Office Policies on Personal Internet Use
Many companies attempt to prevent their employees from using their computers to surf the Internet on company time. The reasoning of these companies ranges from the desire to curb excessive personal use to the perceived need to prevent employees from exposing the company to legal and security risks. However, this is increasingly difficult to manage, not the least of which because many positions require employees to have Internet access in order to do their jobs. Also, some research suggests restricting Internet access actually detracts from general employee productivity, in addition to presenting a tremendous damper on morale.
Other People Are Reading
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Statistics for Company Restrictions on Internet Access
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According to a report issued in 2008 by the American Management Association and the ePolicy Institute, 66 percent of employers surveyed monitored the Internet connections of their employees. Fully 65 percent of companies used software designed to block connections to some websites they deemed inappropriate. More than half the companies surveyed for the report stated that they had fired employees for improper email use, unsuitable or excessive Internet surfing, or both.
Legal Rationales for Restricting Internet Access
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One legal rationale for restricting Internet use stems from sexual harassment laws. Companies that restrict access to websites that contain pornographic or sexually explicit content often do so in an attempt to avoid complaints, especially from female workers. Another legal rationale for restricting Internet access by employees on company computers is the fear that illegal file downloading or copying of pictures or other copyrighted materials could expose the company to an infringement lawsuit.
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Security Rationales for Restricting Internet Access
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A major reason for restricting Internet access is the threat of hackers, Trojans, viruses or other computer security risks. Many websites contain malicious code that is designed to steal passwords and other sensitive data. Downloading files or opening email attachments could also introduce viruses that can spread throughout the entire computer network of a company. Another security risk posed by unrestricted Internet access by company employees is the possibility of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, either through an accidental leak or because it has been stolen.
Productivity Rationales for Restricting Internet Access
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Many companies attempt to restrict access to the Internet because they believe it presents a distraction for their employees. However, this fear may be at least somewhat misplaced, according to the BBC, citing a 2008 study conducted by Demos. According to this study, companies that attempt to restrict Internet access may be hampering employee productivity and driving away younger employees who have grown up with the technology of social interaction. These younger employees view the Internet, especially social networking websites, in a way that most people view the telephone---as a necessary tool for communication.
Reasons for Personal Use of the Internet at Work
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Surfing the Internet, watching streaming video, listening to music, shopping online, participating in multiple role-player games or interacting through social networking sites are all ways that people use company computers with their fast Internet connections to conduct personal business on company time. The particular activities in which employees engage, however, differ somewhat by age group, according to a report issued by the Pew Research Center in 2009.
Younger Boomers and Generation X workers (generally in their mid 30s to early 50s), use the Internet primarily for shopping, research, banking and making travel reservations. Younger generations are more likely to use the Internet for social networking, gaming and music downloads. One area that has been nearly universally adopted by Internet users of all ages is email.
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