Cyber Loafing
Is cyberloafing good or bad?
In the eyes of a manager, cyberloafing is a negative aspect for the company. However, I think cyberloafing is good for employees and the company at large. I believe cyberloafing helps to keep employees in check while at work. It serves as a good break and could help in increasing employee productivity. According to research, 55% of employees are usually bored while at work at 16% are usually actively disengaged. When there is hard work in the company, employees can use their phones or laptops for personal activities. I believe when one is ideal for some time, they end up getting more tired. Therefore cyberloafingthis keeps them busy and reduces the chances of feeling tired of nothing. This way, when given work, the employees will maintain the same energy they had while working. Therefore, cyberloafing acts as a counter mechanism for boredom at work and reduce the chances of employees developing counterproductive workplace behaviour. It reduces the impacts of work underload and boredom on employees which include job dissatisfaction and poor performance.
Cyberloafing keeps the employees in check when there is too much work. Cyberloafing can be a getaway for too much work. Sometimes in companies, employees are burdened with deadlines and ample of work. This type of pressure weighs down a worker. In such a case, the employees can use their phones to step out of the pressure even if its for 5 minutes. Sometimes too much workload could increase employee stress which could cause job dissatisfaction. Moreover, too much workload and pressure end up draining employees. Cyberloafing helps employees to take the edge off, and recover.. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Solution to cyberloafing
Cyberloafing is beneficial to some extent. However, some employees may take advantage of the freedom and end up not doing their jobs and in the long run, affects their workplace performance. Therefore cyberloafing should be contained. Employees should be allowed to use their phones or laptops when they are taking a break. During tea or lunch breaks, employees can use their phones as much as they like, but they should avoid extending their breaks. When working, employees can be allowed to surf if there they are underworked because there are no jobs that will be affected anyway. Therefore, Workplaces should have a consistent policy that guides employees. For instance, limiting wifi in workplaces will keep employees from exploiting social media platforms such as youtube channels and online shopping platforms.
Employers should first work on the wellness of the employees before focusing on reducing cyberloafing. They should ask themselves one major question, why do employees use the internet while at work? Is it because they are under too much pressure, or are they underworked? The employer will, therefore, look for strategies to reduce the causes of cyberloafing. Examples of such strategies can be reducing overload by ensuring well distribution of work and adequate employees; employeesgoing for field studies instead of staying idle in the office, and many others.
Employees also need motivation to increase self-drive. Employees with self-drive will know it is wrong to use the internet for personal activities while at work. Therefore employers need to ensure that employees are kept motivated to increase their love for their jobs. Employers should also make sure that they are a good example for their employees. For instance, a boss cannot be surfing all day at work and not expect employees to do the same. They should lead by example so that employees can follow.
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