You read that right: A new study is claiming that by banning personal Internet use in the office (including video games, social networking, dating, shopping, personal email, or other non-work-related activities), British businesses are losing 4 billion pounds every year due to decreased productivity.

The report, based on "psychometric trials" carried out by a doctor at Goldsmiths University, says that "e-breaks" don't distract employees from their work but rather help them reduce stress while sharpening and focusing their minds for another round of work.

The survey, which asked 1,700 employees about their break activities, found that companies had comparably little resistance to their employees taking cigarette and coffee/tea breaks, but that "wasting" time on the Internet was considerably more frowned upon.

The bottom line, says study mastermind Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic: "The report proves that a ten minute e-break a day can have significant benefits but, despite this, many bosses are banning them in the fear that they distract employees. By factoring in a dedicated slot for an e-break bosses are fostering a more trusting working environment, boosting productivity and ultimately increasing their profit which surely makes good business sense."

Sounds good to me. On the other hand, the study was commissioned by PopCap, a maker of just the casual games (including Bejeweled and other titles) that the study covers, so take the findings as you feel appropriate.

POLL: How much time to you waste at work?