In any workplace that features an Internet connection, productivity is an issue even if the employers aren't aware of it.
A recent survey revealed that 64 percent of staff visit non-work related websites every day at work. Employee Internet usage doing unrelated activities ranges from:
- one hour per week (39 percent of respondents);
- two hours per week (29 percent of respondents);
- five hours per week (21 percent of respondents);
- ten hours per week (3 percent of respondents).
The survey also revealed that socializing on Facebook keeps 41 percent of employees off-task, while LinkedIn keeps 37 percent and shopping on Amazon – 25 percent.
Respondents said that the;
№1 reason for slacking at work was that they don’t feel challenged enough in their job,
№2: they work too many hours,
№3: the company doesn’t give sufficient incentives to work harder,
№4: they are unsatisfied with their career and
№5: they’re just bored.
These reasons in part also explain why 46 percent of workers look for a new job while at their current place of employment – LinkedIn is a website of choice for those trying to network.
Based on this information, most employees decide to ban social media at the workplace or implement a strict Internet and e-mail usage policy. Yet others use time tracking software to monitor employee Internet usage.
Why website ban and Internet usage policy can be inefficient?
Social media banning
Most employers think that by banning Facebook and other social media, they can boost employees` productivity. But by doing that you may disrupt the balance in relationships with each employee.
First of all, because we can`t sit in front of the computer straight for eight hours. Everybody needs short breaks, so if we allow smoking as an example, than we can allow “Internet breaks”.
Secondly, if you ban social media you show your employees that you don`t trust them. You will create a sharp division within the team. As long as employees finish their assignments in a timely manner, you shouldn`t worry about 15 minutes spent on social media.
And most importantly, you will ban a powerful tool for promotion of your business as the world is becoming more and more connected.
Internet and e-mail usage policy
Mostly, companies implement Internet and e-mail usage policies because they believe that it maintains employees` productivity. To some extent, it can, if the employees take it seriously. But, unfortunately not all employees want to comply with it.
So you can have the greatest Internet and e-mail usage policy, but how do you know that employees comply with it?
Try employee Internet usage monitoring instead
Instead of banning websites and in order to make sure that your employees don`t spend too much time on frivolous websites, use time tracking software like Yaware.
Use of a time tracking software has a number of benefits both for employers and employees.
First of all, you give employees an opportunity to spend some time on social media, this helps to distract a little and freshen up the mind. Secondly, you protect your business and employees. How? With the help of employee Internet usage monitoring, you can prevent illegal music downloads and distribution of inappropriate content. And of course, with the help of time tracking software you get a chance to control Internet usage and track work time.
Employees get a chance to optimize their work. Time tracking software helps to manage tasks and time better. Isn`t that a benefit?
So instead of banning websites, try time tracking software for monitoring employee Internet usage. You will then ensure that the Internet usage policy is complied with and that employees don`t waste their time.
