Simon & Schuster Staff Opposed AI Tracking Software

Employees signed an open letter over privacy fears, prompting the CEO to clarify the firm's technology roadmap.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Human Resources

Isometric editorial illustration of a large steel gear partially blocked by a translucent glass panel. — Simon & Schuster staff raised concerns over the potential implementation of workflow-tracking software, prompting leadership to clarify the publishing firm's technology roadmap. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Simon & Schuster employees have launched an open letter opposing the potential adoption of Skan AI, a tool designed to analyze workflows. The move comes as staff voice concerns over the prospect of privacy violations and individual performance monitoring.

Why it matters

The tension highlights a common friction point in modern operations: the desire to automate administrative tasks through AI versus employee apprehension regarding workplace surveillance. Businesses exploring efficiency tools must balance operational gains with internal transparency to prevent morale declines.

The petition seeks 250 signatures from among Simon & Schuster's 1,500 total employees. The effort follows internal discussions regarding potential AI adoption to reduce administrative burdens.

The players

Greg Greeley

CEO of Simon & Schuster who assumed leadership of the publishing house in early 2026.

Simon & Schuster

A major publishing company with 1,500 employees currently under the ownership of private equity firm KKR.

KKR

A global investment firm that manages private equity portfolios and acquired Simon & Schuster in 2023.

The details

The staff concerns center on Skan AI, which operates by scanning observed workflows to pinpoint system inefficiencies. While the company has explored such software to automate manual status reporting, employees argue the technology could be repurposed for tracking individual performance. CEO Greg Greeley addressed the controversy by confirming in a memo that there are currently no plans to implement such monitoring tools.

2023: KKR acquired Simon & Schuster.
March 2026: Greg Greeley assumed the role of CEO.
October 6, 2026: Greg Greeley issued a formal memo to the staff.

Market Landscape

This dispute marks a classic friction point in the broader rise of bossware in modern HR management, as firms seek efficiency without sacrificing labor relations. The pushback reflects a growing trend where employees monitor and challenge the deployment of new digital surveillance tools.

Owners should ensure that internal communication regarding new software explicitly defines the intended use and limitations of tracking features. If adopting efficiency tools, clearly documenting the separation between administrative automation and performance monitoring can preemptively address labor concerns.

The takeaway

Operational transparency is the most effective defense against internal resistance when deploying new automation tools. Managers should proactively disclose the specific technical capabilities of software that monitors internal workflows to avoid conflation with performance surveillance.