the small version

Researchers say that millions of dollars of revenue every year are wasted on employee's use of the internet and email while on the job. The internet has revolutionized the way we work today, and most employers have had to find ways to curb renegade usage of their employees. Most instant messengers, access to sites such as myspace.com, and other sites are limited in order to improve productivity at the office. When employees are compromising office network security by opening email attachments, it can be a serious situation. So many offices block site all together. Job termination can and does result from misuse of the internet.

Does that solve anything? Will big brother always be looking over our shoulder? Ironically I thought about this subject while surfing the web, at work. When there is nothing to do, I just hang out and catch up on emails, and stuff. Is that unethical? Perhaps, but where I work no one seems to care as long as the job gets done. I'm sure that is the same justification millions of Americans use everyday to surf the web on the job.

Another note of interest: many employers are searching the web to find out information on employees or potential hires. Should those drunken pictures of you doing body shots at spring break be considered when your potential employer finds your myspace? Will your death metal tribute band ruin your chances at that big promotion? It is better to keep a low online profile and try to keep negative blogs from reaching management. Many have been dismissed from exaggerating and ranting about their job on the blog.

The moral of the story is: be safe.