When it comes to personal Internet use at work, are you spending too much time online? For some, it’s a Pandora’s Box of productivity problems.
It can happen innocently. The requirements of your job make you go online to find some information. While there, you take a pit stop at one of your favorite websites. Unfortunately, a quick visit turns into an extended stay on the web.
There’s no way to remove the Internet from the workplace. Even companies that limit computer use, have a hard time preventing someone from going online with a personal device. And some employees argue that by asking them to respond to email during time off the job, then they should be able to spend some personal time surfing the web at work.
My concern is when personal Internet use leads to decreased productivity and frustration with completing daily tasks. It’s when a diversion becomes an ongoing distraction.
While there’s no one size fits all policy, consider these tips to make sure you maintain the right balance of web surfing and working:
Control the Tool
Think of the Internet as a tool. We use tools, like hammers, for specific tasks. We don’t spend all day walking around with a hammer (unless you’re a carpenter).
Use the Internet to get the information you need and then log out. Resist the temptation to go from one site to another, in an endless parade of curiosity. This leads to a quick check of one thing becoming a half hour.
Faucet or River
If you’re thirsty, you turn on a faucet, fill your glass, and then turn off the faucet. You don’t need the water to keep flowing, like a river.
If you’re a news, sports, or entertainment junkie, do you need to be aware of what’s happening every minute? If so, then you’re using the Internet like a river.
As a former broadcaster, I love to keep up to date on the news but I know that not much changes during the day. Checking the news once or twice a day is all I need to stay current. By controlling the faucet, I don’t waste time.
Imagine You’re Being Watched
There’s the old saying that you could have worked eight hours with no breaks but the second you click online to check the weather, your boss will magically appear behind you. It can be an uncomfortable situation for all.
Obviously, you need to follow your business Internet use rules or make sure that you have a solid understanding with your supervisor. For most leaders, their number one concern is making sure you get your work done.
If you’re not sure how much personal Internet use is too much, then imagine that you’re being watched constantly. The goal is not to make you paranoid but consider if your online activity would cause any unease.
If having your coworkers see certain online activity would make you feel embarrassed, then you probably shouldn’t check it out at work.
Are You Engaged?
Is there a chance that you’re going online because you’re bored with your job? A recent study referred to cyberloafing as a coping mechanism for boredom the workplace.
If this is the case, you may want to consider whether it’s time to look for a better job or talk to your supervisor about other opportunities in the organization or your position.
While it may be tempting to stick with the status quo and surf your day away, you might be able to trade some of your online time for a better and more engaging job.
Does your next meeting need something special?
