Instant messages boost office productivity
Rather than distracting workers, a shows that IMs actually help them focus. Firing quick notes between office computers cuts down on diversions, the report says, by eliminating idle chatter and allowing colleagues to check if the other person is busy before bothering them in person.
Instant messaging 鈥渨as often used as a substitute for other, more disruptive forms of communication such as the telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face conversations,鈥� says a on the study. 鈥淯sing instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer.鈥�
IMs should not become coworkers鈥檚 sole means of communication. It鈥檚 a very limited form of interaction. But they鈥檙e perfect for or short chats that don鈥檛 really require a trip down the hall. It鈥檚 all about using different technologies to fill different needs, . And now that email is standard in almost every office, IMs are picking up steam as well.
We at the Monitor use iChat and AOL鈥檚 instant messager all the time to send quick notes across the office. What about you, readers? Do you find it helpful?
[Via ]
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