Simon Norris

"This survey demonstrates that many call centres are taking an inflexible attitude to the issue of personal use of the Internet in the workplace, despite calls from unions to adopt a measured approach," said Simon Norris, Managing Director of productivity management software firm, Temperus."Too many companies ignore the fact that sensible use of the internet can enhance professional performance, and enable staff to conduct basic personal tasks without any loss of output and efficiency."

The survey also revealed that almost 30 per cent of organisations have yet to implement a clear policy on the issue of Internet use."The Internet is here to stay.Instead of hiding from it, or putting resource-sapping blocking systems in place, companies should address its use in a professional manner.For UK call centres who need to add value through cross-selling or up-selling products, or deal with worried or distressed callers, content, committed and informed staff are essential," said Norris.

"The good news is that technology is now available that offers an employee-friendly solution," he continued.

Meanwhile, Simon Norris, creator of a new internet time measuring tool called Temperus, advises that firms should embrace employee use of web 2.0 applications like web chat rather than imposing an outright ban.

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A flexible, self-regulating approach to time management will benefit both employee and employer, argues Simon Norris of software supplier Temperus.

A flexible, self-regulating approach to time management will benefit both employee and employer, argues Simon Norris of software supplier Temperus. Human Resources / Thursday, 7th February 2008

Commenting on the figures, Temperus managing director, Simon Norris, said: "This survey demonstrates that many call centres are taking an inflexible attitude to the issue of personal use of the internet in the workplace, despite calls from unions to adopt a measured approach."

Giving staff the responsibility of organising their own time can, however, offer significant benefits, argues Simon Norris of software supplier Temperus.

A self-regulating approach, in which staff are free to organise their own time in a responsible way, can offer significant benefits to employee and employer, argues Simon Norris of time management software supplier Temperus.