Cyberloafing Intentions by Generational Cohort and the Future of Digital Workplace Policy

The advancement of digital technologies transforms the workplace. This widespread accessibility to the internet and digital devices may foster a rise in cyberloafing. Cyberloafing is the voluntary use of organizational internet resources for personal purposes during work hours. Previous research examined the counterproductive nature and potential benefits of cyberloafing; however, limited attention has been given to how generational differences influence this behavior. This study investigates how attitudes, social norms, affect, and facilitating conditions predict cyberloafing among Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. The findings confirmed that intentions significantly predict cyberloafing, with Millennials exhibiting the strongest relationship, followed by Generation X and Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers are more authority-oriented, Generation X balanced peer norms with pragmatic use, and Millennials were socially influenced into cyberloafing tendencies. These generational insights underscore the need for tailored digital use policies to foster cohesive and responsible digital conduct in the workplace. Organizations should implement adaptive strategies, including digital literacy training, cross-generational mentorship, and cohort-specific policy frameworks.