In a surprising turn of events, Wells Fargo has terminated several employees for faking their work activity by using “mouse jigglers,” devices that simulate computer activity. According to a Bloomberg report, more than a dozen staffers from the wealth and investment management unit were discharged after a review revealed they were creating the impression of active work through simulated keyboard activity.
These revelations, based on Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra) disclosures, underscore a modern challenge faced by employers as they adapt to hybrid work models. The exact location of these employees—whether working from home or the office—remains unclear. However, the use of software and devices such as “mouse jigglers” surged during the work-from-home (WFH) pandemic era, selling for as little as $20.
Mouse jigglers and similar tools became popular as some employers began utilizing technology to monitor employee activities, including keystrokes and eye movements.
Wells Fargo initiated a return-to-office plan in early 2022 but continues to operate a hybrid model, with most staffers spending a portion of their workdays at home. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between remote work flexibility and the need for effective performance monitoring.
