This may seem like a pointless moan but they have just blocked Facebook and Twitter at work!  I do think this is a bit harsh as our manager was always on it too and actually nobody works a whole day at work, you need a couple of minutes distraction to keep you focussed.  Does anyone else agree?  Or do you agree with management that it should be banned due to a few people - who I believe should have been reprimanded as opposed to everyone else suffering...

Technically I agree, but I do think that sometimes precautionary measures do need to be taken for the benefit of the business.

As a boss, I have to say I disagree.  Twitter and Facebook are useful network tools.  When used in moderation at work, they can also cause a pleasant distraction.  Naturally I feel people should not abuse the usage, but on the whole do not see any harm in them being present in the workplace.

I also disagree that they should be banned.  People are always going to find alternative ways to relax at work, I don't see how using Facebook is worse than BBC Sport for example.  Such bannings only cause resentment.

Fully agree Feds.  If you take something away from someone they will just find a replacement for it.

Facebook only works between 1-2 in my office, have to say would be nice to have the distraction at times

think it also depends on the area you work in. For people in organisational / recruitment / HR areas use of networking sites might actually overlap with work related networking...

Hmmm it seems like I am the opposite of most here, I think they should be banned at work; I find it so annoying when I see somebody messing about on Facebook! It's like a slap in the face!

I like the contradictory assertion from the original poster that 'a distraction helps keep you focused'!

Er, right....!

I remember in my old job I volunteered for a task that involved some internet research so restrcitions on my computer were lfited. They forgot to put them back after I had finished so I go to whatever sites I wanted (within reason of course!).

Didn't last too long though, I ended up having the fifth higest level of internet use within the whole company (nationwide) and recieved a offical warning!

I think, like it or not, some sort of restriction on internet use is needed. Though lifting it during lunchtime hours - say between 12 and 2 - is a reasonable comprimise.