Cyber loafing
Cyber loafing has become a significant issue for companies today. Cyber loafing costs companies millions of dollars each year. As a result, some companies have chosen to use various technologies to either prevent or catch employees that are spending their time online or on their cell phones doing non-work-related activities such as shopping, playing games, or socializing.
Complete some research on cyber loafing.
What are the costs to companies? How much time do employees spend doing non-work-related activities? What are some of the tools employers are using? What are the laws in your state related to the use of these tools? Do you think the use of these tools is ethical? Why or why not?
Sample Solution
The costs to companies of cyber loafing can be considerable. According to a survey conducted by the American Management Association, an estimated 30 percent of internet use in the workplace is for non-work related activities such as social networking, shopping, and playing games.
This amounts to an average of two hours per day wasted on non-productive activities which equates to almost $2,000 per year lost productivity for each employee. Based on these figures it is easy to see why companies are now looking at ways to reduce or eliminate cyber loafing within their organizations.
One way that employers are tackling this problem is by utilizing either time tracking tools or monitoring software. Time tracking tools allow employers to view how much time employees spend online and what websites they visit while monitoring software allows employers to monitor more than just website visits; it also monitors keystrokes and mouse movements which can give employers insight into exactly what tasks employees are completing during their allotted work hours. Both of these methods have been found effective at reducing wasting time online but can lead to potential legal issues if not used properly.
The laws regarding the use of these technologies vary from state-to-state but generally businesses must inform employees that they will be monitored before implementing any type of surveillance system; failure to do so may result in fines or even criminal charges being laid against the company depending on where you live. Additionally, many states have specific laws relating specifically too computer surveillance systems that cover topics such as privacy rights, data storage requirements and disclosure rules which affect how businesses should implement monitoring solutions with regards too customer information security standards (CISSS).
Whether or not using these tools is ethical depends heavily upon personal opinion and views; some people feel strongly against any form of workplace surveillance while others believe it’s necessary in order maintain a productive working environment without excessive downtime due too web browsing activities. Ultimately it comes down too discretion when deciding whether monitoring systems should be implemented within a business setting as there will always be those who argue both sides and ultimately no one right answer exists when determining whether something like this falls under “ethical” practices or not