Workers may be more productive if allowed to surf the Internet

A University of Melbourne study found that workers who engage in ‘Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing’ (WILB) are more productive than those who don’t. “People who do surf the Internet for fun at work - within a reasonable limit of less than 20% of their total time in the office - are more productive by about 9% than those who don’t,” the author says. This is because “short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf of the internet, enables the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher total net concentration for a days work, and as a result, increased productivity.”

Summary of study

Some CITS students and affiliates recently completed a chapter on the topic of destructive use of communication technologies in the workplace which includes a survey of similar research.

Flanagin, A. J., Pearce, K., & Bondad-Brown, B. (in press). The destructive potential of electronic communication technologies in organizations. In P. Lutgen-Sandvik & B. Davenport-Sypher (Eds.), The destructive side of organizational communication: Processes, consequences, and constructive ways of organizing. Mahwah, NJ: Routledge/LEA.

Wednesday’s Lunchtime Poll

Eight PRU Pirates were asked the question: How little do you think you could spend on food, in a week, and still consume pretty much everything you needed/wanted? [This includes groceries, dining out, beverages, and snacks]

Responses were given in the form of single estimates and ranges, and varied dramatically; the lowest estimate provided was $30 compared to the highest at $120.

On average, the Pirates collectively estimate being able to spend $72.50 on everything they consume over the course of an average week.

Thank you to everyone who participated!