More than two-thirds of UK workers admit to taking time out at work to play computer games, surf the net or watch telly and experts believe it could be a good thing for increased productivity.

New research has revealed that at least 65 per cent of Brits actively engage in non-work activity during office hours with the majority of skivers admitting to taking an average of one hour a day on top of their scheduled breaks.

However, far from employers getting worried about the lost time psychologists think it could be a good thing.

A study underway at East Carolina University in the United States is looking at the positive effects of casual games in promoting good mental health.

“I believe British workers are taking time out during work as an attempt to manage the consequences of dealing with life stressors including work,” said Dr. Carmen Russoniello, PhD, Director of the university's Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic.

“Randomised controlled studies in our lab using electroencephalography [brain wave] and heart rate variability measurements have clearly demonstrated that mood improves and stress decreases while taking time out to play casual video games.

“People are instinctively taking time off to slow down and let the body and mind rejuvenate. Studies have shown that people’s performance increases and physical and mental problems are decreased saving employers a lot of money as a result of micro breaks. Ironically, however, most employers do not support these mini breaks.”

Younger workers are the most likely to indulge in casual breaks. According to the research, carried out on behalf of PopCap.com, almost 80 per cent of 16-24 year-olds admitted they take time out at work – while the majority of people aged 55 and over claim that they never take downtime time at work.

The survey of more than 1,564 adults across the UK found workers in Cardiff and Glasgow spent the most time taking unscheduled breaks with only a quarter of people saying they never engage in non-work related activity.

Staff in Norwich and Plymouth are the most conscientious in that they take the least downtime with 50 per cent of those surveyed saying they never take time out.

Our View
There has been quite a lot of research is recent years that indicates that creating a relaxed, happy atmosphere in the office increases productivity and cuts down on people being off sick with stress.

The ideal situation is to create an environment where staff feel valued, part of a team and motivated enough that they want to see the business succeed while at the same time being relaxed enough that nobody feels bullied, unnecessarily pressured and unappreciated.

It takes effort to create the right work place and there are things that managers and business owners can do to ensure that if they're staff do take small, unscheduled breaks then they won't abuse the situation.  An employee who puts in 100 per cent effort 80 per cent of the time will achieve more than somebody who gives 80 per cent effort 100 per cent of the time.