We have introduced numerous technological tools into the work environment to speed up the exchange of information and encourage research and user discovery of information, but in doing so we have also opened the door to an endless source of distractions. An increasingly present phenomenon is cyberloafing – a phenomenon that involves unproductive internet surfing while at work.
Cyberloafing is a relatively new phenomenon in which employees use work time for online activities unrelated to work. This includes browsing social networks, online shopping, watching videos, playing games, and other activities that interfere with workplace productivity.
What is cyberloafing?
Cyberloafing is a phenomenon in which employees use their working hours for online activities unrelated to work. This includes browsing social networks, online shopping, watching videos, playing games, and other activities interfering with workplace productivity.
The most common reasons why employees resort to cyberloafing
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Dissatisfaction with work
Employees dissatisfied with their job or work environment may use cyberloafing to escape negative feelings and work-related stress. By surfing the Internet or spending time on social networks, employees can temporarily forget about problems at the workplace.
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Lack of motivation
If employees feel a lack of motivation due to a lack of recognition for their work or a lack of opportunities for professional development, they may lose interest in work and become less engaged in work tasks. Cyberloafing can become a way for them to fill in the gaps in their work hours or find something that gives them instant gratification. Boreout, or the loss of motivation caused by monotonous and undemanding tasks, forces employees to seek rest or distraction from boring tasks. Cyberloafing can alleviate workplace boredom by allowing employees to temporarily step away from their tasks.
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Company’s unsatisfactory behaviour towards employees
If a company shows a lack of concern for the wellbeing of employees, for example through poor management, lack of opportunities for development or lack of respect for employees, this can lead to dissatisfaction and disconnection among employees. Employees who feel unfairly treated or neglected may be inclined to spend time cyberloafing instead of getting work done.
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Work overload and stress
Ironically, too much work engagement can encourage employees to cyberloaf to find short breaks and stress relief. Cyberloafing can act as a stress reliever, whether it's feelings of burnout or conflict in the workplace, taking a cyberloafing break can help employees take a break from work.
Is cyberloafing disrupting productivity or is it a useful work break?
While some view cyberloafing as just another form of procrastination, others see it as a necessary break from demanding work tasks. The question is: is cyberloafing actually harmful to productivity and the work environment, or can it be useful as a strategy to restore energy and focus on work?
Studies have shown how excessive time spent on useless Internet activities can significantly reduce work efficiency and increase the risk of failing to complete work tasks. Cyberloafing can lead to a lack of concentration and cause stress and pressure due to incomplete or poorly completed tasks, which negatively affects employee satisfaction and mental health. In addition, such behaviour can create a negative work environment and reduce the motivation of colleagues who diligently perform their tasks. Regular use of time for cyberloafing can undermine the trust of colleagues and superiors and threaten the employee's reputation in the company. Spending work time on cyberloafing instead of work tasks has a direct impact on the company's business goals achievement. This means that the company pays for time not used for work activities, which affects operating costs. Additionally, cyberloafing activities can increase security risks to the company, including computer system viruses, phishing attacks, or data theft.
On the other side, some arguments claim that cyberloafing from time to time can have positive impact on work productivity. Short breaks for checking social media or reading the news can help employees refresh and return to work with more enthusiasm and creativity. This kind of "micro-break" can even help to maintain a high level of concentration and a clear mind during the working day, to relax and relieve stress. Furthermore, research has shown that cyberloafing can stimulate creativity in employees, allowing them to expose their minds to new ideas and perspectives.
Cyberloafing management
One strategy to reduce cyberloafing that is often mentioned is to limit access to the Internet and websites that are not work-related, control Internet use in the workplace, or regularly monitor how employees spend their time at work. At first, this may seem like a simple solution, but such a strategy often has several disadvantages and negative consequences on employee motivation and engagement. When strict rules and controls are imposed on employees about how and when they can use the Internet in the workplace, it can result in a lack of trust and autonomy. Employees may experience such measures as invasive and dehumanizing, which reduces their motivation for work. Feeling constantly monitored and restricted creates a negative work environment that results in increased feelings of dissatisfaction and decreased productivity.
Instead, promoting trust, autonomy, and accountability among employees may be a more effective approach for fostering productivity and motivation in the workplace. It is necessary to establish strategies and practices that will encourage responsible use of working time, and some of them are:
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Creating a stimulating work culture based on trust
It is crucial to build a work culture where employees feel valued, supported and motivated. This includes promoting open communication, providing opportunities for participation in decisions that affect them, and encouraging collaboration and teamwork. When employees feel connected to the company and the team while valuing their work, they are less prone to cyberloafing because they have a greater interest in contributing to the organization.
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Creating a stimulating work environment
Companies should ensure that the work environment encourages employee productivity and engagement. This includes ensuring adequate resources, training and opportunities for professional development, as well as recognizing and rewarding employee achievements. When employees feel supported and have clear goals and perspectives within the company, they are less likely to spend time cyberloafing.
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Setting relevant goals and expectations
It is crucial to set achievable goals and expectations while providing clear feedback on employee performance. When employees clearly understand what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the company's goals, they are more motivated to stay focused on their work tasks. It is also important to support employees in achieving these goals, as well as to recognize their efforts and contributions.
Find out why your employees scroll
Organizational climate and culture play a key role in employees turning to cyberloafing but also its management. When companies establish a positive work culture based on trust, support and recognition of employees and provide a stimulating work environment with clear goals and expectations, employees will be motivated, productive and engaged at work, reducing the need for cyberloafing. Find out what exactly your employees use cyberloafing for - vacation or procrastination.
One of the ways to get an answer to that question is to regularly examine the organizational climate and employee engagement, which shows us what most affects the productivity of our employees. By using surveys, we can find out how employees perceive their work and their superiors. They can also help us create a precise plan for increasing productivity and building a better working atmosphere.
If you need support in its implementation, feel free to contact us!
