Porn in the workplace… yes it is a problem, but I believe the reasons need better defining.
Yes, one significant problem can be sexual harassment charges. If another person views or reads the pornography on your computer, there is valid cause to bring legal action, including lawsuit and loss of employment. I don't foolishly think there will never be a circumstance that will cause someone else to look at your computer files, because sooner or later it will happen.
Your employer is paying for your time and your mental focus on the assigned tasks. This is not your personal time to do as you please. It is company-paid time. Surfing on the internet is a form of employee theft, and also it really does not matter if the website is eBay, your horoscope, your son's blog, or adult porn website. Resist the internet temptation to surf. When at work, focus on your work.
Child porn is so wrong, for many reasons and on many levels of exploitation. Avoid it… or go seek treatment… or whatever. Avoid it, regardless.
Then as to adult porn…. Well, this is America, land of free choices for adults. This is your playtime, and play however you wish.
So… if you are an adult, on your own personal time, and you are on your own personal computer equipment, within your own home, THEN you have the freedom to view whatever (non-child) porn you want. That is the proper time and place…. not the workplace.
But… still act like a responsible adult. No children around. No downloaded files accessible to family members.
Anonymous
I agree. Well said.
Anonymous
Ok…porn websites are indeed bad news at the workplace, but what about employees who are the IT help in the workplace coming into your computer, and chatting about themselves sexually with you? That's still porn, right? This was going on for months right under the job's nose. The male person I'm speaking of is addicted to porn, and I feel he abused the job, and literally got away with it. The dirty little secret has to be kept by the woman, because she participated to some extent. Only she feels guilty about that now, because of the shame and the negative actions toward women are repulsive. There will be consequence, because people will lose their jobs for sure, but I think she's going to take a stand, and say something to the job. Sometimes you have to take a stand or you'll fall for anything.
Valerie
Anonymous
Many thanks for your comments. I am sorry to here of this incident and situation. While an abuse of power is not necessarily porn nor a technology issue, its importance and attention should not be understated. The person who has abused their power in such an inappropriate way should be fired and the company should take steps to proctect those affected, and all other employees in the future.
Anonymous
Thank you Toby for your response!! I agree that there should be consequence for bad behavior. I feel like the dirty little secret at work, and I feel that he feels I won't say anything. which makes me feel worse!!
I am going to take care of this. He is at our corporate office in Florida, and I will be making a visit soon with emails in hand.
Thanks again for your response!!
Valarie
Anonymous
Excellent Valerie! Let us know how you make out… this sounds like a really good, empowering story that you should share with all! Regards, Toby
Porn in the workplace… yes it is a problem, but I believe the reasons need better defining.
Yes, one significant problem can be sexual harassment charges. If another person views or reads the pornography on your computer, there is valid cause to bring legal action, including lawsuit and loss of employment. I don't foolishly think there will never be a circumstance that will cause someone else to look at your computer files, because sooner or later it will happen.
Your employer is paying for your time and your mental focus on the assigned tasks. This is not your personal time to do as you please. It is company-paid time. Surfing on the internet is a form of employee theft, and also it really does not matter if the website is eBay, your horoscope, your son's blog, or adult porn website. Resist the internet temptation to surf. When at work, focus on your work.
Child porn is so wrong, for many reasons and on many levels of exploitation. Avoid it… or go seek treatment… or whatever. Avoid it, regardless.
Then as to adult porn…. Well, this is America, land of free choices for adults. This is your playtime, and play however you wish.
So… if you are an adult, on your own personal time, and you are on your own personal computer equipment, within your own home, THEN you have the freedom to view whatever (non-child) porn you want. That is the proper time and place…. not the workplace.
But… still act like a responsible adult. No children around. No downloaded files accessible to family members.
I agree. Well said.
Ok…porn websites are indeed bad news at the workplace, but what about employees who are the IT help in the workplace coming into your computer, and chatting about themselves sexually with you? That's still porn, right? This was going on for months right under the job's nose. The male person I'm speaking of is addicted to porn, and I feel he abused the job, and literally got away with it. The dirty little secret has to be kept by the woman, because she participated to some extent. Only she feels guilty about that now, because of the shame and the negative actions toward women are repulsive. There will be consequence, because people will lose their jobs for sure, but I think she's going to take a stand, and say something to the job. Sometimes you have to take a stand or you'll fall for anything.
Valerie
Many thanks for your comments. I am sorry to here of this incident and situation. While an abuse of power is not necessarily porn nor a technology issue, its importance and attention should not be understated. The person who has abused their power in such an inappropriate way should be fired and the company should take steps to proctect those affected, and all other employees in the future.
Thank you Toby for your response!! I agree that there should be consequence for bad behavior. I feel like the dirty little secret at work, and I feel that he feels I won't say anything. which makes me feel worse!!
I am going to take care of this. He is at our corporate office in Florida, and I will be making a visit soon with emails in hand.
Thanks again for your response!!
Valarie
Excellent Valerie! Let us know how you make out… this sounds like a really good, empowering story that you should share with all! Regards, Toby