Why do people get involved at work???

[Fieldsofgold]

In these tough economic times, when I read every day how scarce jobs are even for the well-qualified - why do people risk their careers to have affairs with co-workers, bosses or clients? Especially women who, in my experience, have a hard enough time garnering respect and being taken seriously in the workplace.

 

Nothing says irresponsible and unprofessional to upper management like someone who gets romantically involved with people from work. In some cases it is considered a security risk, or even grounds for termination.

 

And when the affair goes sour, what a sticky mess. Having to face someone every day after it ends would have to be rough.

 

Yet I read on here all the time about people doing just that - dating co-worker, boss, etc.

 

So why do people who want to keep their jobs, want advancement, want to be taken seriously, risk it all for work-related personal relationships?

[LucreziaBorgia]

People who get involved like that generally think they can keep work and pleasure separate. It nearly never works that way though. They think that 'no one knows' and that 'nothing bad will happen' but they aren't fooling anyone, least of all themselves.

 

People rarely go into relationships considering the consequences. That is usually the last thing on their minds, if it is on their minds at all. Unfortunately that is something generally only seen in hindsight.

[silktricks]

Because you are at work for most of your life. You have the most exposure to other people when at work. You are at work and with the people you work with more than you are at home with your significant other (if you have one).

 

And most of the people who have affairs also have the attitude that "you can't help who you fall in love with", so they do not take the proper steps to ensure there are no entanglements at work. They leave themselves open to "fall in love" inappropriately.

[jj33]

Wow that is harsh. I assume you were talking about me.

 

As Silk said you work with people over a period of time and you get to know them. I dont know. My situation was different in many ways but that is neither here nor there.

 

Agreed its difficult when you get involved with someone yuo work with but its not better if they are single. If you break up with someone single with whom you work you can find yourself in just the same position and these days something like 60% of people meet their mates at work. If you dont meet someone in school or you divorce chances are you will meet your next mate at work. People meet on the internet sure but far far fewer find a mate on the internet than at work.

 

Management frowns on bad breakups regardless of whether the man is married.

[Silly_Girl]

My boss has been angling for a long while (9 months), we've been for a drink but it was kept very work-y and I have had lots of excuses to not go again. I try and keep conversations about personal life very superficial. He's invited me away on work and non-work activities.

 

It would have been so easy to have started something, he texts me sometimes and we have a little bit of banter. But I am so conscious that losing my job would mean not being able to pay the mortgage, losing my home etc etc. My job and my son are the only constants in my life, and they are the building blocks of everything, I just couldn't risk it.

 

Maybe my boss isn't the right guy, maybe if it were my MM it would be different, but every man I meet at work (90%) male, I'm aware at the back of my mind that I just can't consider it, ever, ever, ever.

[OWoman]

In these tough economic times, when I read every day how scarce jobs are even for the well-qualified - why do people risk their careers to have affairs with co-workers, bosses or clients? Especially women who, in my experience, have a hard enough time garnering respect and being taken seriously in the workplace.

 

Nothing says irresponsible and unprofessional to upper management like someone who gets romantically involved with people from work. In some cases it is considered a security risk, or even grounds for termination.

And when the affair goes sour, what a sticky mess. Having to face someone every day after it ends would have to be rough.

 

Yet I read on here all the time about people doing just that - dating co-worker, boss, etc.

 

So why do people who want to keep their jobs, want advancement, want to be taken seriously, risk it all for work-related personal relationships?

 

I guess it all depends on where you work. The sector I work in is renowned for romantic entwinements, and it's accepted as a fact of life. You spend so much of your life working (at work, at home, at work-related events, etc) that there are none of the standard 'work-life boundaries' that exist in some sectors. People's identity is deeply embedded in their work.

 

"Senior management" in my sector DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. The policy about informing your lowest common line manager about ANY R (not just a romantic one) was quietly shelved after managers had to deal with the daily embarrassment of having to hear about their colleagues' private lives. Your private lives are considered just that - private. Your work life is all that interests them. And if your WORK is affected - they deal with that, through the myriad ways of addressing poor performance. The reasons for that performance (whether it be a second job lap dancing, a new baby keeping you up all night or a romance that soured - with whomever) are yours alone to worry about, though the organisation will obviously attempt to help you find solutions if you want. But ultimately - your ability or not to do the job is all that interests them - not any reason why.

