Personal Use of Internet Memo - Essay Example

There are advantages of instant messaging and internet use to employees including an increase in work efficiency since time on the internet can give them a break to reset employees' motivation to further work. Another reason is an emergency form of communication with the employee’s family. But if these reasons were analyzed, one can consider the fact that these are just excuses to allot less time for work. As an administrative assistant, I have continuous access to the internet but based on my personal experience it is more distracting to have office access to personal internet applications. Honestly, e-mails and instant messaging can be sent through the use of an employee’s mobile gadgets such as phones, tablets, and laptops. If these are allowed, then emergency cases are covered.

The disadvantages of using the internet for personal use primarily include the lack of demarcation between work and personal issues. By allowing personal use of the internet, the employer sends a message that it allows all forms of non-work related activities such as playing games, online shopping and even sending work-related materials through personal channels. It also exposes the company to different forms of virtual and cyber attacks. The extreme repercussions of this cannot be advantageous to the company from any perspective.

From the perspective of human resource management, there should be a consensus regarding issues that can affect the quality and efficiency of work of the employees. On a personal note, I can accept a scenario wherein it is restricted since I can do personal matters on my own time. But for the benefit and concern of my officemates and co-workers, the middle ground should be reached, although it would be an effort and a great challenge to the company.

If internet access shall be allowed for personal reasons, it is my personal view that every process should be monitored by the employer. Thus, more efforts are needed since monitoring software needs to be installed. Based on the scenario though, it is a given that the company is willing to make an effort just to allow the employees to have their own time with the internet, then it can be considered as a good agreement.  It is also important to let the employees know that their internet use is being monitored at all times if an agreement between the employer and the employees had been already reached.

As I have indicated in the first part, I agree with limiting and complete monitoring of internet activities especially if it is for personal use. It is based on my own opinion that efficiency in the workplace means limited distractions and while doing so, the company’s files can also be protected.