Accessing social networks at work, whether via computer or smartphone, has become a habit for Brazilians. A survey carried out with 1,200 professionals in the country showed that seven in ten say they can balance their time between browsing the Internet and professional activities. However, for managers and specialists, this practice diverts employees' focus without them realizing it, compromising productivity.
Research on the use of social networks at work
In the survey, professionals indicated that they saw no problem accessing websites and applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. However, 71% of them believe that when their colleagues do the same, they lose concentration and performance. Furthermore, 45% of those interviewed recognized that browsing websites and social networks hinders their concentration.
Professionals need to understand that, at every moment of distraction, focus on the main task is lost. This time and energy spent on each access, being carried out countless times a day, can result in hours lost during working hours, this waste can reach 30% of working time.
For 29% of those interviewed, the solution is to block the use of social networks and personal email at work, which could even become a reason for dismissal. However, some experts argue that drastic measures are not recommended, such as blocking all Internet access during working hours.
“People have not yet developed the ability to incorporate social networks, cell phones and tablets into their daily lives and still not lose focus. Today, employees check notifications on their smartphone and email on their computer at the same time. It’s impossible to have a head for all of this”, commented one of the research coordinators.
According to the survey, access to social networks or personal email is restricted for 39% of respondents, who only browse at times stipulated by the company. Only for 32% of those consulted, access is allowed throughout the working day and, for 28%, access is only available for a portion of the companies' employees.
Internet use
This misuse of the internet in the workplace is nothing new, as many employees do not care about personal and company growth and end up just occupying a place within the corporate environment.
Furthermore, many employees argue that they are connected to stay informed, because when they are connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram they receive more information.
However, this “knowledge” is illusory, because when you are connected and working at the same time, it is difficult to maintain concentration on two activities, meaning neither is done completely and correctly, aiming for satisfactory results.
Internet Management
It is important for companies to have some control over Internet access, but drastic blocking rules are not recommended. The ideal is to allow access to the internet and social networks at specific times, guide employees to conscious use of the Internet and monitor navigation through analysis tools and generation of access reports.
This way, internet management is carried out, however, without making the employee feel completely trapped and unable to use the internet during lunch hours, for example. It is important to keep in mind that the correct use of social networks can contribute to work and even improve productivity, as the brain needs some breaks during the day to stimulate creativity.
Did this research and information about using social media at work help you?
Document template on Internet use policy in companies” right now and learn how to guide your employees in the best way!
2 comments
Comments closed