Pac-Man 30th Anniversary Causes Lost Productivity

During our group presentation, I showed a video from CBS News about internet misuse in the workplace, or better known as cyberslacking. Google turned its homepage into a Pac-Man arcade to honor the 30th anniversary of the video game.

Unfortunately, because the game was available during the workday, 5 million work hours were lost resulting in $120,000,000 of lost productivity.

Over the Thanksgiving break, I got to see family and talked about this topic. Some family members who are good workers at their companies and are very productive in my opinion, even admitted to playing Pac-Man when they saw this on the internet.

To my suprise, I learned that Internet Misuse in the Workplace does not just affect those that are lazy and unproductive. Sometimes, there can be content on the internet that will affect the best and most productive workers that I would consider anything but lazy.

Setting Policies for Workplace Internet Use

Guidelines and rules need to be formulated to protect employees from being subjected to material that may be inappropriate at work. It is imperative that rules be established before they can be enforced. Therefore, a company should formulate a plan prior to taking disclipinary action. These policies should educate it's users about web-bourne threats and how irresponsible browsing can result in malicious packages being downladed onto a computer and affecting the whole network. A clear distinction between work and personal use should be made while explaining that excessive personal use leads to cyberslacking.  This includes, shuning one's work responsibilities because of excessive internet browsing. The policy should then state that action will be taken against any employee that continuously ignores it. Some companies like the one discussed in the following video, have decided to enforce their policy through the use of an automated web-monitoring software. Actions are then taken based upon the reports provided by the software. They're not implemented to spy on the employees, but to verify their trust. While some aren't in favor of the monitoring, which is facilitated by the company IT director, it has proven to boost productivity by 30%. After watching the video clip, how would you feel if your internet use was being monitored on the job?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wLhNwY-enY

Could internet monitoring hurt the employee of the company?

Internet monitoring consider the best solution for companies to prevent misbehaving employees as long as the monitoring has been for legitimate business reasons such as, cost reduction, safeguarding company information, maintaining a professional and comfortable workplace, upholding a company’s ethical values, and reduce liability.

On the other hand internet monitoring done for the following reasons, is considered unethical and typically rejected as reason for monitoring for example, targeting a specific employee solely for the purpose of termination, viewing personal data of the employee not relevant to work, application of personal rather than business moral and ethical standard, and for personal gain.

Why is internet misuse such a big deal?

Most people would say that in 2011, the internet is such a common thing that it is impossible to completely prevent employees from surfing the internet while at work. While this is true, employees should have enough common sense to make sure they complete their tasks at work before surfing the web aimlessly.

In order for companies to protect them selves from this epic internet misuse in a world where everything if electronic, employers should implement a policy regarding their rules and limitations for their workplace. Employers can implement a monitoring system or even block certain websites from being accessed through the network. All of this is costing employers nationwide, thousands and sometimes millions of dollars.

In my opinion,  your employer is not your babysitter. You should know right from wrong and what is acceptable and not acceptable during the hours of 9 to 5. (Or whenever your workday consists of) If you are questionable as to whether or not you're doing the right thing, don't do it. It's costing employers a tremendous amount of money and could ultimately cost you your job.

Tips for not becoming an employee who abuses the Internet

1. Review your company’s handbook: every company has a set of policies that outline what is expected from employees 
2. Don’t use company e-mail for private messages: It's common sense, your there to work not chat about your personal life
3. Always assume your messages work be shared with others: I would say that this is the most important tip I can give you. At work most the things you do will be shared with others. 
4. Keep your passwords private
5. Stay off sensitive Web sites while at work: A lot of companies have a monitored tha
6. Turn off your computer 
7. Pay your bills at home
8. Report to work on time: this should be a given, don't make yourself look bad because then employers are just looking for a reason to get you in trouble 
9. Don’t use company issued credit card for personal purchases

Use these 9 tips and you shouldn't become one the statistics 

source: CNN.com 

The Need for a Company Policy on Internet Use

As business owners and employees, it's apparent that there will be down time from time to time. However, how are we to manage that one might say? Some might head for a cigarette or coffee break, take a looong lunch or handle personal matters on the company computers. Honestly, occasional use of the company's pc for personal matters should be allowed, but should be limited and maybe even monitored. I think employees should be allowed to work independently unless a problem arises. Once a problem arises, there are a series of steps the company should then take. Devise a policy in writing-for both computer and Internet use would be the first. Once a policy is in place the employees should respect it and not want to risk being caught. Should you still suspect it, I encourage installing software or spyware or firewalls that make it difficult for the suspect to continue. How do we then handle those matters when someone is caught? Watch this clip of what happened to this young lady who updated her facebook status while at work about her job. How would you handle this situation?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4clzrDgy0&list=FLuG5tvxqBPwFyQEDcPA0gSA&index=3&feature=plpp_video

So How Do Companies Keep Employees from Misusing the Internet?

So during this semester everyone has discussed what the definition of misusing the internet at work is, with facts and figures showing how much is lost in terms of dollars and work hours.

