Research Claims E-breaks Boost Productivity

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Top physiologists profess employees should be allowed time to surf net at their desks

Those of you who are reading this article from the comfort of their workplace will be reassured by a recent report that claimed that companies who allowed ‘e-breaks’ had happier and more productive employees.

A study of 1,700 employees by computer games company PopCap Games showed that employees felt re-energized if they had an "ebreak" during the working day and that banning workers from using the internet for personal use could actually be hitting productivity to the tune of £4bn a year.

Most of the people questioned said they would rather spend some free time surfing the internet to unwind rather than having a cigarette or tea break even though taking a few minutes off for the latter was more acceptable.

Senior research lecturer at Goldsmiths College London, Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, who helped with the research, said, "Tea breaks and fag breaks have long been the most common types of break within office culture but the report shows that ebreaks are fast becoming the most popular choice of break for British workers.

"The report proves that a 10 minute e-break a day can have significant benefits but, despite this, many bosses are banning them in the fear that they distract employees.

"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."

May 30, 2008