Everything in this world could harm and also it could bring benefits. The matter is how to direct it.
I think if corporations let the access to such sites in some times like the lunch hour it would be great. SORRY FOR MY POOR ENGLISH

I think that as in most situations, the level of productivity of the employee(s) should be the determining factor. Many individuals may need a "mental break" and visiting one of these sites could be part of the solution. If there is no evidence of abuse and the employee is producing....why not? This is an inexpensive perk and sometimes a small "carrot" can go a long way with an employee.

Mark Salinas, Viscom, MN

The answer to the question depends on several variables. The first being what the job description entails for a person engaging in content distributions sites. In my business, we are constantly looking at how others are using content to market and promote their company or brand. So in my case, it would make absolutely no sense to restrict access to these sites. Another variable that effects the answer is the employees capacity to balance the time they spend on these sites on company time. Everyone deserves a break, and one might argue that by taking away the employees ability to watch a youtube clip or respond to a wall post on Facebook, that the employees job satisfaction may be adversely effected. Companies like Google and Cranium, encourage their employees to be innovative, and I view both youtube and Facebook as providing the fertilizer for great innovative discussion. My team is constantly starting conversation and spawning ideas based on having seen a youtube clip or blog article.

Theres a deeper issue behind all of this. Working in a motivated, challenging, collaborative work environment. If there is no communication between leaders and employees about what you are doing with your time than there are worse things to worry about. What does it matter what they are doing with their time if they aren't being motivated or challenged, or the work environment simply isn't competitive.

Restrictions on things like sites at work will only create a feeling of micromanagement and no one like to feel as if "big brother" is always watching and they are not trusted. If you hire people who have an innate desire to excel and produce great work, they will take about a total of 10 - 15 minutes a day to watch something funny to relax and decompress but productivity will not be affected.

Couldn't have agreed more to Lisa Perez..It entirely depends on the people working in the organization...restrictions of any kind only result in employe resentment which can lower productivity.

Balance
The viewpoint from me is, whatever the industry and job the people take, we should take the balance to access the internet entertaiment sites.

I think if employees manage their time well, YouTube and Facebook are non-issues.

definately that is a matter of terms and conditions.

it depends by the company management and conditions.