Types of Websites to Avoid While at Work

Many employers have complained about their employees spending too much time surfing the web and not enough time working. To crack down on the wasted time many companies have started monitoring Internet usage. Many employers do allow their employees to use the Internet for personal use, but for a limited amount of time each day. According to USA Today, the City of Pittsburgh will limit their 1,300 employees to 30 minutes of personal Internet use a day. Pittsburgh's employees' time use will be tracked by a web-filtering program. According to a 2005 survey by the American Management Association (AMA), three-quarters of companies use web-filtering programs to track how their employees spend their time on the Internet. More than half of those companies review messages sent by their employees in emails and instant messages.

It gets scarier though, "Most also have policies regarding personal e-mail use, and more than a quarter have fired workers for misusing the Internet. Thirty-six percent track content, keystrokes and time spent at the keyboard." (Source: USA Today)

According to a survey done by Vault.com, 87% of employees surf the web for non-related work items. Due to the high number of employees surfing, you are most likely one of them! I know I have been guilty of shopping online or checking my personal email while on the clock. However, with the programs employers are using now there are some websites you should avoid to lessen your risk of termination.
Those websites include:

Personal Email

As mentioned above, more than half of employers review the personal emails you are sending! It is smart to avoid sending personal emails on your work computer even if they seem harmless at first.

Social Networking Sites

This would include www.myspace.com and www.facebook.com! I know it is tempting to check your account while at work, but you should avoid it at all costs. Employers can track the messages you send on these social networking sites.

Personal Ads or Dating Services

I'm a firm believer that your dating/night life should not interfere with your working life. There are too many emotions that come along with finding "the one" and they need to be left for your personal life and not enter into your professional life.

X-Rated Sites

Need I say more? I think the explanation is obvious! Although, most employers are likely to block these types of sites to stop the problem before it starts.

Avoiding these types of websites will reduce your risk of termination and will protect your personal life.

If you are surfing the web because you are bored at work or feel like you don't have enough to do; then ask for more challenging projects. Communicate with your manager on what you expect from the work place. Whether it be motivation, inspiration, or a challenge; you're employer should be more than willing to work with you.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2006-02-20-internet-abuse_x.htm