A new report published today reveals that the current trend towards banning personal internet use in the workplace could be costing British businesses up to £4 billion every year[1] due to a resulting decline in staff productivity.  The report by PopCap Games, proves that, far from distracting employees from their work, taking a 10-minute online break during the course of the working day serves to reduce stress while sharpening and refocusing the mind.

With seven out of ten companies - including Credit Suisse and British Gas - banning access to social networking sites[2] and many considering banning personal internet access altogether, The PopCap Break Report 2008 highlights the negative impact this could have on the UK economy. In fact research shows that a ban on e-breaks could actually serve to reduce staff efficiency and morale.

The rise in popular social networking, news, dating, gaming and shopping sites has resulted in 57% of workers shunning the traditional tea-break in favour of an office e-break in a bid to unwind during the 9-5. However, whilst taking five minutes out to make a cuppa is an accepted ritual in the work place, snatching five minutes online is frowned upon and 71% of employees admit to sneaking online while their boss isn’t looking. Furthermore 47% of employees surveyed felt that taking a five minute cigarette break during work hours was deemed more acceptable by their boss than spending time surfing online.[3]   

The findings are based on psychometric trials carried out on a cross section of UK businesses under the supervision of Goldsmiths University psychologist, Dr Chamorro-Premuzic. The comparative effect of different types of online breaks on employees’ performances[4] were tested and the results revealed that if bosses actively encouraged employees to take one ten minute e-break in the working day their overall productivity levels would increase.
 
“Tea-breaks and fag breaks have long been the most common types of break within office culture but the report shows that e-breaks are fast becoming the most popular choice of break for British workers”, commented Dr Chamorro-Premuzic “The report proves that a ten 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.”       

In light of these findings PopCap is campaigning employers to introduce a ten minute e-break into their employees’ working days. Employees who wish to anonymously lobby their bosses to establish an e-break into their office should visit www.popcapbreak.com