Bianca Bartz
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Cyberslacking, a term Trend Hunter was introduced to a few months ago, has become a worldwide business issue that’s lead to “e-break” bans in corporations around the world. This act of limiting employee access to the internet has led to a £4 billion (US$7.92 billion) annual loss for UK businesses. PopCap Games published a report this week that said the financial loss is, ironically, due to a drop in productivity of the workers. The PopCap Break Report 2008 revealed giving employees 10 minutes of personal online free time during the work day resulted in better work; it decreases employee stress, allowing them to resume work refreshed and with a sharpened mind. “The research shows that far from distracting employees from their work, e-breaks actually serve to increase staff efficiency and morale, benefitting UK businesses,” PopCap says. 70% of major UK companies prohibited their employees from cyberslacking on their MySpace and Facebook pages. Some companies where employees don’t require use of the web banned internet access altogether. “With work days becoming increasingly longer and work loads more demanding, UK bosses are introducing internet bans to help combat alleged productivity loss and inappropriate use of workplace resources,” says Dr Chamorro-Premuzic. “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.” The report finds, which involved university-based psychology studies, revealed that on 10 minute e-break in the work day significantly boosts productivity. The top five suggested e-breaks, as suggested by Dr Chamorro-Premuzic: 1. Puzzles and casual computer games 2. Social networking & personal emails 3. Online shopping 4. General browsing 5. Life admin So, to anyone who is not self-employed, I recommend forwarding this to your boss. If you want to anonymously lobby your boss to take these e-breaks, check out http://www.popcapbreak.com. And those who have employees? If it boosts your business, and it makes your employees happier, why not do a month trial?  Puzzle and ‘casual’ computer games
The report reveals that ten minutes playing online games had the most positive benefits for employees (and therefore, employers!) They were particularly beneficial for stressed out, nervous and anxious workers. This finding supports recent research which shows that ‘casual’ videogames and online puzzles like the ones found on PopCap.com, can have calming effects on individuals. Following the ‘use it or loose it’ brain-training methodology, these type of games help to improve mental agility and boost confidence – creating a calmer, happier workforce.
Social Networking & personal emails
Research suggests 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.
Online shopping
A slot of online retail therapy is an effective ‘quick fix’ strategy to boost happiness levels in the workplace.
General browsing
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.
Life Admin (e.g online banking, booking doctors appointments etc)
This break is better suited to female employees, with the research tracking a greater improvement in their productivity levels than their male counterparts. Life admin is extrinsically linked to work performance in that it frees up the mind from administrative concerns as well as freeing up time after work.
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Study: Cyberslacking is Positive
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PopCap Break Report 2008
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  Favorited by Ariana Shaw on May 30, 08 |
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