Unethical Work Habits
THERE is nothing more maddening than working with people who prefer to while away valuable office hours in pursuits unproductive to the organisation that puts bread on their table. Here is a list of seven deadly sins; habits that actually eat into your time and blacklist you as ineffectual and unprofessional staff:
Using the office e-mail
Official mail should be used for official purposes only. Even forwarding jokes, graphics and animation to co-workers can jam networks. Recently, the network system of an MNC crashed and was down for full six hours after an employee sent an e-mail (with e-receipt requested) to 60,000 co-workers about a prayer meeting. A large number of employees don't think twice before sending personal mails, and chatting online with friends during work hours. It is not only unprofessional, but also costs the company in terms of wasted computer resources and, needless to say, productivity.
Online surfing
Cyberslacking is rampant in workplaces these days. Spending hours on the Net every day, surfing for personal gain and shopping online should be avoided at all costs. Applying for another job via the Internet on company-paid time is, of course, taboo. Remember, the defence that `everybody else is doing it' just does not wash and you might have to pay with your job if ever your boss happens to catch you on the wrong foot.
Personal phone calls
It is okay to receive personal calls at the office. But, the office telephone is primarily a tool for promoting business, and if your line is constantly engaged while you discuss the latest news and gossip with all and sundry, it may spike the guns of customers trying to reach you. Remember, more calls coming in can mean more orders. Keep all calls quick and to the point. Offer to call up later for a more detailed discussion.
Office-hour interviews
Rushing to an interview during office hours is rather risky. Traffic and an unfamiliar place can slow you down. And, having to tell your prospective employer politely that you have only 45 minutes to spare is not going to put you in the best possible light. Nor will coming in late after lunch endears you to your current boss. Always fix an appointment prior to interviews, and preferably schedule them for the end of the day, the weekend or if possible, take the day off. The key here is to be able to convince the interviewer regarding the constraints you may have and request for alternative appointment times (to their convenience).
Infrastructure
It's tempting to use the office photocopier when you have personal projects like your child's science/art project to complete. Most often, employers close an eye when it comes to things like these, provided you're not using reams and reams of paper. Here again, it is best to do any personal photocopying (not more than a few sheets) on your own time. To be on the safer side, request for permission before you do so. Don't send personal faxes, unless you have permission to do so.
Personal errands
A lot of people think office hours are the best time to get that income- tax return filed, or wrap up a banking transaction. This attitude, however, reflects an utter disregard for office decorum. It is advisable to run your personal errands during the lunch hour (provided you can complete it within time) or towards the end of the day. In unavoidable situations, you could take prior permission or call up, if you get held up longer than expected. Traipsing in late, with a flimsy excuse for your slackness, only reflects poorly on your professional image.
Gossip
It is all right to step out and take a break for a few minutes. But, spending hours away from the desk, even if you are only chatting with a colleague in the next cabin, is not acceptable, unless of course, you are in an official meeting. Don't make a habit of taking French leave or calling in sick too often; you may end up losing your employer's trust, or worse still, your job.
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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