Cyberloafing at Workplaces – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post 958

Cyberloafing at Workplaces – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post 958

Dear Colleagues! This is Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post 958 for Pharma Veterans. Pharma Veterans Blogs are published by Asrar Qureshi on its dedicated site https://pharmaveterans.com. Please email to aq.pharmaveterans@gmail.com for publishing your contributions here.

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Cyberloafing

Cyberloafing refers to the act of employees using their company's internet and digital resources for personal purposes during work hours. This can include activities such as browsing social media, shopping online, watching videos, or engaging in non-work-related communication. While seemingly innocuous, cyberloafing can significantly impact productivity and organizational efficiency. The issue becomes even more serious when the staff engages in watching immoral content. 

Although internet technology is installed to increase organizational productivity, this is not the case in practice. Technologies have many advantages, but internet has opened up new opportunities for unusual types of professional deviance. The utilization of internet for non-work-related activities such as sending emails, engaging in social media browsing and trolling, perusing sports, news, entertainment, and video websites such as YouTube during designated work hours has emerged as a novel enticement for employees. TikTok has topped them all in attracting people of all ages.

Statistics show that employees spend an average of two hours every day on using internet and other such resources on non-work activities. A study on employees of telecom sector in Pakistan shows that compared to other forms of workplace malingering, cyberloafing is believed to be more detrimental to an organization’s productivity and employee performance.

There are two types of cyberloafing behavior: minor, which involves or is connected to using personal email, and major, which involves or is connected to reading non-work-related websites. Harmful cyberloafing activities include using insecure websites that could damage the organization’s system.

There is evidence from studies that working professionals are addicted to technology. The excessive use of internet also affects how productive employees are at work, and it is also linked to depressive moods and poorer employee performance.

Reasons for Cyberloafing

Several factors may contribute to the prevalence of cyberloafing in the workplace.

Boredom and Lack of Engagement

When employees find their tasks monotonous or unstimulating, they are more likely to seek diversion through online activities. A lack of engagement with their work can lead to frequent breaks and distractions.

Stress and Burnout

Employees experiencing high levels of stress or burnout might turn to cyberloafing as a way to cope or temporarily escape their pressures. This can provide short-term relief but often exacerbates the problem by reducing overall productivity.

Perceived Insignificance of Task

When employees perceive their work as unimportant or believe their contributions are not valued, they may be more inclined to cyberloafing. This behavior is a way to reclaim some sense of control and enjoyment during their workday.

Lack of Supervision

In environments with minimal oversight, employees may feel there is a lower risk of being caught or reprimanded for cyberloafing. The absence of immediate consequences can encourage such behavior.

Availability of Technology

The ubiquitous presence of digital devices and internet access makes it easy for employees to cyberloafing. The temptation to check personal emails, social media, or news websites can be hard to resist when such access is readily available.

Workplace Culture

A culture that tacitly tolerates or even indirectly encourages cyberloafing can lead to higher instances of the behavior. If employees see their peers engaging in cyberloafing without repercussions, they are more likely to do the same.

Measures to Control Cyberloafing

Addressing cyberloafing requires a combination of strategic, cultural, and technological approaches. Here are some suggested measures which may be effective.

Enhance Employee Engagement

Engage employees by making their work more interesting and meaningful. This can involve job enrichment, offering opportunities for professional development, and ensuring tasks align with employees' skills and interests. Regular feedback and recognition also play a crucial role in keeping employees motivated and engaged.

Improve Task Significance

Help employees understand the importance of their work and how it contributes to the organization’s goals. Communicating the impact of their tasks can develop a sense of purpose and reduce the inclination to cyberloafing.

Create a Positive Work Environment

Create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and open communication to build a sense of community and reduce the desire to disengage through cyberloafing.

Implement Clear Policies

Establish clear and reasonable internet use policies that outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Ensure employees understand the consequences of cyberloafing and are aware of the organization's expectations.

Monitor and Provide Feedback

Use monitoring tools judiciously to track internet usage patterns and identify excessive cyberloafing. Provide constructive feedback to employees who are found to be cyberloafing, focusing on helping them improve their time management and productivity.

Promote Breaks and Downtime

Encourage employees to take regular breaks and use their downtime effectively. Short, scheduled breaks can help reduce the urge to cyberloafing and improve overall productivity. Providing designated areas for relaxation can also help employees recharge without resorting to cyberloafing.

Leverage Technology Solutions

Consider using technology to block or limit access to non-work-related websites during work hours. However, this should be balanced with trust and respect for employees’ autonomy, ensuring it does not create an overly restrictive or punitive environment.

Sum Up

Cyberloafing is a common challenge in modern workplaces, driven by various factors such as boredom, stress, and the pervasive availability of technology. By understanding the reasons behind cyberloafing and implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance engagement, improve task significance, and build a positive work environment, organizations can effectively reduce this behavior. Balancing clear policies with supportive measures ensures that employees remain productive while feeling valued and motivated.

Concluded.

Disclaimers: Pictures in these blogs are taken from free resources at Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash, and Google. Credit is given where available. If a copyright claim is lodged, we shall remove the picture with appropriate regrets.

For most blogs, I research from several sources which are open to public. Their links are mentioned under references. There is no intention to infringe upon anyone’s copyrights. If, however, it happens unintentionally, I offer my sincere regrets.

References: 

https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/download/16441/10456/20282