Fired for Keystroke Tracking: A Cautionary Tale in Remote Work Monitoring

In today’s digital-first work environment, employee monitoring has become a hot topic—especially with the rise of remote work. But what happens when technology used to ensure productivity becomes the reason for job loss?

The recent case of Suzie Cheikho, an Australian consultant who was terminated for low keyboard activity while working from home, has gone viral. Her employer used keystroke technology to track her productivity—resulting in dismissal after nearly two decades of service.

This article breaks down what happened, how keystroke monitoring works, and what both employees and companies should learn from this case.

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Case Summary at a Glance

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Who Is Suzie Cheikho?

Suzie Cheikho worked with Insurance Australia Group (IAG) for nearly 18 years. Her responsibilities included:

• Drafting and submitting insurance documents

• Meeting regulatory deadlines

• Ensuring compliance with internal policies

• Monitoring the work-from-home (WFH) framework

She was seen as a dependable employee until late 2022, when her employer began raising concerns about her work output.

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What Is Keystroke Monitoring Technology?

Keystroke monitoring is a type of employee tracking software that records:

• Number of keystrokes

• Time spent typing or idle

• Usage patterns across apps or websites

• Start and end times of daily activity

🔐 Used by employers, this software provides insights into employee productivity—especially for remote teams.

Key Takeaway:

While legal in many jurisdictions, keystroke tracking must align with data protection laws and employee privacy rights.

📖 Learn more: Keystroke Logging Explained – TechTarget

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The Monitoring Period and What It Revealed

In October 2022, Cheikho was placed under a 49-day keystroke analysis. The findings were stark:

💡 Analysis Result: Her system showed long periods of inactivity during work hours—interpreted as “non-performance.”

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The Termination and Legal Proceedings

Cheikho was formally terminated in February 2023 for alleged misconduct and underperformance. She filed an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) of Australia.

Fair Work Commission’s Verdict:

• Dismissal was lawful

• Keystroke data showed insufficient work activity

• Company acted within its rights to terminate her

📄 Official Statement:
“The applicant was not working as she was required to during her designated hours, and the evidence supports a valid reason for dismissal.”
— FWC Findings

🔗 Reference: NDTV – Woman Fired After Keystroke Monitoring

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Impact on Cheikho’s Life and Career

After her dismissal:

• She became the center of online discussion and media reports

• She reported cyberbullying and public shaming

• Struggled to secure new employment

• Expressed mental health strain and damage to her reputation

“It’s embarrassing that this story has gone viral. Nobody is going to hire me.”
— Suzie Cheikho

🔗 Source: Unilad News Coverage

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Broader Questions Raised by the Case

Is employee monitoring ethical?

Yes—when used transparently and with consent. But it must not replace human judgment or fail to consider external circumstances (e.g., illness, connectivity issues).

Are all remote workers being tracked?

Not all, but many companies have adopted digital productivity tools to measure output. Tools may include:

What are the risks of over-monitoring?

• Decline in trust

• Reduced morale

• Potential legal breaches (data misuse)

• Overemphasis on quantity over quality

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Lessons for Employers

💼 If you manage remote or hybrid teams, this case provides key takeaways:

1. Use Tech Transparently: Always inform employees of monitoring policies.

2. Measure Outcomes, Not Just Activity: Keystrokes don’t always reflect effort or results.

3. Provide Performance Support: Before termination, offer coaching or resources.

4. Document Thoroughly: Ensure proper logs and communication before taking disciplinary action.

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Lessons for Employees

👩‍💻 If you work remotely, be mindful of:

1. Being Proactive: Communicate delays, struggles, or personal challenges.

2. Time Tracking: Use personal tools to monitor your own productivity.

3. Transparency: Clarify expectations and working hours with supervisors.

4. Understand Your Rights: Especially around data privacy and monitoring laws.

📚 Resource: Australian Fair Work – Employee Monitoring Guidelines

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Global Reactions & Precedents

The case of Cheikho isn’t unique. Worldwide, similar events have sparked debate:

🧭 These precedents suggest that legality varies by country, and privacy laws often override employer policies if surveillance is deemed invasive.

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Final Thoughts: Balance, Not Surveillance, Is Key

The story of Suzie Cheikho underscores the delicate balance between trust and accountability in the digital workplace. While monitoring tools offer efficiency, they must be implemented with care, transparency, and respect.

For employers: Focus on engagement, outcomes, and fair policy application.
For employees: Stay proactive, communicate often, and know your rights.

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References & External Resources

• NDTV Article on Keystroke Case

• Unilad Coverage of the Story

• TechTarget Guide on Keystroke Loggers

• Australian Fair Work Commission

• Hubstaff Monitoring Tool

• Time Doctor Features