‘Cyber cynicism’ is increasing as more employers are failing to take advantage of the business benefits offered by technology, a report has shown.

The majority of bosses are suspicious of the internet and modern technology, the survey of 1,000 managers aged 35 and under revealed.

According to the poll by the Chartered Management Institute, two-thirds of bosses monitor employee internet access and block inappropriate websites.

Jan Hutchinson, director of human resources and corporate services at Ordnance Survey, said the low-level adoption of new technology is in tandem with employers’ belief that internet use is a time waster.

"It’s something that must be looked at because the longer this situation is allowed to remain unchallenged, the greater the likelihood UK employers will fall behind their international competitors," she added.

ProcessOne recently said it is important for businesses to allow employees to communicate through instant messaging with clients and co-workers.