If you use IM at work, you must live up to the expectations you set, that you are continuously available.It is called "instant" messaging for a reason meaning Instant message, instant reply.
Don't assume your IM is private. Instant messaging on any workplace-owned device (be that a laptop, computer, PDA, BlackBerry, Iphone, or even your cellphone) is company property. The content of your messages is as traceable as your email.
IM doesn't belong to you at work. Whether you get your IM from your employer’s service provider or via your employer’s PDA device, everything and anything you put in IM belongs to the company and can be read by them. I always have had two devices and recommend that for everyone. One’s mine for personal use, and one is for business. Never the twain shall meet.
Your bosses are sensitive about IM. IM used by employees at work for personal communications is the No. 1 distraction in the workplace today. Indeed, some bosses equate personally IM-ing to stealing company time, so turn off your personal PDA at work and never have it on your screen there.
Be aware of the impression you make. If you hate watching your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or kids "text" while you are with them, just think how your boss feels watching you do it (even if it's work related)! The idea of an employee being able to communicate in secret or silence is especially annoying to bosses, even when it is business related. They hate it. It’s better to hear one half of a phone call then none at all -- business or personal.
Be aware of how your IM use will appear to the rest of the office.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment