Blending Personal and Working Hours

Posted on July 13, 2009 
Filed Under Focus on the Family Broadcast

In our offices there are standards for personal use of computers, copiers and phones. There are expectations about breaks and lunch-hours. And there are assumptions about employees being conscientious and diligent, giving the organization an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage.

That said, I’d observe a trend that is changing workplace dynamics a bit. It is something that some employers – and employees – may struggle with. The encroachment of personal “business” often collides with workplace “business.” Actually, it may be better framed as a blending of work and personal matters.

You know what I am talking about: that phone call that has to be done right now, or the stop to register your car – but not during the lunch-hour crush, the research about that trip that takes more than your lunch hour. I think most of us have something like this from time to time, a bit of personal business that takes away from our employer. The question is, what do we do about that?

As a manager I’ve tried to apply grace to such situations. Grace for the employee who has a need to do something during business hours. I do this with the understanding that he or she will make up the time, complete the project, deliver the results needed. I’ve found that people want to be treated as adults, with an atmosphere of trust allowing them to do some “time-shifting” as needed. They invariably do make good on the time they spent online or away.

As an employee, I want to be treated that way, and appreciate the many bosses I’ve had over the years who do grant grace for such times.

Here’s an article about the trend. read it and the comments. And then tell me what you have experienced, as an employee or employer.

Comments

One Response to “Blending Personal and Working Hours”

  1. Bert on July 14th, 2009 4:11 pm

    Work and life can no longer be separated like in the old days. Particularly in an entrepreneurial business – people work late or at night, and do personal business during the day when they have to.

    And Social Media dramatically accelerates the blur – I don’t think even large scale corporations can have black and white distinctions between the two. That’s why communications must be extra clear in managing, and integrity is a key issue to not take advantage (either employee or employer!0

    Good post John,

    Bert

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