[rebuildingmyself]

I had an A at work and am starting to believe that the "soulmate" feeling you get with a coworker is related as much to the fact that you share in the daily struggles at the workplace as other emotions you might feel. What happens when you no longer work together? It's like you are married and that is your "home" but it's not real. What do others think about this "soulmate" kind of love?

[jj33]

"Senior management" in my sector DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. The policy about informing your lowest common line manager about ANY R (not just a romantic one) was quietly shelved after managers had to deal with the daily embarrassment of having to hear about their colleagues' private lives. Your private lives are considered just that - private. Your work life is all that interests them. And if your WORK is affected - they deal with that, through the myriad ways of addressing poor performance. The reasons for that performance (whether it be a second job lap dancing, a new baby keeping you up all night or a romance that soured - with whomever) are yours alone to worry about, though the organisation will obviously attempt to help you find solutions if you want. But ultimately - your ability or not to do the job is all that interests them - not any reason why.

 

Exactly. Which is also why I think harrassment suits in these situations are a nonstarter. You deal with it on your own to the best of your ability or you walk. I was only in a position to complain to xMMs company because I had leverage (relating to the amount of money that lands in their wallets).

[lilagirl]

I had an A at work and am starting to believe that the "soulmate" feeling you get with a coworker is related as much to the fact that you share in the daily struggles at the workplace as other emotions you might feel. What happens when you no longer work together? It's like you are married and that is your "home" but it's not real. What do others think about this "soulmate" kind of love?

 

This was the case with my MM. We worked together and felt the connection to that which could be felt soulmate-ish

 

When presented with a new opportunity, I chose to get another job, as we were both in positions of "power" at work, and exposure would have meant job loss, and neither of us had any intention of ending the A.

 

The soulmate aspect did not leave when I left the job, however, allot of decreased time together put a strain on us, as we struggled to find new ways to communicate. Once we got our groove back, the intense connection continued

[Fieldsofgold]

Wow that is harsh. I assume you were talking about me.

As Silk said you work with people over a period of time and you get to know them. I dont know. My situation was different in many ways but that is neither here nor there.

 

Agreed its difficult when you get involved with someone yuo work with but its not better if they are single. If you break up with someone single with whom you work you can find yourself in just the same position and these days something like 60% of people meet their mates at work. If you dont meet someone in school or you divorce chances are you will meet your next mate at work. People meet on the internet sure but far far fewer find a mate on the internet than at work.

 

Management frowns on bad breakups regardless of whether the man is married.

 

I'm sorry my post sounded harsh; I didn't mean for it to. And no, I wasn't thinking of you at all when I started it. An acquantaince of mine who held a high position with a financial institute recently lost her job because she had an A with a client. His wife found out and raised quite a stir at work. She is now having a serious financial struggle, in addition to her marriage wreckage. She's depressed because she has had to take a rather embarrassing job (for her) to make ends meet while she's looking (without success) for other employment. She's on the verge of losing her beautiful home. Her lifestyle has changed abruptly and drastically. Here, I have read several threads where the person was contemplating having an affair with someone at work, and I just couldn't imagine why they would pick that, when they weren't already involved. Also have read several threads where the A went bad and now they are dreading seeing the person in various situations. I was just wondering why people risk it.

[StoptheDrama]

In these tough economic times, when I read every day how scarce jobs are even for the well-qualified - why do people risk their careers to have affairs with co-workers, bosses or clients? Especially women who, in my experience, have a hard enough time garnering respect and being taken seriously in the workplace.

 

Nothing says irresponsible and unprofessional to upper management like someone who gets romantically involved with people from work. In some cases it is considered a security risk, or even grounds for termination.

 

And when the affair goes sour, what a sticky mess. Having to face someone every day after it ends would have to be rough.

 

Yet I read on here all the time about people doing just that - dating co-worker, boss, etc.

 

So why do people who want to keep their jobs, want advancement, want to be taken seriously, risk it all for work-related personal relationships?

 

 

At my company there are no restrictions or regulations regarding inter-office dating and many of my co-workers have personal relationships as well as professional.

 

That being said, in my situation, I never foresaw the drama and nonsense that would result. In the beginning of the A and for a long time into it, xMM and I continued to have an excellent professional relationship. But for some reason unknown to me there was an abrupt shift in the dynamic both personally and professionally. He went from being cooperative and supportive at work to manipulative, deceitful, condescending and critical. These behaviors also parlayed into our personal relationship with the end result being my ending the A. And these behaviors have continued.

