The PopCap Games study involved psychometric testing of a cross section of UK businesses to compare the effect of different kinds of breaks on an employee's performance. Results show that taking an online break increased productivity levels.
Yet while results show that 57% of employees wanting to unwind would shun traditional tea breaks in favour of five minutes spent surfing the internet, 70% of employers have banned such use, according to another report (by law firm Peninsula).
Nearly half (47%) of employees feel their bosses consider cigarette breaks more acceptable than e-breaks.
"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," said Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, the study supervisor from Goldsmiths, University of London. "The report proves that a 10 minute e-break a day can have significant benefits but, despite this, many bosses are banning them in the fear that they distract employees."
