Surfing on Company Time Boosts Productivity

If your boss catches you reading this article, don’t sweat it. A little recreational internet use on the job makes for more productive employees, according to a new Australian study. The study surveyed 300 people, 70% of whom engaged in a little WILB—“workplace Internet leisure browsing.” Those valiant slackers were actually 9% more productive than the 30% who heroically refrained from checking Facebook, Reuters reports.

“People need to zone out for a bit to get back their concentration,” said the study’s author. “Short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf of the Internet, enables the mind to rest itself.” But he cautioned that the results only hold true for those who spend less than 20% of their time browsing. True Internet addicts tend to have lower productivity. (Read more internet stories.)