 

In hindsight, he apparently was/is not the person I thought he was and believed in. Had he been, I believe my current situation would be very different - definitely professionally and probably personally as well.

[stillafool]

In these tough economic times, when I read every day how scarce jobs are even for the well-qualified - why do people risk their careers to have affairs with co-workers, bosses or clients? Especially women who, in my experience, have a hard enough time garnering respect and being taken seriously in the workplace.

 

Nothing says irresponsible and unprofessional to upper management like someone who gets romantically involved with people from work. In some cases it is considered a security risk, or even grounds for termination.

 

And when the affair goes sour, what a sticky mess. Having to face someone every day after it ends would have to be rough.

 

Yet I read on here all the time about people doing just that - dating co-worker, boss, etc.

 

So why do people who want to keep their jobs, want advancement, want to be taken seriously, risk it all for work-related personal relationships?

 

 

I agree except for the part about it being especially bad for women to enter into a work romance. I think it is bad for both. I never could understand why people get involved with co-workers, bosses. Don't people have their own set of friends to socialize with and meet new people anymore? Most office buildings are next to other office buildings that have people in other offices. Can't people meet those people to date rather than the people they work with? I've always been so private I never wanted the people I work with to know all my business.

[califnan]

In these tough economic times, when I read every day how scarce jobs are even for the well-qualified - why do people risk their careers to have affairs with co-workers, bosses or clients? Especially women who, in my experience, have a hard enough time garnering respect and being taken seriously in the workplace.

 

Nothing says irresponsible and unprofessional to upper management like someone who gets romantically involved with people from work. In some cases it is considered a security risk, or even grounds for termination.

 

And when the affair goes sour, what a sticky mess. Having to face someone every day after it ends would have to be rough.

 

Yet I read on here all the time about people doing just that - dating co-worker, boss, etc.

 

So why do people who want to keep their jobs, want advancement, want to be taken seriously, risk it all for work-related personal relationships?

 

-----------------------

 

Apparently you are among those who see the Value of a job..

 

Looks as if people do not value and take seriously their jobs enough.. Start looking forward to seeing others, dress for them, etc.. Pitty the poor employers with all of this mating going on..

 

Then when the affair is over - the two are left with embarrassment, shame and trying to avoid oneanother.. Then there are the naive posters who tell them to go find work elsewhere.. Not as easy in this economy..

[Fieldsofgold]

I agree except for the part about it being especially bad for women to enter into a work romance. I think it is bad for both. I never could understand why people get involved with co-workers, bosses. Don't people have their own set of friends to socialize with and meet new people anymore? Most office buildings are next to other office buildings that have people in other offices. Can't people meet those people to date rather than the people they work with? I've always been so private I never wanted the people I work with to know all my business.

 

My sentiments exactly. Not to mention there has to be some loss in productivity/efficiency/focus with all the "mating" going on and off.

[pureinheart]

Wow that is harsh. I assume you were talking about me.

 

As Silk said you work with people over a period of time and you get to know them. I dont know. My situation was different in many ways but that is neither here nor there.

 

Agreed its difficult when you get involved with someone yuo work with but its not better if they are single. If you break up with someone single with whom you work you can find yourself in just the same position and these days something like 60% of people meet their mates at work. If you dont meet someone in school or you divorce chances are you will meet your next mate at work. People meet on the internet sure but far far fewer find a mate on the internet than at work.

 

Management frowns on bad breakups regardless of whether the man is married.

 

 

Agreed jj, it actually, when speaking of the workplace, is the same single or not as the same difficulties are met. There was one couple that worked in the same dept/shop for several years and never had one fight to my knowledge...so it depends.

 

I guess it all depends on where you work. The sector I work in is renowned for romantic entwinements, and it's accepted as a fact of life. You spend so much of your life working (at work, at home, at work-related events, etc) that there are none of the standard 'work-life boundaries' that exist in some sectors. People's identity is deeply embedded in their work.

 

"Senior management" in my sector DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. The policy about informing your lowest common line manager about ANY R (not just a romantic one) was quietly shelved after managers had to deal with the daily embarrassment of having to hear about their colleagues' private lives. Your private lives are considered just that - private. Your work life is all that interests them. And if your WORK is affected - they deal with that, through the myriad ways of addressing poor performance. The reasons for that performance (whether it be a second job lap dancing, a new baby keeping you up all night or a romance that soured - with whomever) are yours alone to worry about, though the organisation will obviously attempt to help you find solutions if you want. But ultimately - your ability or not to do the job is all that interests them - not any reason why.

