I hear about workplaces banning sites like Facebook, or Twitter, all in the name of productivity gain.
Has there been any studies showing any evidence that having full access to browse the web at work a potential productivity killer?
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Sign up to join this communityI hear about workplaces banning sites like Facebook, or Twitter, all in the name of productivity gain.
Has there been any studies showing any evidence that having full access to browse the web at work a potential productivity killer?
I found many research's papers addressing this question.
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1865124&show=abstract
The paper highlights that social networking technology can facilitate improved workplace productivity by enhancing the communication and collaboration of employees which aids knowledge transfer and consequently makes
http://www.netaddiction.com/articles/eia_new_trends.pdf
In a survey of 1439 workers by Vault.com, an online analyst firm, 37% admitted to surfing constantly at work, 32% surfed a few times a day, and 21% surfed a few times a week (Adschiew, 2000).
http://sigs.aisnet.org/sighci/icis03_wksp/hci03_program_proceedings.pdf#page=50
Several recent studies reveal much abuse of the Internet in the workplace by employees; users exchange personal emails, shop on line, check scores on sporting events, gamble on line, view pornographic material, and chat on instant messaging services. In the most recent U.S. study (Colby and Parasuraman, 2002), it is estimated that employees spend between 3.7 and 6.5 hours per work week on personal Net use. Earlier studies (Lim, 2002) revealed that between 64% and 90% of U.S. workers engaged in personal activities while at work. Financial losses from this abuse have been estimated to reach 64% of organizations, costing $378 million in 2001 (Computer Security Institute, 2001).
Internet abuses (counseling): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/j.2161-1920.2003.tb00859.x/abstract
A book about Internet at workplace: http://books.google.ca/books?hl=fr&lr=&id=SiOOeEBrxywC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=internet+productivity+workplace&ots=mtr2YHMeFR&sig=Wrv5kyGJ9eN99YyndlY33ohcc2Q#v=onepage&q=internet%20productivity%20workplace&f=false
In conclusion, there is clearly no scientific consensus today. More research would need to be done. The first paper showing increase of productivity do not prove that it is always the case. It proves that in the context they used, the social media were positive on productivity. However, it could have been very different in another context.
It's not that obvious. "PopCap Break" 2008 report (original site doesn't exist anymore) suggests that:
(... personal internet use in the workplace ...) is 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.
Dr Chamorro-Premuzic comments:
“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.”