How Web Surfing At Work Can Be Beneficial

We’ve all been there. Those days where you cannot seem to focus on anything work-related, and instead check out Facebook, Twitter, or silly videos on YouTube to pass the time. However, it might be much more beneficial to you than a way to make the time go faster. Feel guilty no more! You might end up doing your company a favor by updating your Facebook status during business hours. Here are four reasons it can do you and your employer some good.
It Is Restorative
Researches suggests that logging on to websites that you enjoy, such as social media websites or online shopping, is more restorative for your mind than texting or checking personal email. Emailing on a personal account can lead to stress because you cannot control the content of the emails you receive, and responding back to the emails can feel like work. Checking social media sites or shopping online is less engaging work mentally, therefore easier on the mind and a more restful break from the job.
It Can Lead To More Productivity
Web surfing in very moderate amounts can lead to more productivity when you go back to work. You tend to be less bored and more focused, which allows better workplace performance. A study that tested participants on their ability to highlight as many ‘e’s as possible in a text found that the group allowed to surf the web did better overall than the groups with a regular break or no break at all. This shows that taking a break to do personal activities on the computer will allow for greater success after the break.

It Can Keep You Up-To-Date
Depending on your line of work, some jobs need you to be in-the-know on any number of topics, and surfing the web can help. Specifically, if you work in public relations, marketing, or journalism, it is important to be up to speed on trends, issues, and current events. Knowing about recent (as in, five minutes ago) events is often a job requirement. Think of your ten minute foray onto Facebook or Twitter as just research for the job!
Watercooler Conversation
It has been shown that a good workplace environment and camaraderie between colleagues increases productivity as well. While surfing the web to refresh your mind, you might stumble across an interesting fact or piece of news that you want to share with your comrades. Not only can it boost your focus, but by sharing it with your coworkers, you might create a more friendly, open environment and boost their focus, too. Creating bonds over the watercooler is a good way to initiate workplace relationships, and what better way to do that than talk about something you found on the internet.