It looks like employees may soon pay the price for abusing Internet access at work. Some recent surveys suggest staff spend up to one hour a day surfing the Net during work hours, much of it visiting travel, shopping and hobby websites. E-breaks are now replacing tea breaks, they say.

Now two companies are introducing software packages that will allow companies limit the time workers spend on the Internet. Staff will get a daily quota of e-time.

Proponents say companies have to act because Net abuse distracts staff, increases telecoms costs and disrupts company networks. Those against the scheme say treating staff like misbehaving schoolchildren will do little for morale or productivity in tight labour markets. If people abuse the system, they say, there are already disciplinary codes in place.

Sounds like tackling the problem could take more time than is being lost in excess surfing.

dcoyle@irish-times.ie