In today’s digital era, cyberloafing employees misusing the internet for non-work activity during work hours, unfortunately remains prevalent despite its productivity costs. While managers aim to foster positive cultures built on trust, unchecked cyberloafing can breed resentment and inefficiencies. Savvy managers should watch for common signs that indicate when cyberloafing has become excessive for certain employees. Subtle clues can reveal who requires guidance around workplace internet use policies.
How Does Cyberloafing Work?
Cyberloafing is easy and convenient with company devices that provide internet access. Employees can quickly toggle between work-related tabs and apps to personal browsing. Switching from a shared work computer to a personal smartphone also enables discrete cyberloafing. One study suggests that implementing regular cybersecurity training sessions coupled with strict internet usage policies effectively reduces instances of cyberloafing in the workplace.
Frequent Switching Between Screens
Employees trying to hide cyberloafing tend to rapidly toggle between screens when someone approaches. If you consistently see an employee quickly change windows on their computer or swap from their phone to their monitor, cyberloafing may be to blame. The reflex to conceal non-work screens hints that the employee themselves views their internet use as problematic during that time.
Declining Productivity Metrics
Most managers actively track employee productivity based on volume of work output. If you notice output declining over time for an employee, take a closer look at their internet activity. Production slowdowns while hours stay constant signals they likely have some misplaced focus. Confirm if cyberslacking aligns with periods of reduced work delivery.
Closed Doors and Drawn Shades
When employees repeatedly close themselves off physically at their desk, cyberloafing could be the reason. Closing doors, putting on headphones, pulling window shades inexplicably may reflect attempts to conceal online distractions. What merits consistent privacy about their work time? Address the change in habits before it becomes a habit.
Activity Inconsistencies
Does activity seem disconnected from actual work progress? Busy mouse movements and typing with lagging results may reflect cyberslacking. Or loud watching of internet videos that hits productivity. Validate work practices match projects at hand.
Website Usage Reports
Leverage firewall software to monitor internet usage if suspicions remain after observing patterns. Reports highlighting frequent visits to entertainment, retail, or social media sites confirm where an employee’s attention has drifted. Use data to tailor constructive advice addressing cyberloafing.
Top Tools to Prevent Cyberloafing
The right mix of policies and cyberloafing prevention tools can help minimize wasted time for employers. Here are 5 top options:
Controlio
Controlio offers robust employee monitoring software with advanced reporting around the breadth and frequency of cyberloafing activities. Customizable website blocking and productivity benchmarking further enhance capabilities.
Hubstaff
This time tracking software captures screenshots during work hours to provide visibility into projects and activities. The accompanying Hubstaff web and app blocker can restrict cyberloafing outright or just limit usage during specified periods.
DeskTime
Employees download the lightweight DeskTime app to automatically record the websites and applications used while working on devices. The admin dashboard shows top websites visited and surfing trends to identify problem areas.
Time Doctor
Time Doctor focuses specifically on time tracking. It calculates productive versus wasted cyberloafing time per user and tasks. Optional random screenshots and customized internet usage limits further deter cyberloafing.
ActivTrak
ActivTrak utilizes user behavior analytics based on monitoring keyboard and mouse activity rather than just browser use. The focus is on providing data around user productivity levels for better workforce optimization. Custom website blocking is additionally available.
Conclusion
Left unchecked, cyberloafing results in measurable revenue and productivity losses. While occasional short personal breaks are reasonable, extensive cyberloafing should not consume working time. Using cloud-based monitoring tools addresses visibility gaps around this modern workplace challenge. With better cyberloafing data and controls, employers can course-correct issues through policies, counseling, or blocking tools. The most balanced approach minimizes unproductive internet use without negatively impacting employee experience.
