Hey all,
Quick survey:
How many of you are currently limited to what sites you can get to at work?
When I originally began my job at my current place of employment, there was no limitation to what sites we could visit. However, currently we are very limited to which sites we can visit with use of a program called Web Sense. Often, I find myself asking IT to unblock a site which I need to access for work related reasons. The folks who had frequently abused the sites before then chose to walk around the office and have loud chat sessions with others that always seem disruptive.
This ofcourse begs the question, does Web Sense actually do what it sets out to do and increase overall productivity by limiting what folks can do online? You can judge by the above that I certainly do not think so. I'd like to hear some other opinions.
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We do not have any limitations to the sites we can access at the office. We are though asked to limit any downloads we want to do before running it through the IT person to make sure it won't affect the system.
ReplyDeleteSome companies limit access to the internet to avoid getting viruses or spyware on their systems. Some companies, especially those in highly regulates industries, even limit what you can use your email for and what you send out.
I don't feel that limitations to web access to increase productivity are necessarily effective. People who do not want to be productive will find one way or another to not be so. As you mention, it could be a burden for those who want to be productive by blocking some sites that should not be, having to have the person spend time contacting IT and getting it taken care of.
We have a similar program. It filters virtually all sports, games, society, entertainment, etc. Some sites are unaccessiblable, and for other we are provided 120 minutes of quota time a day. In some respects I see the reasoning. I have one staffer who I was made aware does not own a computer at home. Her job (AP Clerk) requires her to be on her computer most of the day. I know she dabbles, and sends personal emails. In this case in addition to reminding her about proper internet usage, at least the web filter prevents her from wasting time on these sites.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I have found myself calling IT as well. Just the other day I received an email with a link related to health care reform. I had to call because I couldn't access the site.
In addition to filters I know we are also monitored. The company has the right to do so, I just hope the information is used appropriately. I think one of the best examples I've hear related to the monitoring was someone in my department googled the home address of one of the IT folks. The office rumor was that he may have been seeing one of the "married" women in another department. I think they were trying to place them close to the IT guy's house (they had been spotted over lunch.) When the guy in my department who googled the IT guy returned from lunch that day, all the print outs of his web searches were laying on his desk. No note, just a little gift from the IT guy. ACKWARD!
Our company has restrictions on what sites can be accessed. We are not normally allowed access to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, but being in the marketing department it is necessary for a variety of reasons - monitoring the competition, setting up our own presence, market research. Usually it is not a problem if we have a legitimate reason. Occasionally some sites are blocked for reasons that are a little overzealous. For example, our trade show coordinator is frequently blocked from sites that are gambling/casino related. That's because she's booking booth space and rooms for shows held at resorts. In this case it is a frustration and waste of her time to have to call IT and wait to be approved.
ReplyDeleteUggh, we don't really have the internet. Everything we use is accessed through the company's intranet. So, I can't go on any normal websites or check my personal email while I am at work. I think the only site we can access is mapquest, lol.
ReplyDeleteWhile it's frustrating not having internet access, it really isnt necessary for the job. In fact, I am probably only at my desk for less than 1 hour the entire day. If I need to, I just check my email or facebook on my iphone!
I am limited to what sites I can view.. however, I have more access than most. Must be an HR thing. Depending on job title and other criteria, certain people do have more access than others. I know I can log on to Facebook (no, not posting anything about any "stupid" meetings.. haha) and LinkedIn, etc. But, we cannot go onto music sites like Pandora because of how much bandwidth is uses. So far, my limitations have not hindered my productivity.
ReplyDelete