Instant Messaging & Productivity in the Office

Many companies are allowing, and even encouraging, their employees to use instant messaging as a form of effective communication in the workplace. Others are skeptical and argue that IM-ing can be distracting and time consuming if not used appropriately. The key word here is 'appropriate' When used appropriately, instant messaging can be an excellent tool for productivity.

In a study performed earlier this year, Researchers from the University of the Pacific in California, US, National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan and Miami University, US, decided to investigate the issue of productivity and brainstorming, because of IM usage and its rapid growth in the workplace. The main focus was to uncover what consequences this might have for the way organizations work. The outcome of the study showed that, on average, a group of students using IM would brainstorm and come up with one more idea than students not using IM.

Another one of the biggest benefits of IM over e-mails is that your e-mail can easily be ignored, or overlooked, by the recipient, while IM takes place in real time. It also allows participants to know who is online, who is away, and with most messengers, if they have received your message.

But, as the Be Your Own Boss blog highlights, the disadvantage is that one instant messenger is not compatible with the other. Also, it is not wise to share the extremely important details and information via IM "so you should never use IM to confirm big details and agreements".

Another argument against messaging is that it limits your ability to multitask. People often find that when trying to read and reply, it often demands your entire focus and may take away from your task at hand - therefore, making you less productive.

What are your thoughts on instant messaging? Productive or destructive? It seems that there are many employers, as well as employees, that are still on the fence on this one.