Got Game
By John Putzier
Dear WOW:
I work in a cubicle on a computer, like many people today. I work hard, and I do my job well. And, like most people in this situation, I need to take an occasional break.
My preferred escape is to go online and play games. I don't overdo it, and I don't neglect my work in the process. If the phone rings, I answer it. If someone stops by, I meet with him or her. I know the priorities.
My quandary is that, if I am engaged in one of my diversions, I feel like I have to hide it. For example, if I am playing online poker, and my boss stops by, I scramble to minimize the computer screen and act like I am working on something job-related.
Wouldn't it be better to just be open about this? After all, breaks are allowed and even encouraged, so why should it matter what I do on my break, as long as it doesn't cost the company anything?
Sincerely,
Texas Hold ‘em
Dear Tex:
No one would argue that breaks and mental diversions are a healthy and necessary part of maintaining both sanity and productivity. The only variable is the type and frequency of those diversionary activities, and more importantly, how they are viewed within the context of your company's culture and policies.
In other words, at a company like SAS, noted for it's "out there" freedoms and flexibilities, no one would bat an eye at your break activities as long as you were meeting your objectives and behaving within reasonable guidelines of ethics and morality. But, if you worked at the NSA (National Security Agency), things might be a little different. It is a variable.
All that aside, if you are unaware of your own company's stance on these things, I suggest one of two things. Either have a frank discussion with your boss about the company's policy on personal use of the computer, and whether your gaming is considered an appropriate activity, or find another way to take your breaks.
Technically, you are only supposed to use company resources for company business. I realize that there is some room for interpretation here, but that is the safest answer to your question. It's one thing to play wastebasket basketball, or to use the company ping-pong table at lunch, but quite another to be clogging up the company server with your casino account.
I don't think most employers would have a huge quarrel with an occasional game of solitaire or some other innocuous computer game, if it were on your time (i.e., breaks, lunch). But short of a well-defined policy, common sense must dictate, and as a professional, I am sure you know where the lines should be drawn. If not, then gaming is not the biggest issue here, is it?
Royally Flushed,
John Putzier
Wizard of Weirdness (WOW)
