Addiction to social media has affected the alert levels and focus of people while driving, resulting in serious consequences. Employees who are under the influence of social media during office hours must be dealt with
strictly as per the law.
Ali Al Matani -
ali.matani2@gmail.com -
During surveys on employees working in the government and corporate sectors, it was found that most of them — if not all — are deep in WhatsApp’s and gossiping merrily with their colleagues, friends and relatives.
The chatting goes on till the end of
the office hours with no actual work being done, thank God!
When a powerless poor man goes to any government agency or a public service office, he always finds the situation like this always.
When he asks the employee about his file, the employee gives, still looking into his phone, some unsatisfactory answers, and then goes on to search for the papers.
Moreover, he comes after a long time, smiling and chuckling while reading messages on his phone.
This is the norm during office hours.
The public who come for various services were left high and dry.
We don’t disagree on the importance of social media and the information revolution that has brought in, and also the time and effort saved because of it; however, its misuse during the wrong time and place is a grave issue that affects the country’s future, economy and development.
This is enough to consider the issue seriously and strictly without any lenience.
This issue is a matter concern to our country.
The social media with all its numerous accounts and daily-renewed virtual worlds will be a social and economic disaster if we do not benefit from it in the right way, after we have allowed it to take our time at home, restaurants, gatherings and talks.
Moreover, it has become a source of dangerous entertainment that results in grave consequences.
Addiction to social media has affected the alert levels and focus of people while driving, resulting in serious consequences.
Employees who are under the influence of social media during office hours must be dealt with strictly as per the law.
Time is precious, and is not to be wasted by the employee browsing his smartphone.
Is there any solution to this problem?
Solutions include effective supervision by top officials, use of cameras and feedback from the users of services, and also restricting the employees’ access to Internet.
Unfortunately even teachers who are supposed to teach students in the class are found busy in this virtual world, forgetting students and projects.
There are some legal authorities who prohibit use of mobile phones during office hours; and in such places the pace and efficiency of work is not affected.
Moreover, productivity and quality of services go up; consequently, the efficiency of employees peaks.
Social media has its own benefits as it acts as an important communication tool which can highlight various issues and concerns.
Social media also has an undeniable use in the field of business marketing.
Hopefully, we will in future use mobile phones in a restricted manner during office hours without compromising people’s interests.
In addition, we should promote positive aspects of using modern applications, and find mechanisms that can use the power of social media for improving work environment and productivity.
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