'Streaming services are not considered work tools and offer no business value'
Federal government employees no longer have access to Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services while at work.
This comes as Shared Services Canada (SSC) – responsible for providing IT services – has blocked the streaming sites on all networks it manages.
This happened on Dec. 2, 2024, SSC told CBC via email.
"While network traffic monitoring shows limited traffic to these sites from government systems and an insignificant impact on network bandwidth usage, streaming services are not considered work tools and offer no business value for the government of Canada," read part of the statement, according to the report.
With streaming platforms making films and TV shows more accessible, a lot of workers admitted they have been binge watching their favourite movies during work hours, according to a previous report.
Access to these streaming websites have been blocked by SSC:
The ban also applies to the government WiFi and for employees, visitors and non-government users accessing the internet while on government premises.
Meanwhile, YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites will remain available for government workers, according to the CBC report.
Almost one in four remote workers admitted to slacking off while working at home, according to a previous report.
However, taking breaks from work isn’t always a bad thing: Breaks can reduce or prevent stress and exhaustion, re-energize you, improve performance and productivity, and reduce the risk of sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease, according to Wellness Works Canada, a not-for-profit association. A relaxing break helps you recover mental and physical function to your baseline, it says.
