Balancing Personal Work and Resource Utilization in the Workplace: An HR Perspective

Hi Friends,

This is a very interesting topic, and beware, you as an HR professional reading this in your office during office hours. Almost every one of us uses office stationery, phone, computer, and internet for purposes other than official work. Almost everyone does this.

When we talk about using the telephone, it's not for important communication with family members; it's more about using it for chatting with lovers, friends, and family members during office hours. Many people also tend to chat for long periods unnecessarily and use office vehicles for personal errands.

So, what do our members have to say about this? Even though they are in HR, do they engage in these types of activities?

First, let me tell you about myself. In my office, I have a computer, printer, scanner, xerox machine, internet, and phone all at my desk. On my computer, apart from official files, you can find flash games, my resumes, and job applications. My internet history includes naukri.com, citehr.com, timesjobs.com, and monster.com.

During HSC/SSC results time, all office members, around 5-6 people, gathered at my desk, and I helped them search for the results of their relatives and friends. Even my boss was present, and as it turns out, everyone, from the peon to the director, engages in personal tasks during office hours.

I make photocopies of my mark sheets and print my resumes using the office printer. I chat with my friends online through my office PC and sometimes make long-distance calls for 30-45 minutes. Although I use the office phone for personal calls, I do so rarely and only when I am free. It's worth noting that there are other members in my office who use the phone for personal calls daily.

I believe that almost all of us engage in such activities. I am not claiming that I am honest and true to my company. Even if someone were to suggest that I am corrupt or not a true HR professional, I would find that acceptable. However, before judging me, please take a moment to reflect on your own actions and where you stand.

Sometimes, when I need to stay late in the office or work on holidays, I do not receive overtime pay. In my opinion, this does not constitute wrongdoing or unethical behavior. Some individuals may argue that they engage in personal tasks after office hours. Still, the key issue lies in their dishonesty towards the company, assuming that such activities are acceptable during office hours.

I welcome your comments on this matter.

Hi,

The HR for HR... (it would be nice if you can reveal your identity)... your name... (only if you would like to). Anyways, every person does a little bit of personal work in the office, but in some organizations, there are rules for everything. For instance, dialed numbers would be traced or calls would be disconnected after 2 minutes. Only some websites could be surfed through the net, and notes have to be kept on prints/photocopies you take on a daily basis. Thus, this practice varies from organization to organization, or can depend upon an individual's value system. If watch is there, misuse of resources can be avoided. However, everything depends on how we as employees use resources. Nowadays, everyone does overtime. The time is fixed in the morning, but we don't know how much we have to stay back in the evening. Just to compensate for overtime, we use office resources for personal work! This is something I don't understand.

Regards, Chaitali

During office hours, there may be many occasions that could be considered emergency or crisis situations. During such times, it may not be practical to avoid using official resources. For instance, if someone needs to urgently inform a family member or friend but has left their mobile phone at home, a brief message with the necessary information can be sent. Further details can then be provided upon returning home. In similar situations, a judicious use (and not abuse) of official resources can be justified if leaving the office or incurring additional expenses is not feasible.

However, it is preferable to avoid such scenarios altogether. Proper planning and time management are essential in handling these situations effectively. I challenge you to try an exercise: compare surfing the internet at home or a cybercafe versus doing the same at the office. You will likely find that productivity is higher outside the office environment, where you may end up wasting two to three times more valuable time for the same results. Remember, although you may not be paying for the resources used at the office, it impacts your integrity and eats into your work time.

Justifying improper actions by pointing out that others, even those in top positions, engage in similar behaviors does not justify your own actions. It is akin to saying, "everyone else is stealing, so I will too."

I hope I have clearly expressed my views without appearing idealistic.

Regards