But in the end, how do companies keep employees from misusing the internet? I don't know if one can actually keep someone from using the internet for personal use at all, but here are some guidelines.

-The company should have some guidelines in place for what is appropriate and what is not.
-The company should block access to inappropriate sites.
-The company should just make sure that all employees are productive.
-The company should have monitoring software in place and red flag when someone is constantly on a website not appropriate for work.

There is software out there for employers to purchase that can monitor employess and send notices for unusual internet activity.

Is There an Effective Solution for Unethical Use of Technology in the Workplace?

Advancements in technology have led to increased workplace productivity and economic development. However, with these technological advancements are some workplace performance problems that this country has never seen before.

Internet Personal web surfing or shopping, using company email for personal reasons  and playing computer games at work for a while might consider okay for some employee but most company consider it a clearly violation of public trust and is often times viewed as stealing time and money from an employer. Because this common workplace problem is costing employers billions in wasted salary dollars per year.

Solutions for the problem would be workforce education professionals such as implementing strong ethical use, and internet monitoring.

So, what is your suggestion to solve this problem?

Are you misuing the internet at work??

You're not necessarily an addict just because you like surfing the web in your free time. According to Vault.com, 47% of employees send up to five personal emails per day, 32% send up to 10 personal emails and 28% send as many as 20 personal messages. Internet misuse doesn't necessarily mean you are just on your personal email sending messages, it can be anything from checking Facebook to visiting sports sites, or looking at the current stock prices for the day.

Has anyone ever been caught visiting non business related websites while on the job? What consequences were made because of it?

If you were a boss, how would you discipline your employees if you caught them on a personal website that was non business related?

Facts and Figures of Internet Misuse

“70% of all internet porn traffic occurs during the nine-to-five work day”

This fact shocked me the most. What do you think about this?

“30-40% of lost productivity is accounted for by cyber-slacking” 

Internet abuse is a serious and expensive problem. 

“37% of workers say they surf the Web constantly at work.”

“77.7% of companies keep tabs on employees by checking their e-mail, Internet, phone calls, computer files, or by videotaping them at work.”

The is an apparent gap in the way companies are keepings tabs on their employees and what employees are doing. There needs to be more restrictions and boundaries around internet misuse. This is a dilemma that surrounds a privacy issue. How do you give your employees enough freedom to feel at ease while working but still keep a close watch on them? We need to find a happy medium. 

Here are a few more stats to think about:

"27% of companies say that they've fired employees for misuse of office e-mail or internet connections, and 65% report some disciplinary measure for those offenses."

"30 to 40% of internet use in the workplace is not related to the business"

"64% of employees say they use the internet for personal interest during working hours."

Source: www.snapshotspy.com/employee-computer-abuse-statistics.htm 

Companies Should Not Be Overly Rigid of It's Internet Policies

As I have been doing research for my classroom presentation in November, I came across this situation. A man in San Diego at his place of employment was looking up information for the White House and went to whitehouse.com. Instead, he should have gone to whitehouse.org.

Guess what whitehouse.com is? Yes, a former pornographic site. His employer caught him on the site and fired him immediately, despite doing this by accident.

The fired man eventually got a lawyer and settled the case for $100,000. The lesson here is that there should be some discretion when enforcing internet usage policies.

Source: http://www.bajai.com/whitepapers/InternetMisuse.html

Enforcement of an Internet Usage Policy

Consequently, the most effective way to eliminate or control Internet misuse is to eliminate Internet use when it is not utterly necessary. However, in most modern businesses today, Internet use is an integral part of everyday business operation. In respect to enforcement, the American Managment Association recommends implementing an online activity management software. As stated in Fortune magazine, simply informing your employees of a software in place, usually drastically reduces Internet misuse, but without proper enforcement  you risk increasing misuse.

Online Activity Management software should address the three key issues raised in the development of the usage policy. In essence, OAM software should allow customized Internet access by individuals and groups in the workplace, as well as access by day and time to specific sites as established by the usage policy. It should also classify Internet sites into different categories such as pornographic or shopping, and permit or deny access accordingly. Classification lists are usually provided with the software and maintained by subscription.

In addition, a company should choose an activity management software that addresses all their needs; i.e., it should be able to manage the web, e-mail, chat rooms and newsgroups. The software should offer client-side protection, to cover virtual offices and laptops, thereby closing the cyber back door. To combat the growing number of new web sites and variety of content types the software should be capable of examining text, images, and link relationships to determine classification. Once a policy has been defined, it needs to be integrated into the company’s culture. The policy should be explained during recruitments, training and hiring.

Employees should ultimately realize, work is a no-privacy zone. Understand that and you can save yourself embarrassment. The implementation of these policies not only guard against Internet misuse, but also limit the risk of  Identity theft, and creates an otherwise impossible wall of privacy that keeps other colleagues and hackers out of your personal life while at work. For more info, read this article.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/12/01/8395149/index.htm

Would internet Monitoring Reduce Internet Misuse in Workplace?

