There was a recent study that said that internet usage in the workplace is costing companies $178,000,000,000 a year. That's a pretty large number, and I question it - how do you measure something like that?

Apparently, I wasn't the only one. Frank Hayes, of Computer World, has an article in the latest issue basically debunking that claim, saying that if that was the case, why wouldn't companies turn off internet access? I've seen a company basically do this, and here's what happens: The employees eventually need access to something that is restricted, and they spend more time finding work-arounds than they would have in the first place if they just had access.

This goes back to something I've said in the past, only on a different subject - you have to trust your employees. If someone is surfing the 'Net at work, you need to trust that they will still get their work done. If that means they stay later, then that's their choice. It's not so much a matter of how much time they waste - it's a matter of how much work they're getting done.

For me, if I surf at work, then I just know that's more time I'll be working, either later that night at home or staying later in the office. Maybe that's why I never get to bed before 1!