Blocked Websites

I am not sure if anyone here has experienced this, but just wanted to have a discussion on it..

Nowadays in many offices any website that contains a bit of entertainment (like social networking sites, messengers, youtube, forums, games, music sites, movie sites) are all blocked, which is good ofcourse for the employers but not for the employees.

The employers think if they block these websites the employees will work harder as they will not have anything to distract them. But then if somebody is really hardworking and sincere in their work they will do it even with all these distractions and if somebody is not they will not work even if they don't have any of the above.

So my question is...is it right to block these websites at work or is it wrong? Or

Is surfing the net at work (for personal reasons) right or wrong?

Ofcourse these days you have blackberrys and Iphones but my question is only about blocking the websites at work.

Do share your views..

Originally posted by: Star_on_earth

I am not sure if anyone here has experienced this, but just wanted to have a discussion on it..

Nowadays in many offices any website that contains a bit of entertainment (like social networking sites, messengers, youtube, forums, games, music sites, movie sites) are all blocked, which is good ofcourse for the employers but not for the employees.

The employers think if they block these websites the employees will work harder as they will not have anything to distract them. But then if somebody is really hardworking and sincere in their work they will do it even with all these distractions and if somebody is not they will not work even if they don't have any of the above.

So my question is...is it right to block these websites at work or is it wrong? Or

Is surfing the net at work (for personal reasons) right or wrong?

Ofcourse these days you have blackberrys and Iphones but my question is only about blocking the websites at work.

Do share your views..

Originally posted by: Prometeus

I think if you use social networks n chating while work,its ethical violations while on the job...and employees become more active on social networks...😛

but nobody can work the entire time...employees need to do something for relaxation also as sometimes work can be stressful...even in the office they chat with colleagues and socialize so whats the difference if they do it on their computers? as long as they complete their work on time..

uff boss is coming balance later 😉😛 us boss se bachhne ke liye bhi toh kuch chahiye hota hai.. 😉

Originally posted by: souro

First my company blocked all the social networking sites and sites like Youtube. Then they blocked India-Forums. Now they have blocked sites where games can be played.
I find it ridiculous to be honest. I don't think it's anyone's business what an employee is doing as long as he does his work well and on time. I don't think anyone will waste time playing games without doing any work.

seriously..same thing with me... the thing is even when one has completed his/her work..you do get some free time..but then there's nothing much to do...except go around and talk to the same employees you stay with for 8 hours...i mean theres a limit to how much a person can do... and when these sites are blocked you feel so restricted...

Another thing is, it's much easier to surf for 5 minutes and then go back to work on a computer. I find it much difficult to do that when checking FB and stuff on my phone. On computer atleast I can press Alt+Tab and multitask, whereas when I'm browsing on my phone it requires my undivided attention and I can't look at the computer and my ongoing work.

ya plus it shows everyone that you are not working...whereas when you are on computer...nobody can make out whether you are actually working or doing something else...😉😆

Originally posted by: Star_on_earth

I am not sure if anyone here has experienced this, but just wanted to have a discussion on it..

Nowadays in many offices any website that contains a bit of entertainment (like social networking sites, messengers, youtube, forums, games, music sites, movie sites) are all blocked, which is good ofcourse for the employers but not for the employees.

The employers think if they block these websites the employees will work harder as they will not have anything to distract them. But then if somebody is really hardworking and sincere in their work they will do it even with all these distractions and if somebody is not they will not work even if they don't have any of the above.

So my question is...is it right to block these websites at work or is it wrong? Or

Is surfing the net at work (for personal reasons) right or wrong?

Ofcourse these days you have blackberrys and Iphones but my question is only about blocking the websites at work.

Do share your views..

Originally posted by: Star_on_earth

Originally posted by: attitude.ash

IMO, I like it that entertainment based sites are blocked. Not to say that I will work any less or not do work at all had it been otherwise, but I believe it's important to have a few rules set up, which regardless of how good an employee you are or what your position in the work place is, it is followed by all means. The decorum that is set is for a reason, and I don't see why one has a problem with it. Your getting paid to work and hence you simply work. Not entertain yourself.

yes you get paid for doing the work but every person has a different way of relaxing themselves...you just cant expect all the employees to work all the time...this can be very stressful for them and can even effect their health..as it is not many enjoy the work they do...the least they can do is have a bit of fun while earning money...and as long as it does not effect the company or the company has to incur losses because of this...the entertainment sites dont really harm anyone...ofcourse some people can misuse it by accessing it all the time than doing their work, so for that, some employers make these sites accessible for a few hours only than the entire day...which is also a good option...than having nothing at all...

If you do need a break however, that's why there are cafeterias/ lunch rooms and if your lucky enough, with TVs. As it is, employees take enough smoke and or washroom breaks that kills away from their overall productivity.

here in many offices we do not have separate cafeterias …its only your cubicle where you stay in most of the time…so there is a limited choice when it comes to taking breaks..

Last I would want is an employee wasting my company's time on Facebook. what I believe is if you keep your employees happy…they work harder for you and your company…

As a student I worked at this place that had no firewalls set on forums/FB/twitter, and yes, I would check my FB, visit forums and listen to music ever so often. Now I work at a place that blocks almost every site that there is. But this made me realize how much work I actually get done as suppose to when I would check who posted what and you-tube silly videos. And I absolutely love it. Of course I think it's unfair that I have access to my laptop (it wasn't a choice I opted for though) with my internet stick, and still end up wasting time on certain days. But if I were to pick, I'd go with all work and no play.

I on the contrary finish my work faster when I want to surf the net for my personal use…. its like I give myself a reward or something after accomplishing a certain task….. so this way the work is not effected and I am happy too….😆

Originally posted by: Prometeus