Question:
I suspect an employee is spending too much company time on personal emails and social media. Their productivity is dropping, but they claim it’s ‘quick breaks to stay connected.’ How do I handle this?
Answer:
Keeping up with Aunt Mildred’s cat pictures is fun, but not on the company’s dime—at least not for long stretches! Here’s the approach:
- Review Your Tech Usage Policies: Your employee handbook likely has guidelines about personal internet use during work hours.
- Check Performance Metrics: Document the areas where productivity is slipping. Show the employee how their outputs are affected.
- Offer Resources: If it’s stress or time-management issues, consider training or productivity tools.
- Discuss Boundaries: Let them know short breaks are fine if allowed, but it’s not okay if half the day is lost to trending memes.
- It’s about balance: occasional personal use is often acceptable, but too much is like turning the office into an internet café—minus the cappuccinos.
I hope this helps.
Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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