According to IDC Research, 30% to 40% of Internet use in the workplace is not related to business and The cost of employees surfing the web from their office PCs is estimated to cost US companies more than

$1 billion dollars a year (http://surveilstar.com/employee-internet-monitoring-research-resources.html).

Employees who are aware they are being watched are likely to spend more time working and considerably less time on personal matters. That would lead to an increase in productivity and considerable cost savings by increasing a company’s return on investment. Internet monitoring makes it clear to employees that certain behaviors and norms are expected in the workplace as part of the corporate culture. To make monitoring effective and fair enough to its employee, companies should written policies about Internet usage in terms of which sites employees should not be visiting during company time. Without a monitoring system in place, some employees may feel like they can do whatever they want. On the other hand if employees feel like they are being monitored, they may not go to certain sites in the first place.

Internet monitoring in the workplace is an important consideration for any enterprise to protect itself from the actions of employees who act in a fraudulent manner by misusing and abusing the Internet while at work. Monitoring must be for legitimate business reasons and conducted ethically after providing prior notice to the employees.

Personal internet use an incentive or detrimental to a company?

Are internet policies in the workplace a good or bad idea?

As business men/women wouldn't you like the freedom of being able to check your personal email if you're ahead of your work schedule? Wouldn't it be nice to check out that new vacation spot you're planning for your anniversary?

As an employee, I think most people would say they would like this freedom and trust from their employer. Some may even say this will encourage them to complete their work before deadlines are near. An internet policy that limited usage is acceptable if it does not interfere with work could be used as an incentive for employees to work harder. Most employees feel better about their jobs when they know their employer trusts them with topics like this and do not micro manage.

However, on the other hand, say you're the owner of a company, you would have to worry about your employees rushing through their work and not spending reasonable time to produce the quality of work that you both know they are capable of just so they can browse the internet for a few minutes.


In your opinion do you think companies should allow personal internet usage at work?

Misuse

Misuse?

When it comes to Internet misuse in the workplace it is important to define misuse.

Dictionary gives you the definition wrong or improper use; misapplication.

We all (for the most part) know what the word misuse means but when it comes down to losing your job or being given consequences over the MISUSE of the internet I think it is something that needs to be more clear cut. Peter Saalfield wrote an article on internet misuse saying “Employees are using the Web more and more for personal reasons and that is setting U.S. companies back $178 billion annually, a cost of $5,000 per employee, said a study released Tuesday by Websense, Inc.” http://www.infoworld.com/t/applications/internet-misuse-costs-businesses-178-billion-annually-996 

                At the cost of $5,000 per employee I think it is important to talk about MISUSE. Who’s responsible is it to define misuse? Should an employee just assume what they can and cannot do? Should an employer waste time and money on making everyone aware of these rules or guidelines at work? We should all ethically know not to watch porn or anything inappropriate at work but is e-mailing family members or friends inappropriate?  It becomes even more complicated seeing as though we have internet on our phones. 

            These questions need to be answered. In my opinion at the cost of $5,000 an employee it is worth the time and money to create guidelines and rules as well as ethical/moral guidelines. It is important to define the gray areas for each organization because ‘misuse’ in one organization may greatly vary from the next organization.

Saalfield, Peter. "Internet misuse cost businesses $178 billion annually."INFOWORLD. (2005): n. page. Web. 16 Oct. 2011. <http://www.infoworld.com/t/applications/internet-misuse-costs-businesses-178-billion-annually-996>.

My Thoughts on Internet Misuse in the Workplace

Should personal use of the internet be allowed in the workplace and when is it misuse? In my opinion, it depends on what the internet is being used for. Obviously, the internet should not be used at work to look at pornographic websites or to be on an online dating site for an hour or two. However, I think your place of employment should let you have the freedom to take a few minutes to check your personal email, to buy those tickets for tonight's NBA basketball game, or to check that important auction on Ebay.

I have more respect for my employer if I get my work done and my employer lets me have some freedom to quickly do some personal business on the internet. I would hate to work for a company that rules like an iron fist and says no personal use of the internet at all.

There has to be a balance on internet use in the workplace. It is obviously misuse if you are on explicit websites or using the internet so much, you are not getting your work done. I don't think it is misuse if you just take a few minutes to use the internet for your own need.

I hope to post facts, experiences, and opinions on Internet Misuse in the Workplace as the semester goes on.

Are Internet Usage Policies Necessary?

Internet usage policies have proven essential to any company who has access to the Internet, but are they really necessary?
Studies have shown that the absence of such a policy has lead to sexual and racial harrassment claims and workplace lawsuits. They also pose  threats of sabotage, internal security breaches and even electronic viruses which can all cause the company to lose millions of dollars to legal fees, entice media investigations, and create a  public relations nightmare. Establishing a policy for Internet usage of which employees are made aware and which is properly enforced can harness incidents of Internet misuse and create a healthy, more productive work environment, but how effective can these policies be?