The subject of privacy is a delicate one indeed. I strongly believe that one's freedom is the most important thing in the whole world, and obviously the right to privacy is included in this freedom. But what some people seem to forget when discussing this subject is that although you have a right not to have your privacy/freedom infringed, so does your boss! Assuming that you work in a free country, you have the right to apply for any job and also to say no to any job offer. This means that when you agree to work for someone you have to accept the terms of the job contract. You make a deal with your employer that you will work for him/her under cirtain circumstances and in return you will be paid a salary. If you feel that you can't accept the terms, you should look for another job.
If your boss monitors you in a way which is not relevant for your work he or she is causing you harm, in a way. If you behave inappropriate at work you are hurting your boss, in a way. Who is right and who is wrong in this case?
To illustrate this I would like to tell you of one of my bosses. I think it's fair to say that he was rather snoopy. Everything we did as employees was registered with a personal barcode badge. I had no objections to this at all. It was an excellent way for my boss to see how fast we were working and who did wrong and so on. And really, how are you supposed to improve yourself at work if you don't know that you're doing something wrong?
If your boss monitors you in a way which is not relevant for your work he or she is causing you harm, in a way. If you behave inappropriate at work you are hurting your boss, in a way. Who is right and who is wrong in this case?
To illustrate this I would like to tell you of one of my bosses. I think it's fair to say that he was rather snoopy. Everything we did as employees was registered with a personal barcode badge. I had no objections to this at all. It was an excellent way for my boss to see how fast we were working and who did wrong and so on. And really, how are you supposed to improve yourself at work if you don't know that you're doing something wrong?
Hi, Kristoffer! I’m your neighbor above.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is a sensitive issue, and you are right about your definition of freedom. It is said that freedom and right involve responsibility and duty. Many people claim their right but somehow tend to forget their responsibility. If you cannot accept the term of your employer, you should go and find another job, as you said.
Though I admire your work ethic, I think your boss is very annoying… Does he not have any other things to do?
I don’t want to be nit-picking but it is “certain”.
As usual you and I are on the same page. I'm sick of all the bloggers that seem to believe the boss is the bad guy. Come on, he pays your damn salary. As you say, the employees have signed a contract, I hope, so just deal with it. The problems start when such things aren't covered in your labor contract.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great language, a lot of unusual words are used and it still seems natural to you when you use them. The very first sentence was a bit gay, though.
Hi Krisse,
ReplyDeleteI also agree in what you have written. Your own freedom is enormously important. As you say; when you accept a job offer you also accept the terms your employer demands. I think that it is okay and as long as you work and do what you´re supposed to do, you´ll probably never going to hear your boss complain.
I agree with you. I believe that when you are at work your boss should be allowed to see what you are up to. If you have not got anything to hide, then why worry? My hope is that even if your boss is able to see your every move he or she wants a pleasant workplace as much as you do and therefore will have a little indulgence if you are not 100% effective all of the time.
ReplyDelete/Jessica
I agree as well. Your boss have the right to know what you are doing during work hours as long as he/she keeps out of your personal life outside of work.
ReplyDelete