A survey found that over 60% men and women admitted engaging in non-work Internet activities. Internet abuse is a broad subject. This includes all web-based activity that causes problems to an organization.
Employees may also access websites that do not conform to the company’s policies. This includes watching online content that raises questions about morality.
The site may be completely safe. A website can be visited by an employee so frequently that it negatively impacts their productivity. You’ll learn more about how HR can deal with employees’ internet usage while they’re not at work as you continue.
Employees’ Internet Use for Non-Work Activities
Internet has become a key tool for many businesses. Internet misuse has a number negative effects for an organization.
Internet usage outside of the office can negatively affect employee productivity and morale. You put your company’s security at risk. You may find that you can’t resist these activities.
- Gamer
- Trends and Sports
- Enjoy the Entertainment
The average American household uses 25Mbps download speed. When it comes time to stream media, people need a high speed line like a T-1. Most companies offer high-speed Internet at work.
When employees use their work time to watch media that has nothing to do with their job, it can create a problem for the HR manager. Email and internet guidelines are implemented by organizations for these reasons.
Consequences if Employees Use the Internet Excessively
In recent years, the number of employees who use the internet for work has increased. Most employees are unaware of the consequences. Here are some of the impacts of employee internet usage outside of work on your company.
Reduced Productivity
Employees using personal internet while at work are more likely than others to be distracted from their duties. While using the internet at work can be beneficial, employees can waste time.
Your employees struggle to complete their tasks at the end of the day. Your worker’s productivity and performance will decrease.
Reduced Profitability
It is difficult to achieve your business goals when your employees fail to deliver results. If your business isn’t performing at its best level, it will be impacted.
Profit margins will decline. Your organization will be left behind. In worst-case scenarios your business could collapse. Your workplace is similar in many ways to a factory. If there is a problem in one department, it will affect all departments.
Low employee morale
Internet use for non-work related purposes by employees can have a negative effect on the workplace. Some employees do not finish their work on time. Your deadlines will force others to work overtime.
Over time, employees who do extra work may feel that they are performing the duties and responsibilities of others. This will negatively affect the operation of your business and lower employee morale.
How to deal with employee internet use at work
HR has an important role to play in developing and implementing internet policies at work. When designing guidelines for internet access at work, they should be proactive.
HR must be careful to avoid creating a hostile work environment when trying to prevent productivity issues. It is essential to have a well-disciplined workplace. But don’t forget to be human.
Sometimes deadlines and schedules can become more demanding. Your employees will thank you for a brief break from the internet. Here are some ideas on how to deal with non-work Internet usage by your employees.
Create an Internet and Email policy
As HR, it is your responsibility to explain to employees the expectations of the company regarding personal online time. List the sites or activities online that are not appropriate for the workplace. Be sure to include in your policy the importance of professional accountability and trust.
Inform your employees about the policies
It is important that your employees understand these guidelines. Organise a seminar for your employees. In this meeting, discuss the policies with your employees.
You can also use relevant case studies and examples. So, employees will be able to better understand what their company expects. Employees should know the disciplinary action that will be taken in case they violate company policy repeatedly.
Create a culture based on trust
It would be best to create an environment at work that allows employees the ability to track their online activity. This is a good method to control the internet usage of employees outside of work. This approach may not be suitable for all employees. Some employees feel burdened even if they work hard.
Use Internet filters to manage your web access
A common strategy to manage internet access is to block websites that are banned. Despite this, there are still many companies that invest in Enterprise Information Management solutions today.
This solution allows you balance the internet use of employees at a professional and personal level. You can configure the software according to your organization’s Internet accessibility guidelines. EIM software is customizable in many ways.
Limiting time
HR professionals can permit employees to visit sites that are not work-related for a limited period of time. You can set a time limit for personal internet browsing, such as 30 minutes. Use a time-tracking program for your employees so they don’t exceed the time limit.
Continue or defer
This feature allows employees the ability to “defer” access to non-workrelated internet until after working hours. You can allow your team to surf sites that aren’t allowed, as long they are related to the work.
Customized access
You can customize the web access to only allow certain users, groups, departments, networks, etc. access. Your customized access may also vary depending on the job function you hold, such as accounting or management.
Final Thoughts
Create your internet policy for your company before anything else. Then, tell your employees each policy. HR should implement effective methods to control employee internet usage when they are not at work.
Don’t forget about the morale of all your employees. Remember that your employees, although it is important to enforce discipline, are also people. It is important to take periodic breaks.