Tips to Regulate Employee Internet Use
The internet has been a great
innovation to help with communication and transactions, especially in
business. However, the internet can also be a distraction in the
workplace. There are plenty of ways to waste time online: Facebook,
Twitter, Tumblr, downloads, shopping websites and much more. Wasting
time means outputs are delayed, and along with it, the company's
progress. There is a difference between being strict on internet usage
policy and keeping employees from wasting too much time on the internet.
It can be more serious if employees would use the company's internet
connection to look up inappropriate websites and conduct illegal
transactions. It might seem severe to completely monitor employee
internet usage at work, but try to minimize personal usage and wasted
time.
Here are
a few tips to regulate employee internet usage:
1.
Set Clear Policies on Internet Usage
Setting clear policies on internet usage makes the benefit and
restrictions clear to everyone. Set rules on what grounds are
acceptable to use the internet during working hours, such as emails,
chatting, video messaging, blogging, and web browsing. Also consider
writing this on the policies wherein all employees agree to.
Internet usage policy should also include how internet is used
productively during working hours.
2.
Inform and Remind Employees
Inform employees that the company has rules against improper usage
of the internet during work hours. Transparency on policies and the
measures taken on regulating internet can keep employees aware of
internet regulation and are informed of the company’s policies.
3.
Use Monitoring Software
Regulating employees’ internet use has been sparking innovation.
Software that can monitor web data without the help of managers and
supervisors are available in the market. This can also minimize the
effort of managers to constantly check on employees as these kinds
of software do this for them.
4.
Put Passwords on Connected Devices
If
there are only certain devices that require the internet, enable
passwords so that only employees who are authorized to use the
internet can use them. This is a way to control who uses the
internet for company purposes only.
5.
Only Grant Access to Employees Who Require It
There
may be employees who require internet connection to work. However,
create a set of rules that only they can use their assigned devices
and not lend it to anybody during working periods.
6.
Manage Bandwidth Settings
Only
allow a certain frequency of bandwidth available. This feature will
lessen employees’ tendency to watch online videos or download data.
7.
Block Websites
Internet can still be used by everyone, but take note to block
certain websites that can hinder focus such as social media and
shopping sites.
8.
Act Out Disciplinary Actions
Put
out rules that cover what actions need to be done when certain
employees break internet usage policies. Make sure that these
disciplinary actions are proper and fair.
In
conclusion, companies would always want their employees to be
productive. But of course, there are times that employees would want to
unwind in the workplace. Find balance with controlling the internet;
perhaps allowing employees to check their personal accounts during lunch
and coffee breaks for example. Remember that limiting internet use does
not mean that it is being restricted. Granting access to internet for
personal and leisure use in appropriate times does not hurt
productivity.
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