Freedom to surf: The positive effects of workplace Internet leisure browsing

Abstract

It is commonly believed that for workers to browse the Internet for personal reasons during work hours is non-productive. Contesting this belief, this study documents positive effects of workplace Internet leisure browsing (WILB) on employee productivity. It is argued that WILB is an unobtrusive interruption which enables restoration of mental capacity and fosters feelings of autonomy. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.