"Big Brother" in the work place

[MR2Fast]

This subject infuriates me and I don't stand for it at all. The company I work for is now installing a program that takes a screenshot of what you're doing during the day and if you are doing anything not company related (i.e. chat programs, websites, etc.) you will be written up and eventually dismissed. This is a huge invasion of privacy even though I am doing all my work on company property, I am not owned by the company and will not stand for such ghestappo methods of monitoring employees. It is not an issue of I am doing anything extremely wrong or anyhting like that, but I do have a chat program on the pc and talk to my wife and IM other friends that I work with just to talk and when I have a question about something work related and now I will get written up and eventually fired for something that should not even be an issue. Do you guys think that this form of monitoring is needed, or even legal, and better yet does anyone know any ways around such monitoring. I am a good employee and have received many service commendations and have worked here close to 2 years now but I will never let any company I work for force me into conformity or monitor me in this way and I plan on finding any way around this, whether it is with or without the help of people in the company. Needless to say I am super pissed.

[oldster]

There are certainly a lot of thoughts about this now days. My take is that it is their equipment and time. They can decide how both will be used. That makes your decision easy, yes or no.

[Jarod]

Uninstall the program from your computer, easy as that.

[oldster]

Before I took Jarod's advice I would read your employer's internet policy.

[MR2Fast]

Their equipment and their time yeah I do see that side, but when do all these actions cross the privacy line, the company does not own you. Everything down to the time you take your break is being monitored now, why go further. Does this much junk just lead to a slaveship where someone else is deciding what you are doing with every second of your day? I don't have administrative rights or that would already be gone. I don't agree with these actions in the slightest. Isn't the company showing how little they think of their employees by putting that much monitoring on them in the first place? My choice is no and I have tripled my efforts to get a new job. I hate call centers. If anyone sees an opening for an IT professional at their place of employment, doesnt matter the location, let me know.

[phoenixr2]

I understand why, but at the same time, if the employe is getting there job done who cares? if they are lagging on there work because them spending time else where on the internet, then fire them!

[oldster]

Originally posted by phoenixr2
if they are lagging on there work because them spending time else where on the internet, then fire them!

How would you suggest they catch them?

[oldster]

Originally posted by MR2Fast
Isn't the company showing how little they think of their employees by putting that much monitoring on them in the first place?

I think you'll find that most companies do not invest in these things unless they perceive there is a problem. Unfortunately the actions of a few can impact the rest. While your use of the internet may be very moderate that does not mean that is what your peers are doing. The bottem line still being that while they are paying you they can in fact dictate how you use your time and their equipment.

[MR2Fast]

I act as a supervisor for the company and don't see much issue or need for something that drastic. I am very offended that they feel the need to babysit me for 8 hours a day. I do a great job here and don't feel it's warranted even if there are a couple employees that aren't performing. It boils down to IT professionals get very bad treatment in positions like the one I have and I need to create a union for all IT technicians. Fair treatment, better benefits, and equal pay are around the corner. We will not be held down by the man and mistreated.

[oldster]

Good luck and God speed.

[MR2Fast]

Stick it to the man before he sticks it to you. DAmn the man

[Michaelmr2]

I am the supervisory for a staff of 7 in my department. The company has blocked the access to such tools as IM (even the express web based version) and personal email like hotmail.

I would suggest to the powers that be, that a different direction should be taken. I agree that it seems to be more nosey than a deterrant.

Why not just block those sights, instead of being a voyer and seeing what you are doing?

You need to ask yourself one thing. Can you live without those things, and do you need/love your job enough to deal with it. if not, try to get fired for it and consult a lawyer....better yet, talk to the lawyer first.

[MR2Fast]

I don't love my job at all, as a matter of fact I hate it, I also hate my supervisor, I hate their policies, I hate HR, I hate damn near everyone here, and I hate the stupids I service. I have been searching for a new job since I got this one. This bullshit just motivates my serach even more. I will hopefully soon have a IT job in which I am allowed to have IM and go to car boards. Until then rant mode is consistent.

[phoenixr2]

startup your own business, and ill come work for you. I hate my job too! woot, least its not my career.

[Phoenix]

put a virus into there system, Damn the man

[toysota]

I used to work for the fairfax county health department. I wasn't the only one to leave for similar reasons, and I doubt I'll be the last. You might say I burned my bridges. You'd be making an understatement. But apparently it did come across, ,as some policies changed for the better. Too bad the office is still run by an old hag trying to hold on until retirement, even though hated and talked about by an entire county government agency. Cheryl Clatterbuck, I hate you. Good riddance. Maybe you can make some headway while you're still there, but otherwise, good luck in your search. ;)

[MR2Fast]

Damn sounds like you're having as much fun as me, or at least you were. Well the monitoring just started today and it's no fun.

[Phoenix]

shit likes this pisses me off about corporations, like the working class grunts get anything done anyway, we'll just find something else to do to screw around during the day.

[blackice]

there only trying to scare people from doing it, hell give it a week and no one will wast there time looking at the screen shots. admins have better things to do ( like downloud porn)