computer use at work, and how many hours do people really work?

[Prloko]

In my humble opinion the workers at Apple and others who slack off when the boss is not looking are hurting not just the employer but also themselves. Since my husband is a salary worker and most of our friends are also in that boat I have a different opinion on what you owe your employer. If you want to get somewhere in life and you want a career and not just a job than you need to stop looking at the clock and do what is required to get you ahead in your job. Of course having an employer who appreciates the effort is important, but you never know what the employer will appreciate until you make the effort.

You actually agree with my statement, not disagree. You are stating if you want more, you need to give more. I agree. I was rapidly promoted throughout my career for going above and beyond. But for hourly employees who are required to clock in and clock out, the employer feels they only owe them the clock time, why would an employee be obliged to give more? Or even salaried employees, if all they want in life is to pay the bills and go home to their families, then why do they owe MORE than an honest effort (honest effort being doing exactly what their employer hired them to do and nothing more). I see nothing wrong with that. I've had both types of employees work under me, and I appreciate the work from both, but the one that goes above and beyond gets more reward. But that doesn't make the other one bad. If they get the work done and want to take a coffee break, go for it. If you are three weeks behind on your projects, then yeah, you better put that doughnut down and get busy.

As far as Apple, I've been in their stores quite a few times and I've seen very intelligent, and engaged employees, who have to provide service to hordes of customers in packed stores. I haven't seen any slackers. Have you seen otherwise?