Understanding Cyberloafing: A Systematic Review of Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Trends, Organizational Responses, and Ethical Concerns

Abstract

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This study explores the evolution of cyberloafing in the workplace, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of 267 articles published between 2020 and 2024, the research synthesizes how cyberloafing behaviors have changed across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic settings, how organizations have responded, and what ethical concerns have emerged in managing such behaviors through electronic performance monitoring (EPM). Findings reveal that cyberloafing has transitioned from being viewed solely as deviant behavior to a more complex coping mechanism shaped by stress, autonomy, and contemporary work environments. Organizational responses ranged from monitoring and policy enforcement to employee engagement strategies and work redesign. Ethical concerns on privacy, trust, and fairness were noted but underexplored empirically. This study contributes to the growing understanding of cyberloafing as a context-dependent behavior. It highlights the need for balanced strategies that protect productivity while supporting employee well-being. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, ethical evaluations of EPM, and broader sampling to capture diverse workplace experiences.