I get it from that angle. So give them more work and there's no reason they still can't do that from home. I get the efficiency argument, but to deny there's not an element of control and it's not part of or the reason then in my opinion isn't being completely honest. You still need to make sure you have that control. That's why employees get frustrated. They're patronized when owners/managers don't tell them truth about this. They're smart. They get it. I get the word "Control" can be a hot button word, but boiled down to it even if you give them more work to do to control how many hours they work or ensuring it meets your definition of a "full work day" then okay.... they'll still do that work then that's great. I'm sure they get it. They're being efficient and that's what you want, but you also maintain your control to a degree. I slightly disagree with "I'm paying them for their time approach." If it's a billable situation then yes, but if not...then no....no you're not paying them for their time. You're paying them to do the job. And that's where I argue that control is absolutely a part of it. To insist otherwise I think suggests a sense of insecurity in just not liking the connotation of that word. Owners, managers, founders...etc need to have control and I get it....so just say it.

Yes efficiency is a popular word for execs and managers to use. Control isn't, but let's not lose sight of the realistic need to have it. Some are good with exerting it....but most honestly are just terrible at it.