Internet Use Wastes the Most Time at Work

Employers who are wondering why workers aren’t being as productive as possible just might find the answer in the following post.

Web surfing and water cooler chatter are the top time thieves at work, according to a new survey of chief financial officers (CFOs) from Robert Half Management Resources. Nearly one-third (32%) of executives interviewed said non-business related Internet use, including social media, is the greatest time-waster. Chatting with coworkers ranked a not-too-distant second, garnering 27% of the response.

Approximately one in 10 financial executives (11%) polled said meetings drain significant time, with the data suggesting this issue is most pronounced at larger firms (more than 1,000 employees), where meetings received 19% of the response.

“Chatting with coworkers and attending to personal activities during breaks at the office are acceptable within reason. Balancing professional and personal obligations often requires completing non-work tasks during business hours,” said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. “But too many distractions can detract from individual and team productivity.”

McDonald added, “If employees are spending too much time on non-work related tasks, identify why. They may have too little or too much on their plates. Find the right mix of assignments, and if they’re feeling disengaged, give staff more exciting or challenging projects.”