The Internet plays an important role in the growth of media and different forms of communication. The Internet allows people to send emails, chat with people in real time, and see the people they are talking to, even if they are miles away.
While the Internet can be useful tool in the workplace, it must be used correctly. The Internet offers many distractions from work that can cause you to get off track and waste time that should be spent working. In order to make the most of it, it’s important that you follow these rules when using the Internet at work:
- Search the web with a purpose
- Instant messaging rules
- Internet efficiency
- Limit your time online
Search the web with a purpose
The Internet is a never ending network of websites. The Internet is so big that it’s hard to even understand the amount of information it holds. This much information can be useful to us. However, too much information can also cause us to get distracted and keep us from finding what we really need to find on the Internet.
When you go to the Internet, have a goal in mind. Think about what information you are trying to find, and only search for that information. As you read through the list of links that result from your search, only open those that look like they will have the information you are looking for. Once you find the information you are looking for, close out of your browser so that you aren’t tempted to do activities that aren’t related to work.
Instant messaging rules
Instant messaging can be a very helpful tool in the workplace. It’s even faster than email and can be more convenient than a phone call. Before you use instant messaging at work, make sure it is okay with your employer. You should also be sure to use a messaging program that is approved by your employer. Your employer may even have a messaging system set up that is only meant for employees to use. Once you have learned the instant messaging rules of your employer, you can learn and follow these basic rules for better instant messaging communication:
- Respond quickly
- Keep your message short
- Sign out if you are in a meeting or aren’t able to respond
- Don’t say anything in an instant message that you wouldn’t say to the person’s face
- Avoid using instant messaging to chat with your friends during work time
Internet efficiency
Efficiency is being able to get a lot done in a short amount of time. Just like with all of your job duties, you want to be efficient with your use of the Internet. This means that when you need to use the Internet to look up some information, you want to be able to find the most useful information as quickly as possible. To do this, use specific or detailed, search words.
Sometimes you can even type in the exact question you are trying to answer and come up with a website that has that information. You can also make use of bookmarks in order to quickly get to websites that you visit often. A bookmark is a tool that allows you to save a website for later. That way, when you need to get back to it, all you have to do is go to your bookmarks and click on the website you want to visit.
Limit your time online
Although the Internet can serve as a very useful tool in the workplace, it can also result in a lot of wasted time. When you go online, it can be tempting to visit websites that aren’t related to work. With just a click of your mouse you could be shopping online, checking your Facebook account or reading the news.
However, you should avoid visiting these personal websites while you are working. Many employers monitor their employees’ Internet use, so it’s important that you limit the amount of time you spend online. Set aside time during the day to use the Internet, and don’t use it for personal use during work. If you need to use the Internet for work purposes, you could set a timer to help you keep your Internet use to a minimum.
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