You knew this made you more productive. Now to convince the boss.
Okay, okay, I get it – 40 is the new 30, LeBron James may become the best NBA player ever and social media isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Seriously. Well, the social media bit at least.
A study recently released by the University of Melbourne shows that employees who are allowed to use the Internet at work for leisure purposes are more productive and have higher concentration levels than those who aren’t. Blocking employees’ access to the Internet? Punishing those who use Twitter or Facebook during office hours? Ranting about subordinates checking out YouTube videos during lunch? (BTW, Will It Blend’s iPhone video is a classic choice, but Christian the Lion is a personal favorite.) All of these policing efforts are perhaps a misplaced use of energy and resources, according to University of Melbourne researchers.
One of the study’s talking heads, Dr. Brent Coker, states: “‘People who are allowed to surf the Internet for fun at work – within a reasonable limit of less than 20 percent of their total time in the office – are more productive by about nine percent than those who don’t.’”
So, rather than micromanaging employees’ personal use of the Web or severely restricting Internet access at your company, it might be time to rethink those policies and embrace Web 2.0. This, of course, doesn’t mean the workplace becomes an Internet free for all and “real” work and deadlines fall by the wayside. But allowing high-performing employees to surf the Internet during the work day (less than 20 percent of their total time in the office, of course) may lead to more productive workers, increased job satisfaction and higher retention rates. Just a thought.
Now, did you see MSNBC personality Keith Olbermann’s tribute to his mom, who passed away Saturday? In honor of baseball season’s start and sports-nut moms everywhere (including my own!), check it out over lunch today. Batter up!!!