 

This describes the environment in which I worked...also we worked 84+ hour work weeks at times, and it was mandatory. My job was my identity and the people I worked with were quite intelligent and this was very attractive to me...ExDM was the Macgyver of our industry...and my bf was our customer so I got a lot out of that also.

 

Oh and senior management were usually the main ones in A's.

Edited June 4, 2010 by pureinheart

[lilbunny]

I am particularly interested in this thread for two reasons.

1) I am currently involved with a colleague and

2) I am amazed at some of the working practices ad rights afforded to posters from across the pond.

 

Short of being caught doing something inappropriate on the premisis my personal life and relationships pose no threat to my job whatsoever. My employer/ line manager would not even raise the issue (and I strongly suspect if they did raise the issue, any such personal questions would be quickly silenced by my trade union representative on the grounds that if there was a fault with my work then they should discuss that).

 

I have heard suggestions about angry wives telephoning HR departments, mine would refuse to discuss the matter and hang up! Some of the processes I have read about just don't exist here.

 

I am rather shocked that someone who pays your wages feels they have the right to dictate your emotional and moral behaviours. The only thing they have a right to comment on is whatever it is they actually pay you to do, and if you've done that, why the hell do they care?

[OWoman]

I am particularly interested in this thread for two reasons.

1) I am currently involved with a colleague and

2) I am amazed at some of the working practices ad rights afforded to posters from across the pond.

 

Short of being caught doing something inappropriate on the premisis my personal life and relationships pose no threat to my job whatsoever. My employer/ line manager would not even raise the issue (and I strongly suspect if they did raise the issue, any such personal questions would be quickly silenced by my trade union representative on the grounds that if there was a fault with my work then they should discuss that).

 

I have heard suggestions about angry wives telephoning HR departments, mine would refuse to discuss the matter and hang up! Some of the processes I have read about just don't exist here.

 

I am rather shocked that someone who pays your wages feels they have the right to dictate your emotional and moral behaviours. The only thing they have a right to comment on is whatever it is they actually pay you to do, and if you've done that, why the hell do they care?

 

Absolutely!

[Fieldsofgold]

Why would an employer care? I guess to some extent the type of work you do would influence that. I am a business owner. I pay employees to take care of clients and produce quality work. When Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly have a hot thing going, it is usually apparent because of the amount of time spent hanging over each other's desks, hanging out in the hall, the breakroom. I have had clients complain because Mr. Studly was so busy talking to Ms. Thang that neither could be bothered with the client. And when Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly are having problems, productivity, creativity and attention to detail nosedive even more! Besides what's going on between the two of them, she has to tell Ms. Chick at the next desk all about it. All day long. Every time he pees, it's significant.

 

And then there's Ms. Benefits, who will do an outstanding project, but slights the billing a little bit in favor of her current client/love interest. Or Mr. Deeppockets, who pads a payment, or purchases supplies at a little higher price because Ms. Hotstuff wanted him and his order.

 

Twenty-eight years running a small business I have seen it A.L.L. - literally!

 

I worked hard to start my business, at a time and place where people in my category, and especially women, were supposed to stay "on the hill." I started with $25, which was hard come by, and built a successful small business that has not only provided a good living for me and my family, but has given employment opportunities, training and experience to some people who might not otherwise have gotten a break.

 

I am fair, and I pay my employees well. But I pay them to work. Not to flirt, fight and f**k on my dime. I am running a business, not a cotillion club.

 

Maybe if I owned a large corporation, or a different kind of business, it wouldn't matter. But I don't. I can't afford employees who waste time, my money, and distract other employees with their personal carrying on. And I can guarantee you this - when my employees are being evaluating for promotions, bonuses, outside training, and other benefits, the ones who take care of business are the ones who have the edge.

 

That's why it matters to me. I guess a lot of it depends on which side of the paycheck you sign.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Fieldsofgold

[OWoman]

But I pay them to work. Not to flirt, fight and f**k on my dime. I am running a business, not a cotillion club.

 

Fair enough - which was my point: this impacting on THEIR WORK. You havve every right to "discipline" anyone for poor performance - WHATEVER the source of that. (using "discipline" in the broad sense to describe any kind of intervention to improve performance - whether it's supportive like moving a new mother onto flexible hours, or corrective like enrolling an alcoholic on a dependency programme, or extreme like dismissing someone for theft). But only insofar as it impacts negatively on their work.

