It’s 2016 and the cyber world is booming. It’s revolutionised how we do our jobs, how we find jobs and even created positions that weren’t available as little as 5 years ago, in fact new tech roles are emerging all the time.
In a world where we have access to so much, ‘online’ has truly changed the working landscape and much of it for the better. It’s made many jobs easier, through streamlined processes and increased both external communications, and internal too. But are online cyber distractions becoming a problem?
Well, the statistics certainly suggest so with a recent survey finding that 68% of people admit they are distracted by tech whilst at work. And if we’re completely honest here haven’t we all been led astray at work by our technological companions? The survey found that social media, online shopping and even booking holidays were some of the biggest distractions.
Whilst downtime is acceptable in the workplace – we all need time to unwind at some point during the working day – is the rise of the ‘cyberslackers’ hindering office productivity?
Many of us rely on tech to help us get our jobs done, in fact you’ll be hard pushed to find a job role where using an online device isn’t necessary. But it’s stopping it from controlling us and how we structure our day that both employers and employees need to combat. Here’s how:
Don’t Dictate
Limiting device time and blocking websites, will get employees backs up. Take the leap and put your trust in them that they will manage their time effectively. The trust that you place in them will leave your team wanting to do their best for you and the business. We all need a 5 minute break to refresh every now and again.
If the problem does arise, when discussing the issue of cyber distractions at work, don’t take the dictatorship approach. Whilst we know that we will be told what to do in our jobs, there’s a manner which works best and a calm approach will not only work, but also win over employees too.
Take Screen Breaks
Online is how many employees like to spend their downtime, but not taking a break from the screen can have implications when it comes to your employees’ well-being. Encourage breaks away from the screen, and make sure that your office has appropriate downtime spaces.
Startups offer some of the best examples when it comes to creating offices designed to help form a positive balance between work and break time. Whilst some offices now offer gaming areas, table tennis and even yoga rooms, at the bare minimum offer a quiet area away from screens that employees can use to read or catch up with co-workers.
It Can Build Culture
Remember that cyber distractions aren’t always damaging to your business, and whilst they may slow productivity it can help to build a positive culture within the workplace. How many times have employees bonded over a Buzzfeed article, funny meme or the latest news story? And as many sayings go: happy employees, make a successful business.
Culture is developed through shared interests, often formed outside of work chat. Systems such as Slack can help employees to keep communications in one place and create different chats related to whatever they want, be it work or culture. Communication is key for any business, and fostering a relationship outside of work is essential for any business to survive.
Use a Task Management System
The to-do list is a method favoured by many, but allowing lists to become too overwhelming can lead to us procrastinating, and where do we go when we procrastinate? The nearest web page to distract ourselves from the task at hand.
We’ve already mentioned putting trust in employees when it comes to managing their time effectively, but using a task management system can help you and them keep track of where they are at with certain projects. Not only does this allow you to see where tasks are at each month, but also lets your team see when they can take a quick break.
Cyber distractions don’t always negatively impact the office but taking steps to manage screen time can go a long way in safeguarding your business and employees. Work hard, play hard is a phrase that’s never been more true.
Contributed by Hales Group.
