Been discussing work-related matters (Phils.) in AO

Here is my post about work-related matters in the Philippines

AO Post

Work Work Work posted Yesterday 07:07 PM

(post #26)

Work Work Work

Job in the Philippines? Let me see… There should be a lot of scenario that I could visualize related to this during my working days back there.

Company 1 – there is this particular department (since I am working in a “Group of Company”), wherein they were just spending the remaining days of their work doing personal chatting in IM. But still they have this style of doing it during break-time (12NN-1PM) while the others sleep (including me). The point is, IM is actually allowed by the MIS Dept., since they use it to communicate with customers and other entities, but for personal use - should not be obvious. Because once the DEPARTMENT BOSS found it out, will screw them all perhaps.

In the scenario wherein the OP presented, I think the problem is (maybe), the BOSS catches the employee one time of doing IMing while waiting for a very important report that is URGENTLY needed. The employee is VERY important to the BOSS since she is capable of doing the JOB (that is why the BOSS don’t want to TELL to STOP IMing directly or personally because maybe the EMPLOYEE will think of this approach as STRICT and may change the attitude of EMPLOYEE including the TEAM once directly told that it is prohibited. The fact is EMPLOYEES are VIGILANT and reacts very NEGATIVELY especially if there are no known POLICIES aside from, let’s say START - DO YOUR WORK - FINISH IT – STOP.


Company 2 – In my last company there that I am working, IM is allowed again. I think the question falls in the ABUSE section. We are in the TECHNICAL SUPPORT environment and IM comes in handy especially when we have SATELLITE OFFICES and PEOPLE on the move. We use IM primarily to communicate with our MOBILE TEAM. FROM-IM-TO-CELLPHONE type of communication. It is FREE and very USEFUL in a fast-phase environment. But about ABUSE of use, we have a RULE for that one. Before we use specific services and facilities in the workplace, the ADMIN should know it. PERSONAL reasons can be tolerated as long as it is not ABUSIVE. Who will decide? Think of it as a mutual understanding between each member of the team. WORK-LOAD is one factor, since we are people on the move, staying in chat for a long time may never occur. Phone ringing here, server needs to be checked there, need to assist the DB ADMIN. Keep the employees busy while enjoying their type of work could solve the issue. The reason why they are there is work. And the reason why they use IM should be related to work.


Company 3 – My job here in KSA. As a secretary, I am allowed to use IM. Even the BOSS see me chatting with our supplier about important matters. The use of such service falls again to the ABUSE section.

In one-way or the other, the BOSS should re-think of the ideas about preventing EMPLOYEES about such SERVICE. If your company is customer-service oriented, perhaps having a POLICY about using the Internet or IM should be moderated but not prohibited. IM could be of use the same way we use it in our company. You can also present to EMPLOYEES about being aware of using IM or the Internet. A good presentation as well as the goal of not abusing such would enlighten them (not scare them). As an Admin, it is your primary goal to secure the network. IM could be dangerous if not properly used.

And at the end, remember that WORK is still WORK, abusive employees even though they are considered as assets could jeopardize the company’s operation if they continue to abuse something.


Yo!

--- Sometimes it gives me relief explaining something in the forum of things I experienced and learned. Opinion of course, but it has sense somehow.

- NeO