Survey on internet use at work

The following graphs from an Information Week survey, as reported by Parry Aftab may be of interest:

The article says:

While the statistics are enlightening, the comments given to us by respondents are even more enlightening.
Several respondents commented that taking the survey on company time was violating their acceptable-use policies. Most, however, agreed that as long as the work gets done and Internet use isn’t abused, it should be allowed in moderation.

“I believe that as long as the use is reasonable and doesn’t detract from what the employee is expected to get done each week, it should be allowed,” said one survey-taker.

Many were concerned about inappropriate surfing (to hate, porn, and dating sites, for instance) and felt that should be prohibited. Some believed it was no different from smoking breaks or trips to the water cooler. According to one respondent, “It’s just like taking a smoke break or reading the newspaper. As long as your work gets done on time, I don’t see why it should be prohibited.”

Rather than being a waste of time, many respondents felt personal use of the Internet makes employees more productive. “It actually keeps people at their desk rather than taking time off, or getting on the phone, or wasting time.” “It saves time in some cases, but if the company would rather I waste time on the phone being kept on hold, fine, it’s their time I’m wasting,” said another respondent.

The most interesting responses, however, were those who defended personal use because of changes in the workplace. “Work and personal time have merged in the modern workplace,” said one respondent. Some saw it as a quid pro quo for the personal time they give up to work, given the fluidity of the workplace and telecommuting. “For me,” replied one survey-taker, “it’s the best use of time. I work during times that should be ‘off’ to take care of various time-sensitive projects. It’s a trade off.”

It is certainly desirable to have internet use policies in place. Yet it may be unrealistic, especially in a white-collar position where high speed internet access is just a click away all day long, to prohibit all personal use. The categories listed in these graphs may provide some guidance in crafting a policy differentiating legitimate and illegitimate personal uses.

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