How to prevent employees from cyberloafing at work
Have you noticed that despite it being working hours, many of your employees are distracted by activities that aren’t related to work, such as browsing the web, checking social media, or messaging friends?
This is what’s known as cyberloafing, and it is something many employers struggle with. So how can you stop it? That’s easier said than done, but here are a few ways to that can help prevent it.
Create a clear policy
Start by coming up with a clear policy for internet use in the workplace that defines when non-work-related activities are permitted. The policy should also set out how these guidelines will be enforced and what the consequences will be if they’re violated.
Focus on solving the problem instead of punishing employees
Make sure the ‘consequences’ of violating your internet use policy focuses more on solving the issue and rehabilitating employees rather than punishing them. Providing coaching to employees who repeatedly show a tendency to cyberloaf is a good first step.
Monitor web and app usage
Use employee monitoring software to track what apps your employees use, which websites they visit, and how much time they spend on activities that aren’t related to work. With this you’ll have hard data that you can use to determine how big the problem is, and intervene when necessary.
In addition to viewing analytics online, you can have it email you reports at regular intervals if that’s more convenient. Additionally its features will let you set up behavior rules and alerts for any activities that may be suspicious.
Block websites that are inappropriate
Don’t be overzealous and block all websites that could be distractions, but focus on those that are a potential security concern or contain inappropriate content. It is possible to do this by using Controlio and setting up a web filter so your employees can’t access certain sites.
Clean up unwanted shortcuts on work devices
One way to subtly discourage cyberloafing is by cleaning up unwanted shortcuts on work devices that lead to social media and other platforms. By keeping these shortcuts out of sight, your employees will be less likely to be tempted to click on them.
Recommend that employees take regular breaks
Cyberloafing is often caused by employees feeling stressed and close to burning out. Because of that one good way to prevent it is by encouraging your employees to take regular breaks during which they can relax and get their mind off work.
IF you want you can use Controlio to identify employees who are overworking and may be at risk of burning out. That way you can meet with them and address the issue before it gets bigger.
Find ways to engage employees
Engaging employees can be difficult, but it is a good way to prevent boredom and isolation – both of which tend to increase cyberloafing. Start by recognizing and rewarding employee achievements, and maybe arrange some team building exercises too.
Ultimately the best way to engage employees however is to try to give them tasks that interest and challenge them.
Following these steps should help you to cut down cyberloafing incidents. Just be sure that your approach isn’t too heavy-handed, especially when it comes to monitoring, restricting, or punishing employees.
At the end of the day, your goal should be to work together with your employees and try to make sure that they are able to stay focused on work, take proper breaks, and don’t end up too stressed out or disengaged. If you can do that, you should be on the right track and your company will benefit from it.
