Why employees cyberloaf? A fuzzy AHP ranking of key workplace antecedents

Purpose Cyberloafing is a significant problem that affects modern businesses. This study aims to add to the body of knowledge by examining the causes of cyberloafing in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach A total of 341 valid responses to a questionnaire were gathered between October 2024 and January 2025. Furthermore, to prioritise the factors and to assign relative weights to the antecedents influencing workplace cyberloafing, the Fuzzy- Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach was used. Findings The results of this study documented that the topmost factors affecting cyberloafing at the workplace are job burnout and big five personality traits. Some other important factors that also have a significant impact on cyberloafing are habit, organisational injustice and boredom. On the other hand, lack of self-control is the least affecting factor associated with cyberloafing at the workplace. Research limitations/implications This study makes a theoretical contribution to the business world by using a multi-criteria decision-making technique that aids researchers in taking into account a variety of other aspects that are important in influencing workplace cyberloafing. In addition, this study will support various groups, such as policymakers, academics, corporate leaders and large companies in performing their professional duties, thereby ensuring a rise in productivity. Originality/value This study will give a thorough review of employee behaviour at work and the causes behind cyberloafing. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its type to rank several factors influencing cyberloafing in the workplace using the Fuzzy AHP technique.