Playing Casual Games at Work is a Good Thing

Posted on June 1, 2008 - Filed Under Casual Gaming, Puzzles, Survey |

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PopCap Games PopCap published a study, the PopCap Break Report 2008, that found a 10 minute e-break is beneficial during the work day and companies should not ban this practice. An e-break is 10 minutes of the day where the employee can do anything they want, basically. They can visit face book, play online casual games or catch up on personal email. The 10 minute e-break was found to help rejuvenate employees and boost employee morale.

The problem is there is a fine line between a 10 minute break and spending 2 or more hours on an e-break. 10 minutes is not going to hurt company productivity and the breaks benefit the employee so it is a win win situation. The win win situation does not seem to matter to most employers, because they have been banning social networking sites in the work place. Many employers don’t want to take the risk that employees will stop playing after 10 minutes.

“Work days are becoming longer, workloads are becoming more demanding, and UK bosses are introducing internet bans to help combat alleged productivity losses and inappropriate use of workplace resources,” said Dr Chamorro-Premuzic.

“Yet bosses are missing a trick by introducing e-bans. Allowing workers more freedom at the PC can benefit morale and boost company profits.

“In addition to allowing their mind to switch off from their work worries, employers can foster a more trusting and enjoyable environment.”

The study was conducted in the UK under supervision of Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a psychologist at Goldsmiths University.

Thanks Vnunet

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Comments

One Response to “Playing Casual Games at Work is a Good Thing”

laurent on June 2nd, 2008 2:48 pm

I wrote about the same thing. My issue with the report is who it’s sponsored by? Popcap? Really? I mean if it were someone other than a game company there might be a little more credibility to it.
Laurent
http://blog.games.com

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