Is that work-related?

Time spent online on personal activities adds up, according to a recent Accountemps survey in the US. Executives polled said they believe employees, on average, spend 56 minutes each day on non-business-related e-mail, instant messaging and Internet use at work. And while surfing the Web may seem like a guilty pleasure, it’s not a secret one. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed (64%) said their organizations monitor employee Internet activity at least somewhat closely.

The poll includes responses from 150 senior executives -- including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments -- with the 1,000 largest companies in the US.

“Many people are unaware that a permanent record exists of their Internet and e-mail use at work,” says Accountemps chairman Max Messmer. “Most organizations actively monitor Web use by employees to ensure it complies with established corporate policy.”

Messmer adds, “Staff members should familiarize themselves with company guidelines for Internet and e-mail use. Employees are representatives of their firms and all communication, including e-mail and instant messaging, should be professional. This also applies to the use of company resources to visit websites.”