Awkward position - ethics question
Topic(s): Miscellaneous Bait
Submitted by: pelizdr – Wed, 10/21/2009 – 07:52
I had a user ask me to look at their personal laptop during working hours. I explained that I don't spend company time working on outside projects as a rule (ok, I may check my eBay bids once in awhile from work). The user (who is not in my chain of command at all) was really in dire straights though, and needed their laptop back today. I told them, I would do what I can. So, can I charge them for my "spare" time to work on their laptop guilt free? I am curious what the feedback will be, I will post what I did later...
Comment: Double Dip
Our Ethics regulations forbid this in several ways. First is using company time for personal use. The second is double dipping. You cannot earn money from another source during time you are paid by the company. This includes sick days, vacation days, and those wonderful paid lunch hours.
DEMPU -- Democratic Peoples Unite!
Sphynx – Fri, 10/23/2009 – 07:40
Comment: Screw That!
Sick time, OK. But lunch hours and vacations?? That's MY time, NOT company time - I'll do what want!
Feign – Fri, 10/23/2009 – 09:50
Comment: Not About Want
It's not about doing what you want (you usually can), it about who is already paying you during that time. Now not everyone gets a paid lunch hour so they would be free to earn money from another source during that time.
Also, one has to remember, this is not company policy but law.
Sphynx – Mon, 10/26/2009 – 08:04
Comment: RE: Double Dip
Quote: You cannot earn money from another source during time you are paid by the company. This includes sick days, vacation days, and those wonderful paid lunch hours.
Paid holidays, paid sick days and paid vacation is one thing, but MY weekends, lunch hours, and any unpaid time off is MINE!!!! You do not have the right to tell me what I can do on my own time!
If that is the case, then I would never work for your company.
End of discussion.
Fatman – Fri, 10/23/2009 – 12:47
Comment: That's Right
Yes, time you are not paid for is indeed your time. You are free to earn whatever money you want although there may be conflic of interest regulations regarding some specific activities (I doubt helping to fix a laptop would ever qualify for that).
As I mentioned to another poster, this is not a company policy. This is a law and we have a Federal Monitor who investigates the law is being adhered to.
Sphynx – Mon, 10/26/2009 – 08:08
Comment: what do you mean?
I never heard about this law... what law are you talking about?
I can understand not being able to do work on the side that is in coflict of interest with your job... but why can't I use my vacation any way I want?
My company is giving me time off, and if I want to spend that time in an activity that gives me monetary reward, instead of intrinsic reward (R&R) who is to say I can't?
fish – Mon, 10/26/2009 – 13:31
Comment: If you're on the clock with your employer...
... then your best bet is to advise the user you'll be glad to look at their machine after-hours, for a fee.
As a rule, I make that fee so high that most folks stop trying to get me to spend my every waking hour working on their stuff. I definitely do not work on anyone's personal equipment while at work - you open not only yourself but your employer to risk and liability for any "failures" to satisfy the owner of the machine you're attempting to fix.
If the personal laptop was needed ASAP... not really your problem since it's a personal laptop and not a company one. And I'll bet the thing failed a few days earlier and the user just wanted to save a buck by getting free IT support...
ZuzEQueue – Wed, 10/21/2009 – 09:51
Comment: Ethics???
I am not sure that I see this as an ethics question.
Does your employer allow you to work on employees property? From the original story I gather not.
Are you trying to do what is best for the company, or make a few bucks on the side? From the original post I devine the latter.
I may be taking a very black and white stance, but since you are trying to make money for yourself, rather than for the company, you cannot in good conscience do it on company time.
Lunch hour? Sure, if you can do it without being on the clock. I am on salary and could not get away with that. Otherwise take it home, or at least out of the shop to avoid the appearance of any impropriety.
Security is a concept not a product!
Digital Willie – Wed, 10/21/2009 – 09:58
Comment: Seconding that, I add a few lines
Perhaps asking your boss, if you have a good relationship, will help.
The nature of some jobs, and the physical setup of the workplace, may allow for such work to be done without damage to your performance. Of course, clear with your bos and don't make it a habit!
asitnik – Wed, 10/21/2009 – 12:58
Comment: I am guessing that you get
I am guessing that you get an hour for lunch? I would not consider that company time and would not feel guilty about charging them for your work during that time. If it turns out to be a severe problem and requires more time, I would tell them that you need to spend multiple lunch hours on it or it needs to go home with you to work on in the evening.
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