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AIBU?

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Original poster

May be in a bit of trouble at work

32 replies

Flutra · 23/05/2019 17:13

At work we are getting new software which means management can see what we have been doing on the internet. I am really fed up with work, my morale is really down with my massive workload and I spend a fair bit of time on the internet. Never looking at anything bad, usually browsing personal emails or fantasising about holidays.

Now, since I've heard we are getting this software, I am obviously not going on the internet for purposes other than work, bit with the software, can they look at what staff have been up to in the recent past?

OP posts:
plunkplunkfizz · 23/05/2019 17:18

How would the software track what happened before it was installed except through your browsing history which your employer could access now.

Bezalelle · 23/05/2019 17:20

I'm no tech expert, but surely it will just start the surveillance from when it's installed.

InACheeseAndPickle · 23/05/2019 17:20

No it won't look at what you've been doing previously but it'll flag up how much time (from now on) you spend on social networks, news cites etc and would probably flag up if you ever visit any totally inappropriate cites.

NewGrandad · 23/05/2019 17:21

It will probably just be what you are looking at from now but I would clear my browser history as soon as possible. Just to be safe.

Loopytiles · 23/05/2019 17:22

Risk of being caught out before the change sounds v low.

Unwise to use work software for personal stuff.

Loopytiles · 23/05/2019 17:22

If work has free wifi, just use your phone to surf Smile

RNBrie · 23/05/2019 17:24

I wouldn't clear your internet history, that looks suspicious!

The software might be able to track how much time you are spending on non-work sites but it won't be able to get that information retrospectively as it's not captured or stored anywhere.

I don't think you have anything to worry about, but I do think you should look for a new job!

LaurieMarlow · 23/05/2019 17:24

Clear your history. And reign it in in future.

But I don’t think you’ve anything to worry about as it stands.

KatieB55 · 23/05/2019 17:25

I have worked somewhere where each computer was scanned each time it connected to the network, so IT could see what was on the hard drive (which included cookies etc) and what had been downloaded. Maybe delete your internet history and cookies!

Teddybear45 · 23/05/2019 17:28

Delete your internet history and cookies, and you’ll be fine

UnicornBrexit · 23/05/2019 17:30

Where I work you cant clear history, a lot of networks are controlled by administrators>

It wont be able to back track, but more importantly, how are you going to fill your day if you haven't got enough work, if it's too obvious you'll be redundant

Laiste · 23/05/2019 17:31

No help OP sorry. I've never worked in an office. I'm just amazed this tech is a new thing.

Fairenuff · 23/05/2019 17:37

Why were you browsing the internet when you have a massive workload?

MrsFezziwig · 23/05/2019 17:37

Can't reconcile the statements that your morale is down because you have a massive workload but that you spend a fair bit of time on the internet.

MrsFezziwig · 23/05/2019 17:38

X-post!

horizontalis · 23/05/2019 17:39

Where I work we have what I can only describe as extreme controls on what we can do online and are pretty much locked down. There are reasons for that though. We can't use mobile phones in the office either. Actually, come to think of it, there's quite a lot we can't do. Grin It doesn't bother me at all, but then I've never really used a work computer for personal stuff anyway.

In your situation OP, I'd completely stop using the work computer from anything other than work.

blacksax · 23/05/2019 17:44

Can they look at what staff have been up to in the recent past?

I think you'll find that they have looked already, and have discovered that rather a lot of their staff are doing much the same as you.

Hence the implementation of the new software.

ChippingInLowCarbing · 23/05/2019 17:46

I thought you were going to say it was full of job hunting stuff 🤣

It’s easy to procrastinate when you have the opportunity. We’re only human (well, most of us, some are clearly robots!).

Set goals at work that will please you to meet.

Out of work, job hunt HARD, you need to get out of there 🌷

Original poster
Flutra · 23/05/2019 17:50

Thanks everyone! I have deleted my cookies and history so fingers crossed! I do work really hard, but get so down by it all that looking online is a really nice escape lol. Internet only at home from now on!

OP posts:
Tigger001 · 23/05/2019 17:52

One of my workplaces had spy software on it and would also do screen grabs of certain peoples PC.

When my old head of department left and I took over, they left all the emails/viewed sites on the machine so I could see everything that she got disciplined for and the documented reasons why. Schoolboy error IT..change of process implemented lol

I wouldn't worry with your previous browsing or bother deleting it even if you can) as I just think that looks weird. I would just be vigilant going forward.

I never used the work PC/laptop for personal use (always too bloody busy ) but staff did say it felt very "Big Brother" to have everything under the microscope.

Original poster
Flutra · 23/05/2019 17:53

Get overwhelmed by the workload enuff and fezziwigg. Management acknowledge there is a problem with the workload but won't deal with it, so I dig myself in the sand and then it piles up some more!

OP posts:
Dyrne · 23/05/2019 17:53

I get it OP - at the moment i’ve got so much on at work I feel paralysed and often end up procrastinating and putting off the work because it seems insurmountable and I don’t know where to start.

I use my personal mobile instead Wink

EvaHarknessRose · 23/05/2019 17:55

Or they haven't had anything installed they are just increasing your productivity on the cheap by saying they have.

TheTitOfTheIceberg · 23/05/2019 17:59

Can't reconcile the statements that your morale is down because you have a massive workload but that you spend a fair bit of time on the internet.

I've been there in the past - whatever you do, however hard you work, it's never enough to get on top of the backlogs, or sometimes you just don't know where to start because it's all too overwhelming and it becomes a self-sabotaging way of procrastinating. You know you're making life harder for yourself but putting the effort into work at that precise moment just seems pointless. I'm not just talking about normal busy-ness but the ridiculous, relentless, unmanageable workload you end up with when e.g. your team resource has been slashed and you're doing the work of what was 2+ people.

(Obviously I recognised that this wasn't healthy or sustainable so I found another job and got out, but I doubt it's a vanishingly rare problem/mindset.)

Fairenuff · 23/05/2019 18:01

I have massive workload too and I spend all 7 and a half hours working with just my lunch as a break. That's why I'm there, it's what I'm paid to do. I think it's shocking that you would skive off.