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A coworker is sometimes on personal calls for hours throughout the day. A supervisor who is also my friend tells me about it (different dept) but hasn’t done anything. She is on the work phone sometimes for 3 hours talking while placing orders and answering emails. She thinks it is ok because she is still getting her work done. I personally think you should not be on personal calls during company time for that long and almost everyday. Sometimes she walks around the office talking if she needs to go the bathroom or kitchen etc....
Also, how does someone have that much to talk about?
Definitely not ok with me, as a supervisor or coworker. Even more so if they're tying up a line that's only to be used for business calls. It's also rude if a coworker, supervisor, or customer needs to speak with the employee about a work-related matter.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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When an employee is paid for time they were not working, it's called "theft of time", even if the work is getting done. I do not stand over every employee and monitor what they are doing all day, nor do we have software for that purpose, but if I suspect significant time being spent on personal calls, online activities, or even 'visiting" I will talk to the person, remind them of the work rules, and pay closer attention. Failure to comply will result in a performance improvement plan and eventually even firing. With either 1/2 hour or 1 hour for lunch and two breaks a day people have plenty of time to talk on their personal calls, and I have no problem with a short 5 minute call a few times a day. Your post asking about "hours" on personal calls would not be tolerated.
If the work is getting done then the employer might not care. It sounds like you are the only person bothered by it. Maybe it's time for you to stop worrying about what you think other people should do and mind your own business.
Almost all the supervisors here take personal calls themselves. Our QA Supervisor FaceTimes his little kids every morning after they wake up (He's not away from home). Most people have taken quick calls, but they are on their own cell phones. I had my dentist call once and had to answer it, it wasn't a big deal.
Now hours of personal conversations daily? No, I wouldn't be okay with it, but if they don't mind I guess that's on them..
Hourly, no...exempt, yes, assuming you put in extra often and will make up the time. And your conversation doesn't disrupt other's work flow or delays them getting work done.
It will require that supervisors supervise though...some don't want to do that. Because of that people take advantage sometimes. I admit I do on occasion, but then I do put in some after work hours fairly often.
Sounds like the problem isn't so much with taking a long call once in awhile as is being a bad employee. Again supervisory issue.
And to the hard types who say "no personal stuff at work" I say to you this. Life is more complex now than in the past, sometimes life happens. If you don't allow employees to respond you will lose some of your best and brightest. Maybe some of you don't work in industries where that is important. I'd argue you will be supervising robots soon in those industries so my thoughts there really don't apply
When an employee is paid for time they were not working, it's called "theft of time", even if the work is getting done. I do not stand over every employee and monitor what they are doing all day, nor do we have software for that purpose, but if I suspect significant time being spent on personal calls, online activities, or even 'visiting" I will talk to the person, remind them of the work rules, and pay closer attention. Failure to comply will result in a performance improvement plan and eventually even firing. With either 1/2 hour or 1 hour for lunch and two breaks a day people have plenty of time to talk on their personal calls, and I have no problem with a short 5 minute call a few times a day. Your post asking about "hours" on personal calls would not be tolerated.
OK, so I am at work, all of my tasks have been completed (unless someone gives me something else to do in the next hour and 38 minutes), and the phone isn't ringing at the moment, so I have no calls to switch over to sales, purchasing, etc.
How am I "stealing time?" If there's nothing to be done, there's nothing to be done. That is just HOW IT IS in clerical/receptionist work sometimes.
Just what we need, another busy body worrying about others when they need to mind their own business.
If it doesn't directly affect you, then either MYOB or find another job if it's going to stress you out that much.
The fact that the supervisor hasn't done anything is clue enough you need to let it go.
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