PopCap Games, the leading multi-platform provider of “casual games” has just done a study on the negative effect that businesses in the UK suffer when employers ban their employees from taking short 10-minute online breaks. The report states that British business could lose up to £4 billion every year due to a decline in productivity from pissed off net junkies.

In other words, if you don’t let us play PopCap games, or any other online game for 10-minutes now and then while I’m supposed to be making money for you, I’m going to slack off. It’s a lot easier to sneak in an online game of whatever tickles your fancy, than to step out for a smoke – for the most part, these vices go unnoticed. I’ve worked in the web industry for 10-years now and I’ve had jobs where my boss practically stood over my shoulder all day long – I couldn’t even install an instant messenger application. I tell you I was pissed. As long as we get the work done on time, leave us alone! Then again I’ve also had jobs where I’ve had so much free time, I could’ve started a video game blog *ahem*.

I’m off to play a Teagame. Read on for the official press release.

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 year1 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 sites2 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’ performances4 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