Technology Addiction: Cyberslacking, Productivity—or a Genuine Problem?

In today's workplace, most employees are assigned a computer and provided with internet access to get their work done—but research indicates that most of us use those technologies for personal purposes on a daily basis.

While "Cyberslacking" is almost universally discouraged, not all personal use of the internet is counterproductive. For example, employees who do their banking online can use the bulk of their lunch hours to eat and relax instead of making a hectic trip to the bank. Recent research from Australia indicates that short, unobtrusive breaks for "Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing" leave many employees better able to focus when performing their actual work.

Companies who've introduced draconian internet policies actually experience lower, rather than higher, productivity from their disgruntled employees and face increased exposure to malware and viruses as employees try to "work around" network security to gain internet access.

Rather than banning internet use, here are a few strategies proven to help limit excessive internet use:

• Slowing—rather than banning—access to social networking sites makes waiting for Facebook pages to load more frustrating and less enjoyable.
• Providing access to social networking sites for limited time periods during the day can control usage.
• Explaining the business case for limiting usage helps bring many employees on board. "If we're all downloading files or streaming video, it will slow everything from customer service to payroll processing."

When Usage Becomes Unreasonable: The True Technology Addicts

What about employees who become so obsessed with technology that it begins interfering with productivity and quality of work? It's easy to dismiss it as "goofing off" or a lack of self control, yet for people genuinely addicted to online dating, gambling, shopping and social networking, trying to overcome the obsession is just as difficult as overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

In a 2006 telephone survey by the Impulse Control Disorders Clinic at Stanford University, researchers found that 68.9 percent of adults surveyed were regular internet users, and that:

• 13.7 percent (more than one out of eight respondents) found it hard to stay away from the internet for several days at a time
• 12.4 percent stayed online longer than intended very often or often
• 12.3 percent had seen a need to cut back on internet use at some point
• 8.7 percent attempted to conceal non-essential internet use from family, friends and employers
• 8.2 percent used the internet as a way to escape problems or relieve negative moods
• 5.9 percent felt their relationships suffered as a result of excessive internet use

"Technology addiction often ties into other types of compulsions, such as shopping, gambling and gaming," notes Briana Stonelake, EAP consultant for VITAL WorkLife. "Using hours and hours of the workday to bid for items on eBay, check for matches on eHarmony, update your Facebook profile, access pornography, visit online casinos or get lost in a game of World of Warfare isn't just a violation of common sense and company policy—it's a sign of a greater problem."

The Technology-Addicted Employee: The Business Case For Intervention

Like alcoholism and chemical dependency, internet or technology obsession becomes progressively worse over time—and the negative impact on productivity and quality of work increases. Technology-addicted employees tend to:

• Come in late or be absent from work more frequently
• Appear present but fail to meet deadlines or adequately complete tasks
• Become isolated from co-workers
• Disappoint customer expectations

While termination may be the consequence these employees ultimately face for their obsessive behaviors, the cost of replacing once-productive employees may be greater than giving them a chance to overcome their problems.

"There could be an underlying issue like depression or anxiety which makes that employee more likely to 'escape' online," notes Stonelake. "You don't have to understand why they're doing what they doing, but you may want to refer them to your Employee Assistance Program so they can get the help they need."

Worried About An Employee's Technology Usage? Make An EAP Referral

If you've noticed a steady degradation in an employee's performance, punctuality, attendance or appearance—that can't be attributed to a visible or known chemical dependency—coupled with a tendency to suddenly change computer windows or attempt to block your view of his or her monitor, you may have caught that employee in the midst of obsessive or inappropriate technology use.

Start by having a conversation with the employee about your own or your company's policies regarding internet usage. Suggest the employee review the following checklist of behaviors to see if they're experiencing any of the symptoms of technology addiction:

1. I find myself thinking about the internet when I'm not online.
2. I sometimes lie to other people about how much time I've spent online.
3. I've missed classes or gone to work late because my online habit kept me up all night.
4. When I've had a bad day, going online is the only thing that soothes me.
5. I need to stay online longer to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
6. I feel restless and irritable when I can't get online because my battery dies or I've lost connection.
7. I've made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back or stop my technology usage.
8. I've committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to finance my online activities.

If the employee answers yes to two or more of the questions—or acknowledges that there might be a problem—invite him or her to take advantage of the free, confidential assessment and counseling services available to them as part of your company's EAP benefit.

At Every Step of the Process—We Can Help

If you don't feel comfortable initiating that conversation or don't know what to say, call 1.800.383.1908 and ask to speak to an EAP counselor. Confidential counseling, coaching and support is free to you as part of your EAP benefit.

This free, unlimited telephone consultation—available 24/7—is not just for you as a manager, but also for every member of your family (who may be struggling with technology addiction, too) as well as your employees and their families. Your benefit also includes free face-to-face counseling with master's- and doctorate-level professionals. All you have to do is ask.

More About Technology Addiction: Helpful Online Resources

At the VITAL WorkLife website, you'll find helpful articles and links to resources that can help you learn more about and cope with technology addiction issues including:

• Internet Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help: Parts I & II
• Signs of Internet Addiction
• Addiction of MMORPGs: Symptoms and Treatment
• eBay Addiction
• Cybersex Addiction Checklist
• Cybersex and Addictions

Accessing these resources is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. To find these articles, go to VITALWorkLife.com, click on member login and enter your user name and password.
2. On the page that comes up, in the left hand column, click on the "Your Work & Life Resources" button.
3. In the shaded area at the top of the screen, click on the pull down menu that says "Balancing" and pull down to "Addiction and Recovery."
4. In the Articles Section on the left side, click on "View All."

Pathways to Well Being call VITAL WorkLife at 800.383.1908 or access resources through the VITAL WorkLife App.