Technology has undeniably revolutionized the modern workplace, offering more convenient and connective ways than ever before. However, it has created opportunities for workplace deviance by making it easier to get distracted at work. First, what is deviance? It is “a difference from what most people consider normal or acceptable” (Deviance Noun, 2023).

Now, how does deviance apply to the workplace? Deviance can happen when someone is on their phone, watching videos on a computer, or just using their device to goof off.
The problems arise from employees or managers not doing their work. Taking a break from your work here and there is okay because it can allow you to think about the problem and find a better solution than you had before. However, there is a limit. If employees are constantly on their phones and not doing work, it costs the company hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to pay unproductive employees. Cost is a major problem for companies. An employee constantly on their phone and being unproductive can cause other employees to see the behavior and work less because they see that behavior as being rewarded.

Moreover, the issues of workplace deviance extend beyond mere distractions. It can also encompass more severe infractions, such as cyber theft. Employees may spread malicious content or sensitive information. These acts of deviance can cost the company its integrity. Furthermore, such breaches can lead to legal and financial consequences, tarnishing the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.

In addition, deviance can allow malware to get onto company computers because you clicked a link you were not supposed to or downloaded an application that contained malware. These actions can lead to sabotaging a computer for a short period of time or having to completely replace the computer due to the infection and security policies in place.

deviance noun – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com. (2023). Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/deviance#:~:text=%2F%CB%88di%CB%90vi%C9%99ns%2F-