Web = waste of time?

T+D, March, 2003 by William Powell

Hailed as a modern miracle in productivity tools, could it be that the Internet is turning into a drain on employee performance and company funds? So reports a recent study from Websense www.websense.com. With 70 million U.S. employees accessing the Web at work each day and surveyed employees admitting that they spend 1.5 hours goofing off each week, Websense estimates that U.S. corporations are experiencing US$85 billion each year in lost productivity.

"Employee Internet misuse is a critical business issue for corporations. While the Web has long been hailed as a productivity tool, this misuse in some cases offsets the productivity benefits of Internet access," says Andy Meyer, vice president of marketing for Websense.

It should be noted, though, that Websense has something to gain from such results. The company's employee Internet management software is designed to do just that--manage employee Internet use. Regardless of the report's accuracy or intent, few should doubt that as the Web becomes more engaging, employees will find it harder to resist.

You've Got to Give a Little

If you're going to spend 1.5 hours per work week visiting non-work-related Websites, you might do some good as well as goof off. Organizations such as IMentor www.imentor.org let adult volunteers act as virtual and in-person mentors to young people in underserved areas. Most of the interaction takes place via email, though IMentor provides plenty of opportunities to meet in person. Mentors are typically asked to spend only one hour per week working on a project-based curriculum designed by Mentor. So even if you're busy, there's plenty of time to participate. Just be prepared for the commitment. Mentors are expected to work with their mentees for at least one year.

IMentor is one of hundreds of organizations that provide opportunities for online volunteers. The Virtual Volunteering Project www.serviceleader.org/vv lists more than 100 agencies that use online volunteers. Along with several e-mentoring opportunities, virtual volunteer opportunities exist through more traditional outlets such as the American Lung Association and the United Way, as well as volunteering with other professionals.

William Powell is an associate editor of T D; wpowell@astd.com.