Employees who enjoy working from home may soon find Big Brother is watching, writes Chris Pollard.

A growing number of companies are trialling a method of ensuring staff stay glued to their desks – by keeping them on video calls all day.

The system, known as ‘body doubling’, involves two or more employees working side-by-side over Zoom or Microsoft Teams, often without saying a word.

The virtual presence of a colleague may make workers less likely to slack off, gives bosses more oversight and may help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Originally developed to help children with ADHD focus in school, the system has been repackaged by HR departments to boost productivity and reduce isolation.

But critics say it is intrusive and demeaning.

One employee at a company that recently introduced it told The Times: “I don’t really want someone monitoring my every move.

“It can feel quite Big Brother-y being watched in your home.”

Workplace consultant William Arruda warned it should be voluntary.

But a University of East London study found it improved focus and productivity