Cyberloafing at the workplace: gain or drain on work?

• Published in: Behaviour & information technology Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 343 - 353
• Main Authors: Lim, Vivien K.G., Chen, Don J.Q.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis 01.04.2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acceptability; Browsing; cyberloafing; Drains; Emotions; Employee attitude; Employees; Exact sciences and technology; Gain; Gender; Gender differences; Information and communication sciences; Information science. Documentation; Internet; Library and information science. General aspects; Men; Perception; Perceptions; positive and negative emotion; Productivity; Sciences and techniques of general use; Use and user studies. Information needs; work; Workplaces; Work; Work place; Impact factor; Emotions; Sex
• ISSN: 0144-929X; 1362-3001
• DOI: 10.1080/01449290903353054

This study examined the impact of cyberloafing on employees' emotion and work. We also examined gender differences in employees' perception towards cyberloafing. In general, respondents felt that some form of cyberloafing at work was acceptable. Men were also more likely to report that cyberloafing has a positive impact on work compared to women. As well, our findings suggest that browsing activities have a positive impact on employees' emotion while emailing activities have a negative impact. Results of our study provide useful insights for researchers and managers in understanding employees' attitudes towards cyberloafing, and how cyberloafing can result in gain or drain in employees' work productivity.