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Surfing on Company Time Boosts Productivity

May we suggest Newser.com?

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2009 12:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – If your boss catches you reading this article, don’t sweat it. A little recreational internet use on the job makes for more productive employees, according to a new Australian study. The study surveyed 300 people, 70% of whom engaged in a little WILB—“workplace Internet leisure browsing.” Those valiant slackers were actually 9% more productive than the 30% who heroically refrained from checking Facebook, Reuters reports.

“People need to zone out for a bit to get back their concentration,” said the study’s author. “Short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf of the Internet, enables the mind to rest itself.” But he cautioned that the results only hold true for those who spend less than 20% of their time browsing. True Internet addicts tend to have lower productivity.

Surfing the internet for fun at work could actually help your productivity.
Surfing the internet for fun at work could actually help your productivity.   (AP Photo/File)
A quick peek at YouTube probably won't hurt your productivity.
A quick peek at YouTube probably won't hurt your productivity.   (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
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