How Far is "Going Too Far" at Work?

Was there ever a time when you had to look left and right, and twist your head as far back as you can to see if anyone is watching what you are doing in your computer? Was there a time when you smuggled a peek at your cell phone only to quickly put it back in your bag, afraid that someone might catch you at it? During these times, were you at work?

Companies nowadays are imposing stricter and heavier policies while inside the office. Without knowing it, your boss might actually be watching your every move inside the office. What Internet sites you go to, what messages you send, which web pages you viewed, these are just some of the things that can be detected in your computer. Is there no privacy at work? It is understandable that they would want you to utilize the company resources for business purposes, but should the rules be really this strict? Most people feel like captives in the workplace. It is amazing that some companies do not even allow a few minutes phone call for their employees. That is worse than being in prison.

While you believe that there is no harm done in browsing the Web, your boss may not share the same sentiment. Even if you suppose that what you are doing does not lessen your productivity, your superior may think otherwise. Most superiors seem to think that every single minute that you spend in the office must all be focused in doing your job. But to be able to work productively, is it too much to ask for just a few minutes to relax a little after some tedious and mind boggling work? I don't think a couple of minutes are too much to ask.

You may even try to convince your superior that what you are doing is not wasting the company's resources. Show your boss that viewing and writing blogs may be helpful in reaching out to sales people and share information. You can also say that it is a way of trying to catch the customer's attention and promoting your business. Your superior may have no idea on what blogging is all about so patiently explain that advancements in technology can actually help your company.

But how far is "getting too far" with the limitations they set at work? How do we know that the company's strict policies do not follow us straight to our doorsteps?

Does the IT department regularly check the laptop the company has loaned you for business use? Does your company phone have a GPS where they can easily check your location anytime they want? This may be thoughts of a paranoid, but it is not necessarily impossible, right?

While some companies understand that the employees need to unwind, have time for them and guard his privacy, some have come to the extent of almost imprisoning their employees. They must be careful, though. Because a mass break out is likely to happen in such venues.