Does the internet really reduce productivity at work?

[TommyVercetti]

Have any studies been done about this, comparing worker productivity with those who can surf the web at work, and those who can't?

 

[Goosemaster]

What, sir? I wasn't listening"

 

[Sluggo]

Probably only drops it by about 70% or so.

My wifes workplace finally dropped internet access at the terminals. To get on the intarweb they have to go to a special room with crappy (slow and infected with who knows what) computers that they call the "internet cafe."

 

[EyeMWing]

Heh. Employees would find other ways to amuse themselves - like throwing sharp pencils at the ceiling. That commercial drop ceiling tile is excellent for that, as are company pencils. In my opinion, there is no excuse for not working when you have work to do - but in a lot of cases, there is no work to be done. If you do your job, do it well, and do it quickly, then there's no reason you shouldn't be allowed to slack off for the balance of your work hours. Unfortunately a lot of companies don't see it my way - and promptly fire people for slacking off once they run out of work, and hire replacements who are slower, less efficient, and less accurate.

 

[Rogue]

We're actually considering giving access to only those people that meet their work standards as set forth. If they are not meeting their numerical requirements, they get stuck with "work only" internet access which limits them only to pages that are necessary to do their jobs.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Rogue
We're actually considering giving access to only those people that meet their work standards as set forth. If they are not meeting their numerical requirements, they get stuck with "work only" internet access which limits them only to pages that are necessary to do their jobs.

"LOOK AWAY CHILDREN. LOOK AWAY!"

 

[StormRider]

I need frequent mental breaks at work.

 

[DorkBoy]

hell yeah, I surf all the time instead of working.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: DorkBoy
hell yeah, I surf all the time instead of working.

Yep.

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

yes it does, as the great peter gibbons put it "in a given week i only do about 15 minutes of real, actual work."

 

[djheater]

I'd like to be allowed to take 3-5 hours a week to read technical manuals, materials and books. I simply don't have the time to do it at home. I've been thinking of coming in early and just making it look like I'm working while secretly reading a couple of WSH books.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Oh hell yes. Thank God for the Internet.

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: Rogue
We're actually considering giving access to only those people that meet their work standards as set forth. If they are not meeting their numerical requirements, they get stuck with "work only" internet access which limits them only to pages that are necessary to do their jobs.

That sounds like a great idea. They should do that where I work.

 

[ThaGrandCow]

Originally posted by: Rogue
We're actually considering giving access to only those people that meet their work standards as set forth. If they are not meeting their numerical requirements, they get stuck with "work only" internet access which limits them only to pages that are necessary to do their jobs.

Bravo good sir! I've been pushing for this at Dish Network for the last few months without success (not giving up)
I say if you meet your productivity goals then who cares if you've got an internet page up? If you're not meeting them then drop the access, problem solved.