Last week I posted on whether Twitter is Like: Stopping at the Water Cooler? Going Out for a Smoke? Taking a Nap? The core concept is taking a break but each has different social connections. One study found that workers are more productive if allowed to use the internet for leisure in moderation at work (see Freedom to surf).  Another found that water cooler discussions increase productivity (see Learning to be Productive at the Water Cooler).  Twitter can act like a virtual water cooler. Arie Goldshlager tipped me off to both of them through Twitter.  Then in response to the water cooler study tweet, Gil Yehuda used Twitter talk about the social networking that goes on in smoker breaks.

The taking a break concept reminded of a study reported by the BCC, sleeping on the job, that found “Some 30% of people have their best ideas in bed compared to just 11% who have them at their desk, according to research by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA). It is calling for companies to install beds in the workplace, in an attempt to change the way we work for the better. According to the authors of The Art of Napping at Work we live a “napaphobic culture”, but attitudes are changing and the bed could soon become part of the office furniture. Bill and Camille Anthony say workers are “nap ready” and often sneak a snooze anyway.”

We also have a “socialmediaphobic” culture in some companies as they spend millions to block access.  However, like napping, the attitudes are changing. In this case even faster I would imagine. For example, one study found that eight in 10 senior management, human resource and marketing executives believe social media can enhance relationships with customers/clients (81%) and build brand reputation (81%). So Twitter and other web surfacing can work like naps, except that you might gain some useful information while zoning out if you do it right and perhaps even enhance customer relations.  I get a lot of great ideas when I take a nap. I also get great ideas from Twitter. Sometimes the two work together as I realize the significance of what I read on Twitter while taking a nap.  Twit on.