New call for balance on workplace internet use

Date: 6th June 2008

Employers should ensure that they strike the right balance when it comes to internet freedoms, it has been claimed.

According to Toby Thompson, a representative from the Cranfield School of Management, those in the field of management should ensure that the right balance is struck between allowing freedom to use the internet and not encouraging distractions.

"For a lot of people … a large part of who they are, their identity if you like, is defined by the internet and their activities on it," said Mr Thompson.

"All serious gamers - whether they're playing the game of capitalism via employability or the latest downloadable game - should know when, where and [when] to play."

Mr Thompson also noted that employers should be careful about losing good quality members of staff as a consequence of company rules governing internet usage.

The Cranfield School of Management was established in 1967.