Recent research confirms what many of us intuitively knew. Many employees spend part of their workday on non-work tasks. Some check social media, chat with coworkers, or surf the web. Others run personal errands or take longer breaks. At first glance, this looks like pure time-wasting. Many managers see it as lost productivity and a sign of weak focus. But the truth may be more complicated.
People often waste time because they feel bored, stressed, or burned out. Long hours and tight deadlines can drain energy and focus. Taking a short break—whether by scrolling through a feed or talking with a friend—can help them reset. These moments can spark new ideas, lift mood, and make it easier to refocus. Studies have shown that people who take short mental breaks often work better afterward.
Still, there’s a fine line. Too much idle time can slow down projects and lower team morale. When breaks turn into habits, work piles up and quality drops. The challenge for leaders is to create balance. Giving people small freedoms while keeping clear goals can boost both morale and output.
Find out more about why wasting a little time isn’t always a bad thing.
Dave Edwards Media 