I think we can all agree that having a tablet makes it convenient to be able to to surf the web and conduct business online while on the go. I don’t know what I would do without my tablets, and I love the flexibility it gives me. Recently, I received a letter from a reader who wanted to know if they could be fired for using their tablet at work since it wasn’t outlined in the Employee Handbook, and it got me to thinking.
Anytime you are using technology in the office, you should do so with caution.
As a former HR manager, I had to make sure that our employees adhered to our policies and procedures. We had strict rules about the use of cellphones in the office, and would discipline or terminate anyone who was caught not following these guidelines. Tablets are the newest wave to enter the workforce, but bringing it to work may not be such a good idea (unless it is work issued of course).
Why?
Well, if you are using your tablet with the wifi connection provided by your employer, it is almost like using your computer at your desk. Any information transmitted over this signal can be seen by your employer. They can still tell what sites you are visiting and block sites that are not work safe. Using the wifi at work on your personal device is still using work property.
Emails, web visits, and other information can be visible when using your tablet at work. And if you are doing so even on your own time (lunch, breaks, etc.) still may be in breach of the rules of wifi use.
So be careful when using your tablet at work. And beware that Big Brother is still watching, even when you are using your own technology.
OMG!!!! I have never thought about this. You are soooo right!!!! A few months ago a co-worker of mine got fired for viewing porn sites. It came to light that my co-worker had bought his own computer from home to work to work on homework during his lunch break. No one understood why he would be fired for that since it was his own computer and he wasn’t using it for porn sites at the time. He informed us that they said he was using their wi-fi so they were able to see all the sites he had visited while he was at home but since he was at work it was basically as if he was using the work computer. Unfortunately he was fired and it was sad. I too use my ipad 2 at work and will definitely be much more cautious now! Thanks Cubicle Chick 🙂
Sandra, yes, be extra careful. And when browsing sites, try to use your mobile coverage or tether from your phone. That way, you cannot be accused of using the company’s bandwidth for personal use. Thanks for commenting.
Good tip and great point. That’s why I use my phone’s hot spot 🙂
Lol
Aisha, you are on the right track with using your phone as a hot spot. Make sure that your phone has a secured connection and is password protected. 🙂
Yep this is true.. I was actually fired today ..because I used my personal phone and was hooke up to the company’s Wi-Fi even though my apps are always on was told i was surfing the internet and accessing sites on company time. They said they could see every thing I do.