Chatting at work was considered the biggest “time waster”, according to this survey. But honestly, why wouldn’t you want people to talk to one another? It leads to team-building, a sense of connection and a deeper rootedness in the place you spend so much time every day.

Work productivity surveys tend to focus on how much time people spend, well, working. But it is equally productive to take breaks throughout the day, even if it means doing something non-work related. We are, after all, human beings, not machines.

Some of our best ideas come from the synthesis we share with others. Private conversations build trust. Trust leads to better relationships and, ultimately, more productive workers.

Yet so many employers treat their automobiles better than their employees. Cars need maintenance. People do too.

The real time stealers in this world are those who think we can function optimally for eight consecutive hours a day. For many that water cooler chatter is the most productive thing they could do.

Let’s treat each other with kindness. Praise and progress motivate much more than pressure and pain.

Here’s the accompanying info graphic, designed by a tracking software company. It’s obvious they don’t want people to connect. What do you think?

Time Doctor – Track your time. Track your team’s time. Know EXACTLY what is REALLY going on.