A method of monitoring instant messaging usage can include identifying an instant messaging session between a plurality of participants, selecting a participant in the instant messaging session, identifying at least one attribute of the instant messaging session, and identifying at least one attribute of the selected participant. The method further can include determining an instant messaging usage metric for the selected participant according to the at least one attribute of the instant messaging session and the at least one attribute of the selected participant and outputting the instant messaging usage metric of the selected participant.