 

Work Rs (including As) can also have beneficial spin-offs - conversations over coffee between people from different depts who - without the romantic interest - would not normally have occasion to talk, which spawn novel and creative projects; networking which sidesteps useless bureaucracy and gets straight to the decision point; knowledge sharing and mentoring; strategic alignment between departments, etc. I've seen a lot of good stuff come out of As in the office - and the negative stuff is easily performance managed.

 

After all, how different is it whether Daisy Browneyes is panting breathlessly at DaveFromAccounts, or at her boyfriend in Istanbul on a long-distance call (while DaveFromAccounts jerks off to porn he's streaming on the office PC?) If they're not doing their job, they're not doing their job - whether the object of their hormones is internal or on the moon, or whether it's because they're phoning around for a new / better job somewhere else or bleary-eyed from too little sleep because of a new baby.

[Fieldsofgold]

At least when Dave from accounts is jerking off to porn, he's only impacting the performance of one employee and one computer. And he probably won't be going all day long! I have had to deal with situations where an office A impacted nearly everyone in the office. As for increased networking and "creative idea" production, we have plenty of activities and opportunities to aid that. In my experience, office romance is consistently a headache, and any "benefits" to the company that might come out of it are quickly offset by the negatives. Do it for as long as I have, when your family and your employees' families are hanging on whether you "make or break" and then get back to me.

 

Perhaps I lack good management skills. Could be. I didn't get a college degree, or any other formal training for running a business. But I have kept the same business running through difficult economic times, I have provided income for a lot of families, and I have equipped a lot people who couldn't afford college, either, with skills and education that hopefully will serve them well for years to come, whether with my firm or elsewhere.

 

I do recognize that the experiences of other businesses might be drastically different from mine. But this IS my experience and my reality.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Fieldsofgold

[Spark1111]

Romances in the work place have become the new phenomenon as we now spend more time in the workplace than at home, especially women.

 

I agree every employee should be judged on their personal performance, but work place romances can be a huge distraction in the work place; the gossip, the stories, the speculation, especially if one or both of the partners are married to others.

 

Women have relationship radar, and if anyone truly believes their secret affair is secret, trust me, it's at least being speculated upon and gossiped about.

 

It's a diversion and in some cases a huge one, which is why it is so frowned upon in most corporate arenas.

 

Depending on how big a diversion the relationship is to employees in the work place is a good indicator of how happy or unhappy management will be about it.

 

Also interesting to note is in government or non-profit organizations, the use of cell phones, office lines or work computers to communicate during your affair or relationship is a cause for immediate dismissal. It's fraudulent use of tax-free dollars. You've expended company funds to fuel your personal relationship.

 

Bottom line: If they want to fire you, they can and will find a way.

[Spark1111]

Why would an employer care? I guess to some extent the type of work you do would influence that. I am a business owner. I pay employees to take care of clients and produce quality work. When Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly have a hot thing going, it is usually apparent because of the amount of time spent hanging over each other's desks, hanging out in the hall, the breakroom. I have had clients complain because Mr. Studly was so busy talking to Ms. Thang that neither could be bothered with the client. And when Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly are having problems, productivity, creativity and attention to detail nosedive even more! Besides what's going on between the two of them, she has to tell Ms. Chick at the next desk all about it. All day long. Every time he pees, it's significant.

 

And then there's Ms. Benefits, who will do an outstanding project, but slights the billing a little bit in favor of her current client/love interest. Or Mr. Deeppockets, who pads a payment, or purchases supplies at a little higher price because Ms. Hotstuff wanted him and his order.

 

Twenty-eight years running a small business I have seen it A.L.L. - literally!

 

I worked hard to start my business, at a time and place where people in my category, and especially women, were supposed to stay "on the hill." I started with $25, which was hard come by, and built a successful small business that has not only provided a good living for me and my family, but has given employment opportunities, training and experience to some people who might not otherwise have gotten a break.

 

I am fair, and I pay my employees well. But I pay them to work. Not to flirt, fight and f**k on my dime. I am running a business, not a cotillion club.

 

Maybe if I owned a large corporation, or a different kind of business, it wouldn't matter. But I don't. I can't afford employees who waste time, my money, and distract other employees with their personal carrying on. And I can guarantee you this - when my employees are being evaluating for promotions, bonuses, outside training, and other benefits, the ones who take care of business are the ones who have the edge.

 

That's why it matters to me. I guess a lot of it depends on which side of the paycheck you sign.

