It has recently been revealed that the founder of Facebook likes to keep the office temperature down at 15C/60F in order to encourage productivity. This is a whole degree below the office legal minimum - apparently intended to keep us jiggling about in our seats, brains palpitating in sync and pouring forth ideas and Stuff of brilliance. Instead of enjoying ourselves.
For researchers at Kansas State University have shown that 60-80% of internet time in the office is spent Cyber-Loafing.
If I knew what it was I’d have a go – it must be a Lot of Fun... but is it fair?
Lucy Kellaway of the FT refers to such dilly-dallying as Theft of our employers’ time. Well I feel bad about that already, but it was suggested that some kind of public shaming was needed - stocks were mentioned (would there be enough room in the car park for them all?).
When I last worked in an office, mere email was a thrilling new world (‘oh god – where the hell’s that one gone?’). Surrounded by the webly temptations of today, it might be difficult to Just Say No.
I mean, having a free moment before Rummikub club, I’ve just checked today's HuffPost, some favourite Twitterings, then I've googled - the musical group of the son of someone I met at the bus stop; a youtube vid on how to streak your hair with a hat full of holes and a crochet hook; and routes from France to UK for imminent visitors.
And every google offered multitudinous sites, all of which led to countless other fascinating sites, and eventually answered every question in the universe.
Apparently in the harmonious period BeforeCyberloaf, people were sometimes encouraged in the workplace to put their All into actual Work by inducements of luscious fruit or zumba classes or the like - merry distractions to bring a beam to your face and to gird your loins for plunging back into the fray.
Meetings BC (it is written) were more likely to carry on ad infinitum because everyone would get comfily ensconced round the table as they were plied with tea and coffee.
Well NO MORE!
SinceCyberloaf it takes more than a chocolate bourbon to wrench us away from our personal diversions - it takes punishment!
At 15C (and chairless), people in meetings will no doubt be battling to get their word in and jog briskly off, woolly hats askew.
Coated at our desks, we'll try anything to keep warm...
Anyway, Is Cyber-Loafing for you?
Yes! Oh yes! - it's a Drug, it's an Obsession, it's a Joy!
And it's in the back bedroom with the rest of our office space.
