Comments on: When to shut down your Instant Messaging client

By: Justin Kownacki

Justin Kownacki — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:41:21 +0000

Indeed, not trusting employees enough to allow them to manage their own time is the beginning of the end of a company’s morale. If employees misuse their freedoms and the work suffers as a result, then you have a reason to take action. But companies that are smart enough to allow their employees freedoms are usually employing people smart enough to balance work and play.

Meanwhile… are you maximizing your Twitter use at work?

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:13:58 +0000

I think the companies that restrict or prohobit the use of IM in the workplace are concerned about use No. 3 — too much goofing off and a drop in productivity. But then that isn’t placing much trust or confidence in the employees, is it.

Instead of limiting access to IM, which can be a great tool for getting work done, why not set up some guidelines for employees? If it gets out of hand, a manager can take action.

By: Tiffany | Express Personnel Blogger

Tiffany | Express Personnel Blogger — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:08:16 +0000

Great tips. I love point number three. We talk all the time about maximizing productivity, etc., and sometimes it’s easy to forget that we do need breaks to keep ourselves sane - but I find that frequently, when I turn around to chat with a co-worker, it not only gives me a break, it interrupts everyone in a 30-foot radius. Using IM for a short chat with a co-worker could keep things friendly, give you a break, and not make everyone you work near get less done.

I wish more companies would realize this and open IM policies, but on the other hand, I wish more workers would use IM technology responsibly and not just as a goof-off tool so the rest of us could reap the benefits you point out.