Keeping employees productive means no wasted resources. It means a more efficient work place where deadlines are met. Better productivity doesn’t only benefit the CEOs and their bottom line, either; it’s also good for the employees. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and feeling productive can help foster better work ethic and a positive self-image.
Having days where we feel lazy or have gotten distracted at work can lead to feeling worse about ourselves and can even cost us our jobs. We feel good when we finish a task on time or ahead of schedule, so it makes sense to form habits at work that contribute to that general sense of accomplishment. With so many offices relying on computers, the internet can prove to be one of the largest obstacles in the way of our productivity. This is where content filtering comes in.
What is content filtering?
Content filtering gives you control over what websites network users can and can’t access. It’s an effective way to block inappropriate web content or prevent employees from visiting and viewing specific websites. There is a lot more to content filtering than simply blocking sites, however.
With a content filter in place, employers can prevent employees from using certain services, like instant messengers and games, too. These services may not be malicious but they could impede productivity or slow the office internet/network speed.
How content filtering can boost employee productivity
Not all people are out to waste their time on social media websites or streaming video- and music-sites; but the temptation may still be there. When you remove the temptation by blocking certain sites, employees can work without feeling the urge to view their favorite off-hours website—because the content filter won’t let them.
For example, without the distraction of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, employees can reserve their time and attention for actual work. They won’t need to deal with the nagging need to tweet or post on their friend’s walls when it’s not even an option. Plenty of filtering software is customizable to permit some users access to particular sites, so exceptions can be made.
Additional benefits of web filtering
Higher workplace efficiency isn’t the only benefit awaiting companies that opt in for content filtering software. There’s also the matter of reduced liability that comes with blocking websites.
Companies can reduce their liability to lawsuits and other fines by making it impossible for employees to download copyrighted content. Because companies are responsible for their employees’ internet usage, they would be liable in the event of computer misuse.
Additionally, businesses can monitor bandwidth usage. Blocking websites like YouTube and Pandora can prevent users from streaming video and music that would otherwise slow network connections or eat up valuable bandwidth.
A more secure network through content filtering
As one of the biggest threats to digital businesses, malware has ruined its fair share of companies. Filtering your internet access helps minimize potential cyber-attacks, such as malware, by reducing the number of points of access. The fewer websites and programs employees can use, the fewer windows malicious software has to enter the network.
Malware, phishing attempts, and email spam aren’t always tied to obvious actions. Sometimes an employee could be doing everything they can to maintain the integrity of the network, and something sinister would still find its way in.
If worker productivity is your primary concern, then consider content filtering. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a punishment. Blocking websites is as much a preventative security measure as it is a precaution against internet misuse. However, it isn’t always the employees who slack off during the workday. Even CEOs get distracted sometimes.
Implement a content filter and optimize your productivity today by contacting the IT solution experts.