Are You Paying for Your Employee's Job Search?

Furthermore, three in 10 send and receive personal e-mails at work at least most days, if not every day, and another 28% say they do so occasionally, according to a Hudson press release.

Most workers reported that their employer knew of their personal computer use. Three-quarters of those surveyed believe their bosses are aware of how much they use the Internet for non-work related activities, and 48% say their companies monitor their computer use, the release said. Of those who believe their Internet use is screened, 74% report that their companies have formal policies regarding e-mail and Web usage.

The study shows that manager supervision seems to be effective at curbing personal computer use on work time. Twenty-one percent of those surveyed who believe their managers know they use the computer for personal reasons admitted to having job searched on company time, while 32% of those who think their manager is unaware reported doing so. Twenty-six percent of workers who believe their Internet use is monitored have looked for new career opportunities while at work.

Kris Rzepkowski, Interactive Manager at Hudson North America, said in the release, “Corporate policies serve their purpose, but employees respond best when those rules are a part of the day-to-day interaction with their supervisors.”

While manager supervision hinders personal computer use by employees, though, the survey revealed that managers themselves admit to committing the same misbehaviors. Twenty-four percent admitted to job hunting at work, and one-third send or receive personal e-mails on the job at least most days.

More information can be found at www.hudson-index.com .