Bosses miss a trick by banning internet breaks
Jun 2 2008 By Steve Pain, Technology Editor
PopCap Games says this finding also supports recent research which shows that ‘casual’ videogames and online puzzles can have calming effects on individuals. It added that these type of games help to improve mental agility and boost confidence – creating a calmer, happier workforce.
The research also suggested that ‘interpersonal e-breaks’ have the most positive impact on workers who are self-assured and content in their role.
Self-assured individuals tend to enjoy stronger interpersonal relationships and have “more to lose” if they are prevented from interacting with friends online. Consequently, permitting staff to communicate with friends during an allocated time slot helps to increase motivation and confidence levels in the office.
In consequence a slot of online retail therapy is an effective ‘quick fix’ strategy to boost happiness levels in the workplace.
Although this form of relaxed internet surfing may appear to have no specific goals, the research shows that it fulfils individuals’ need for cognition, caters to their intellectual curiosity and stimulates their thirst for knowledge – ultimately bolstering general knowledge acquisition – of benefit to bosses.
General browsing, such as visiting gossip blogs and news sites is a way of keeping in touch with the outside world, maintaining socially-adequate levels of current-affairs knowledge, and feeling present in the real world even while immersed in the daily routine of work.
Dr Chamorro-Premuzic claimed: “With workdays becoming increasingly longer and workloads more demanding, UK bosses are introducing internet bans to help combat alleged productivity loss and inappropriate use of workplace resources. Yet bosses are missing a trick by introducing e-bans.
“The PopCap Break Report has revealed that allowing workers more freedom at the PC, can benefit the worker’s morale levels, effectively boosting companies’ profits. In addition to allowing their mind to switch off from their work worries, employers can foster a more trusting and enjoyable environment for workers.”
PopCap is now urging employers to introduce a ten minute e-break into their employees’ working days.
* Employees who wish to anonymously lobby their bosses to instate an e-break into their office should visit www.popcapbreak.com.
