TV reality shows are top subjects around the water cooler, put employees say it is not on company time.

American Idol is the most talked about television program in the workplace for the third consecutive year, according to the latest Spherion Workplace Snapshot Survey conducted by Harris Interactive.

Most popular talked about shows:

33% American Idol

15% Dancing with the Stars

13% Lost

10% CSI

7% Grays Anatomy

6% The Office

What hasn’t changed is American workers’ view that talking about television can be good for the workplace. This year’s survey found that 40 percent of U.S. workers said talking about television at work increases office camaraderie, a slight decrease from 44 percent in 2007. Moreover, 52 percent of workers ages 30-39 believe it increases office camaraderie, more than any other age group.

Can employers stop this or is it a good think to encourage?  Learn more about policy and suggested handbook procedures by contacting StaffScapes.

Source: Spherion