Woof. I don't want to upset you, but I don't think I've ever disagreed more with a written argument than I did with this one. It sounds like maybe you (and perhaps those in your social circle) have some very specific problems with being accountable and responsible, but in 35+ years of work I've never once had to have the "feeling of being watched" to "feel accountable" or be "pushed to work." I work and focus because I take pride in my professionalism - I don't need a "focus buddy" to keep me on task.
I wish I could say I was more surprised by the items you raised, but I've noticed that there is certainly a large contingent of EVERY workforce that seems to suffer from an inability to take any kind of pride in themselves or their work, and unfortunately, those of us who ARE able to focus on work tasks during work hours have been trapped in the "butts in seats" paradigm for decades as a result of those individuals. I'm glad to see the market finally correcting itself.
I wish I could say I was more surprised by the items you raised, but I've noticed that there is certainly a large contingent of EVERY workforce that seems to suffer from an inability to take any kind of pride in themselves or their work, and unfortunately, those of us who ARE able to focus on work tasks during work hours have been trapped in the "butts in seats" paradigm for decades as a result of those individuals. I'm glad to see the market finally correcting itself.