12 December 2007
Companies adopt a mixed approach for employee web access
Selective banning of sites is proving popular with policy makers.
New research published today by IT solutions provider, Dimension Data, suggests concerns over employees wasting time on social networking sites are largely unfounded.
In an online, UK-focused survey of more than 2,134 people during August this year, just 19% said they accessed sites such as Facebook or MySpace while at work.
Less frivolous uses
The research follows numerous news stories concerning large organizations banning access to certain popular sites. But, far from misusing the web, the biggest “non-work” use in this latest research is for online banking services.
Draconian measures may have a profound negative impact on the perception of the organization as an employer.
A minority of respondents also said they used web access to download or share media files such as MP3s.
Different approaches to management
The survey data also showed a split in how organizations are managing web access:
- 14% have no access at work at all;
- 38% have unrestricted access and; and
- 46% aren't allowed access to certain websites.
In the research, the latter of the three approaches is deemed “more sophisticated and the way of the future for most organizations.”
Driving forces
Dimension Data’s Alastair Broom says the ubiquity of the internet is beginning to determine the way organizations act when it comes to web access at work.
“For many people in a wide range of industries the internet is essential to getting their job done. More than this, it's often a vital tool in maintaining their productivity and work-life balance,” Broom says.
Impact of the next generation
“Digital natives” – employees who have grown up with the internet – are also having an affect on corporate policy, says Broom.
“Younger workers, who have grown up with the internet, are accustomed to using it at home and expect to use it at work. In their case especially, draconian measures such as an outright ban may have a profound negative impact on the perception of the organization as an employer, and they may find a way around it anyway,” Broom warns.
Businesses are coming to terms with the fact that the internet is sometimes used by employees for personal purposes.
Find a workable compromise
“Our research indicates that British businesses are coming to terms with the fact that the internet and related applications such as instant messaging are sometimes used by employees for personal purposes.
By accepting this and working towards a compromise with employees, be it monitoring web usage, a ban of certain websites or open access only at certain times, they can mitigate risks associated with internet use while maintaining a happier, productive workforce,” continues Broom.
Have your say
What's your organization's internet usage policy? Do your employees spend all day surfing social networking sites, or are they more of a trustworthy staff? Discuss this difficult issue with your communication peers by joining the Internal Comms Hub members' group on the Communicators' Network.
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