The majority (57%) of work interruptions now involve either social tools like email, social networks, text messaging and IM, or switching windows among tools and applications, according to a survey done by harmon.ie. 45% of employees work only 15 minutes or less without getting interrupted, and 53% waste at least one hour a day due to all types of distractions.

For employees who spend their days working on a computer, the Internet is a valuable, indispensable resource. However, it can also create significant liability issues for the company, not to mention diminished productivity resulting from personal business being conducted on company computers. Therefore, it is essential for employers to have clear, specific Internet usage policies that are widely communicated and consistently enforced.

The purpose of an Online Social Networking Policy is:

• To guarantee a constructive relationship between the company and its employees.
• To reduce the possibility of risk to your company or its reputation.

• To discourage the use of company time for personal networking.

• To ensure employees are aware of their actions while engaging in social networking, the number of individuals who can access information presented on social networking sites and the consequences associated with these actions.

Employee Computer Usage Policy

The first step for employers to protect the company is to have a thorough, specific and well-communicated Employee Computer Usage Policy. Not only can such a policy help prevent improper or illegal computer activity by employees, it will also go far to protect the company in the event of an investigation or lawsuit.

Employee Education

In addition to crafting such a policy, employees need to be fully aware of it. Employers should ask all employees to sign the policy, and then employees should retain a copy so that they are always aware of the policy and consequences involved with violating it. Education of the company policy regarding computer use can not only discourage misconduct, but also can prevent accidental liability issues from employees who didn't realize that an action was harmful or inappropriate.

Monitor Employee Activity