UK workers in IM flirt, gossip, bitchfest

The increasing use of Instant Messaging (IM) in the workplace is exposing UK companies to fresh security and legal threats, a study out Monday claims. One in six (16 per cent) of 2,000 UK consumers quizzed in a YouGov survey admitted using IM at work to send or receive sensitive company information or documents. A quarter of respondents (25 per cent) used IM to gossip about work colleagues - twice as many men than women use IM for this purpose. Four in five (80 per cent) of 18-29 year olds use IM to chat to friends and family whilst at work.

And while they're not flirting, gossiping or engaging in a spot of industrial espionage a significant minority of 18-29 year olds (seven per cent) are using IM to look for alternative employment. Cheeky.

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