 

Or, how about Ms. Newly Single, dating Tom, Dick and Harry and regaling anyone who will listen about her dating and sometime sexual exploits as if she was 17 again and let out of prison?

 

Now people start finding reasons to stop by and chat her up and hear the newest version of soft-porn dating.

 

Ugh! Had to shut that one down real quick.

[OWoman]

Also interesting to note is in government or non-profit organizations, the use of cell phones, office lines or work computers to communicate during your affair or relationship is a cause for immediate dismissal. It's fraudulent use of tax-free dollars. You've expended company funds to fuel your personal relationship.

 

This is a country-specific situation. In my country, workers in NGOs are allowed to make personal use of resources like computers or phones with a blind eye turned, because they earn such poor salaries in that sector. And the public sector is protected by really good, strong unions, so that kind of behaviour would be regulated by mutual agreement, and subject to tightly controlled procedures in the event of an alleged breach - not subject to the kind of harsh penalties that seem so prevalent in the US!

[lilbunny]

I'm with Owoman on this as a public sector worker, who is active in, and supported by a union with pretty much 100% membership many of these things are a real eye opener. That said I do not have an expense account or some of the perks I have heard mentioned, nor do I work in a profit driven environment. I also wouldn't be dismissed for making a personal call or using the internet for my own purposes (within reason, of course).

Gossip undoubtedly takes place, I believe I am regularly a subject, though it never gets out of hand and remains in the a tea break chatter. The nature of our work generally means that we have no opportunity to spend actual work time doing much other than what we are supposed to be doing. As it goes I have a decent reputation for getting things done and if anything both myself and the man I am seeing are noted for doing an awful lot of things we don't have to do and don't get paid extra for. That was the case before and still is now. If anything we probably do even more because we are involved in different areas, but support each other's projects. So in theory, they are probably benefitting!

[pureinheart]

Why would an employer care? I guess to some extent the type of work you do would influence that. I am a business owner. I pay employees to take care of clients and produce quality work. When Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly have a hot thing going, it is usually apparent because of the amount of time spent hanging over each other's desks, hanging out in the hall, the breakroom. I have had clients complain because Mr. Studly was so busy talking to Ms. Thang that neither could be bothered with the client. And when Ms. Thang and Mr. Studly are having problems, productivity, creativity and attention to detail nosedive even more! Besides what's going on between the two of them, she has to tell Ms. Chick at the next desk all about it. All day long. Every time he pees, it's significant.

 

And then there's Ms. Benefits, who will do an outstanding project, but slights the billing a little bit in favor of her current client/love interest. Or Mr. Deeppockets, who pads a payment, or purchases supplies at a little higher price because Ms. Hotstuff wanted him and his order.

 

Twenty-eight years running a small business I have seen it A.L.L. - literally!

 

I worked hard to start my business, at a time and place where people in my category, and especially women, were supposed to stay "on the hill." I started with $25, which was hard come by, and built a successful small business that has not only provided a good living for me and my family, but has given employment opportunities, training and experience to some people who might not otherwise have gotten a break.

 

I am fair, and I pay my employees well. But I pay them to work. Not to flirt, fight and f**k on my dime. I am running a business, not a cotillion club.

 

Maybe if I owned a large corporation, or a different kind of business, it wouldn't matter. But I don't. I can't afford employees who waste time, my money, and distract other employees with their personal carrying on. And I can guarantee you this - when my employees are being evaluating for promotions, bonuses, outside training, and other benefits, the ones who take care of business are the ones who have the edge.

 

That's why it matters to me. I guess a lot of it depends on which side of the paycheck you sign.

 

FOG...this brings back fond memories of my first H...his family owned and ran a business...they are quite amazing people...get this, his brother by the age of 18 saved ten thousand $'s (this was in the early 70's) and kept this money buried in a coffee can in the back yard. He bought the name of the business off of his dad for five thousand and used the rest to open a store in town...he did not know how to read or write. He M'ed and his W took care of the books and they prospered...I'd say they are worth over tens of millions now easy...a total financial success story.

 

My exH's brothers issues seem to be less with employees and more with family...that was one crazy family...lol...

 

In my industry which is in fact very large. Most of the jobs had a lot of down time which could not be avoided and some didn't use the down time as they should have, although we made schedule with no problem and that was the important thing..

 

Most A's and personal R's were conducted outside of work...we took our jobs extremely serious, as it was no game to any of us...We were professionals with a capitol "P":)