'E-breaks boost productivity'
30/05/2008(17:22)
Permitting staff to access social networking sites for a few minutes each day could help them to become productive, it has been claimed.
According to research carried out by PopCap Games and Goldsmiths University psychologist Dr Chamorro-Premuzic, allowing staff a ten minute online e-break - time to use the internet for personal use - reduces stress while sharpening and refocusing the mind.
In fact, UK firms could save £4 billion each year through productivity gains if they adopted the measure, the research claims.
"By factoring in a dedicated slot for an e-break bosses are fostering a more trusting working environment, boosting productivity and ultimately increasing their profit which surely makes good business sense," said Dr Chamorro-Premuzic.
However, seven out of ten companies who took part in the study have banned access to social networking sites and 71 per cent of employees admit to using the internet without the knowledge of their boss.
The research, which was based on psychometric trial carried out on a cross-section of UK businesses, also found that 57 per cent of workers would prefer take an e-break than a tea break.
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