflow Monitoring: VPN in the Spotlight

With increased employee resistance to returning to the office, many large companies have begun to implement more stringent monitoring methods. Among them is Dell, which now uses technology to monitor VPN connections and employee absences. These measures are intended to ensure compliance with office policies, although it remains unclear how this will actually impact work processes.

How are Dell’s key controls implemented?

After ending an extended period of remote work, Dell implemented a mandatory office policy, requiring employees to visit the office at least 39 days per quarter. As a result, starting in May 2024, the company began tracking employee behavior using the following methods:

• Badge Monitoring. Dell tracks how often employees use their badges to enter the office. This data is updated weekly and is available to employees through the company’s internal software.
• VPN Connection Analysis. Remote and hybrid workers are monitored for VPN connections to ensure they are working in the office or remotely according to established rules.
• Color-coding system. Employees will be classified by colors based on the number of visits to the office, from "constant presence" to "limited". Depending on the level of participation, they may receive a warning or even be referred to the company for review.

The introduction of new monitoring methods has caused a significant wave of discontent among Dell employees. First of all, criticism concerns the invasion of personal space and excessive strictness in the application of monitoring technologies. Many do not like the idea of their work activity in the office and remotely will be constantly monitored, even if they are performing their duties effectively.

Some employees believe that the company's new approach is aimed at forcing those who resist returning to the office to fire. This speculation comes amid recent massive layoffs, with Dell laying off around 13,000 people in 2023. Now, employees fear that if there is insufficient office activity, they could be the next candidates for dismissal without directly violating work obligations.

Experts point to the importance of flexibility in modern work processes. The forced return to the office after years of remote work is perceived by many as a step backwards, especially for those who are used to effectively working from home.

How is VPN connection analysis performed to assess employee activity?

Analysis of VPN connections to track employee activity is carried out by monitoring network connections through corporate VPN servers. Here are the main steps of this process:

• Recording a connection to the VPN. When an employee connects to a corporate VPN, the server records the fact of connection. This allows the company to see when and from what device the employee started working. The start and end time of the VPN session is recorded.
• Connection duration tracking. In addition to registering the connection, the system analyzes how long the employee is online via VPN. This helps the company estimate the total duration of the employee's work during the day or week.
• VPN activity analysis. In addition to the connection, you can collect data on activity within the network - what resources the employee visits, what corporate systems he or she accesses. This gives an idea of how actively the employee uses the company's resources during work.
• Comparison with office requirements. The company can compare VPN connection data with established requirements for office attendance. For example, if an employee is declared as a hybrid worker, he or she may be required to be present in the office for a certain number of days. VPN connection analysis allows you to estimate whether the actual activity meets these requirements.
• Identification of potential violations. If an employee declared as hybrid does not connect via the office network or corporate VPN on office days, the system can record this as a violation of corporate rules. This allows the company to keep track of compliance with attendance rules.

Thus, VPN connection analysis allows a company to control where and when employees work, recording their remote activity and comparing it with the established company requirements.

Private VPN server: protection in any conditions

A private VPN server protects your personal data, ensures confidentiality, provides access to global resources and helps to separate work and personal traffic. In conditions when companies like Dell implement strict rules for monitoring employees, a private VPN server becomes an important tool for maintaining security and control over personal data, personal interests and other hobbies that are not related to work, but require network protection.

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