Privates at the workplace: What is allowed and what is not
Printing, Phoning, Emailing: Dealing with Private Matters During Working Hours Can Have Consequences. Why It's Better to Ask in Doubt.
Sending a quick glance at personal emails or a message in the family chat? This can quickly become a problem during working hours, reports management magazine "Topeins" (issue 2/24).
In principle, private matters should be avoided during working hours, according to the Working Hours Act, both in the office and at home. Although this may be tolerated in practice to some extent, consequences can still occur - from a warning to termination of employment. Employees are truly secure only if there are corresponding service agreements or other regulations regarding this matter.
Using company equipment for private matters?
The use of company equipment such as laptops or smartphones for private matters is generally prohibited. This applies during working hours as well as in free time. Exceptions are possible through company regulations.
For example, it is possible to make arrangements for employees to cover a portion of their monthly mobile phone costs and use the phone privately. Or that smartphones are operated with two SIM cards - one professional and one private. If a device is allowed to be used privately, the scope and conditions for this should be defined in the service agreement, it is stated.
Further activities that are generally prohibited for employees according to the magazine:
- Printing private documents at the workplace printer
- Charging one's own smartphone at work
- Taking printer paper, pens, or toilet paper home
- Setting up one's own electrical appliances like water heaters in the office
However, exceptions can be agreed upon with the employer if there are no clearly established rules for the individual points.
Security risks of private use
There are also security reasons for the ban on private matters at work. Background: If viruses or other malware reach the company devices through private use, employees risk not only professional but also financial consequences due to potential damage claims.
- In the context of labor law, employers often face legal questions regarding the use of company equipment for personal judgments or activities during working hours.
- Consumers should be aware of the potential consequences for employees who engage in private activities, such as printing personal documents or using company equipment for personal use, as outlined in the guide provided by "Topeins" magazine.
- Employees who are unsure about their employer's policies on private matters during working hours should consider seeking guidance from their employer to avoid any potential missteps.
- Complying with labor law and company policies regarding private matters during working hours can help prevent legal disputes between employers and employees, resulting in a more harmonious work environment for families and all employees.
