Why would banning the use of IM reduce employee productivity if it reduced the amount of time employees spend on non-business communication?

Instant messaging (IM) is the communication method of choice for many computer users, but it causes headaches for businesses. Businesses are not only concerned about lost productivity from non-business use of IM, but more seriously about the business risks posed by its use. Publicly available IM services open unsecured electronic access into the organization that is quickly being attacked by hackers, virus-writers, and spammers.

Research by FaceTime Security Labs shows that security incidents involving the use of chat, IM, and P2P networks were up 2,200 percent between 2004 and 2005.

Some businesses respond by banning the use of IM by employees.

But that presents two problems. First, it is almost impossible to enforce the ban since IM programs can be easily downloaded onto any computer and the software is able to bypass most firewalls and security systems. Second, IM is a proven productivity enhancement tool for business.

70 percent of large businesses using IM and 84 percent of midand small-sized businesses report significant improvement in communications and cost reductions due to decreased phone usage. Banning IM reduces the security risks faced by the businesses but puts them at a competitive disadvantage with businesses that embrace the new technology.