OK, I haven't posted in what seems to be forever, but I'm doing a presentation for my Business Communications class. My presentation is on " Should employees be able to use computers in a work environment for anything other than work-related business?"

I just need some simple feedback that I can use for my presentation. Names will not be used. A simple answer will include your side as to why or why-not an employee should use a work computer for personal business and why you chose that.

Thanks everyone in advance.

Dave

 

I am still in highschool so I absolutely have no word...

But In my opinion, due to the Triangle Wastefire incident in New York during the 1900's, Labor Unions have been set up, in order to promote freedoms to employees, while having some amount of restrictions. That said, It is my belief that Employees do have the right to take some time off, for using the computers other than work related business, with restrictions.

However, Employee Rights Act 1996 will look down upon it.

 

thats a great debate (and i'll elaborate one step further)

there are two things at play here these days; using company time to do personal tasks, and using company tools to accomplish those tasks.

(ive worked federally, with the state and now private, so thats some background)

like right now - i'm using a company comp to do a personal task on company time - in moderation, it's considered okay; in fact google and similar tech companies have proven that it makes an EE more efficient by allowing them some 'leash' to be able to mentally relax and stray from their task (like exercising a muscle)...

now if i spent all my day on forums and doing things that arent work related, then i know my employer would have an issue with it.

similarly, i bring my personal devices to work (ipad etc) and use my company login for company wifi to browse on the side (note, it might be on my own device, but its still company logged internet... you'd be surprised how many ppl forget this and start doing things they shouldnt on company wifi)

again, it's in the moderation.

tl;dr: an EE should be allowed some personal time while at work (read about the Pomodoro work technique) to help them feel productive and not wrapped up in endless work, by allowing them freedoms (some companies more than others), the company has a happier, healthier and more productive EE.

consider google, apple, intel and various tech companies, ping pong tables, game stations etc are all un-monitored, yet the EE's are twice if not more productive than those in other companies.

also if an EE has the idiocy to abuse these privileges, then they obviously don't put much stock in their job function.

good luck!

 

ive done and heard that same debate three times in the last six months here at SJSU.

 

This is great feedback, Upon researching more on the topic, I came to the agreement that it ultimately determines what work your doing. Some jobs require Employees to use the computer to venture off on facebook, twitter, and the such, i.e Marketing Professions and such. On the flip side I've seen it where as if your an Accountant and or in Data Entry that you have no business being online.

My point goes along with yours. As long as the employee is doing their work and doing it in a timely manner, why bother letting them use the computer for something else to ease their mind.

 

Haven't we all? haha I wasn't to thrilled when I got this topic.

 

To give another side, I work from home for a law publication. I do not have an office in place (yet), as I just recently got the room for one (I only work part time and am a full time student so it wasn't a priority). I have access to to not only my computer, but the TV is right in front of me and even the option to just leave and go out if I want is there. Since all I have is a deadline, I set my schedule. I do mostly proofreading, so if I am not focused what I do is worthless and working for an extended period of time, especially if I'm on the computer, gets tiring. Some days I just don't work as I know it won't be productive, but I know the next few days I have to work more to make up for that to meet the deadline.

So while I am not using "company computers" as I am at home on my own stuff, I am on company time in the end, like the aforementioned ipad example.

 

I feel like this is one of those questions that depends on the situation and so thus it should be up to the business owner.

 

oops