Hello again and/or welcome! Today I wanted to talk about something that is far too common in most workplaces. While there are numerous reasons for which one could use the internet to aid our everyday workflow, far too many are using it in ways that may cost them their job. So when is using the internet become too much? I’m going to lay out some of top reasons that are causing people to get in trouble and some do’s and don’t’s to watch out for.
We’ll begin with the installation of unapproved software. Not all software “play nice”. You may work in a department that handles very sensitive data for example Human Resources, which uses a very sophisticated HR management software solution. If the software you installed does not work well with the existing software, it can cause all sorts of issues up to and including causing your PC to crash and lose data. Before installing any software on your company device, get written approval from your IT department first!
The main reason most people get in trouble however is excessive personal use of the internet, which causes low productivity. Some companies are becoming more relaxed with their views on internet use and are even giving employees designated times to view their social media accounts much like cigarette breaks. They understand the need and wish to have a happy employee. However, what really gets employees in hot water is when they post things during company time, while using the company Wifi that may be inappropriate or against company values. This may even be true while not at work! If you’re a very active person online with numerous followers, who may know where you work, you should really filter your thoughts and posts.
Keeping work and personal life separated can be
difficult but it’s usually best. You may not have your boss on your social media
but if you have every person in your department, don’t be surprised if your
boss is “somehow” informed of the negative things you post.
Bottomline is that social media should be used in
a positive way. However if you feel like you need a medium to vent your frustrations
or have views that may be considered too radical for the every day person, I
would suggest opening a new profile, not using your real name or picture and
making sure this new profile cannot be tied to you in any way. Do not friend yourself
from this profile and vent away.
Important notice: Unless you’re a CIA level hacker who knows how to cover their tracks (Chances are you won’t be reading this), do know that everything you post can still be tracked to an IP address and then your home!
Sources:
CNBC – https://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/05/how-using-social-media-can-get-you-fired.html (Stacy Rapacon, 2016)
The Balance Careers – https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-reasons-for-getting-fired-2060732 (Alison Doyle, 2019)
Sophicity – https://sophicity.com/ResourcesBlog.aspx?CNID=3091 (John Miller, 2017)
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