Is surfing allowed at work?
The Internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. We are used to being able to surf anytime and anywhere: on the train, in lectures, in the pub. But what does it look like when you start a job as a recent graduate or as a student assistant? Is surfing actually allowed at work?
There is no general answer to the question. The basic rule is that work should be carried out during working hours. Anyone who doesn't do this, regardless of the reason, at least risks a warning. Nevertheless, private surfing on the Internet is now accepted in many companies. In principle, you should focus on the following two points:
What does the employment contract say?
Many employment contracts state whether and to what extent surfing is permitted at work. For many jobs it is now necessary to use the Internet. A social media manager can only do his job more difficult if he is not allowed to be on Facebook and Twitter. However, private surfing is often excluded from the general permission to use the Internet.
How are your colleagues doing?
If the boss tolerates private Internet use among colleagues, this will also be considered an accepted habit at a legal level after six months. In plain language, this means that if it hasn't bothered the boss in the last six months, it can't be a reason for a warning tomorrow.
How the company deals with private use of the Internet not only applies to the workplace provided, but also to one's own smartphone. Of course, a boss can't forbid having a smartphone. But he can give a warning if it is used more than average during working hours to send private messages or surf on the cell phone. Short private messages and calls are no problems. In principle, surfing at work is not prohibited in most cases, the only important thing is that work is not neglected.
