Should I fire my employee if he spends half his workday on the internet playing and not working?

Answer 1

I think that his behavior is so egregious that you can make a case that you are firing him for cause. Under these circumstances you are not required to give him a warning. Stealing your time is just about the same as stealing your money and you are not required to pussyfoot around under these circumstances. Having said this you ought to talk with your attorney to make sure you are following the law and what you have to do to make sure you don't have to pay a big unemployment claim.

There is another good reason for a summary firing: Most other employees know he is screwing off. Nothing focuses the attention of the survivors like a good hanging. They will respect you more for your good decision.

Answer 2

Well I think you need to take a process before you just simply and quickly fire someone.

1st- there is usually a verbal warning
2nd- written warning with a verbal warning
3rd- Then you give another Written warning , or Fire them.

You need to go in those steps first so you dont get yourself into some sort of law suit or even workmans comp.
This shows that you went out of your way and gave chances.
Also make sure he signs off on the VERBAL, and writtens that way you have proof.

Answer 3

First, it sounds like he may not have enough to do. I worked for a company where it was crazy busy one day, and totally dead the next. Company policy there was that we could "surf the Web" to our hearts' content, provided we were caught up on our work and there was absolutely nothing to do at the time.

But, if your employee is shirking his duties or if his Internet activities are against company policy, then he needs to be warned, preferably in writing.

Answer 4

I spend half of my day online playing games and answering questions but, I make sure my work is done for the day so all I have left to do is answer phones and take messages. Otherwise, I would just sit here and twidle my thumbs all day. Look at his workload and see if he needs more responsibilities. Think of it how you would think of a exceptional child in school. Children get bored when they already know the lesson they are learning. Maybe he is just through with what you have given him for work and needs more responsibilities.

Answer 5

If you have given him ample written warning, he obviously doesn't care enough about the job that you should feel bad. Otherwise, start giving him written warning.

A big decision factor for me is whether or not you have given him enough to do, unless he's in a place where he is expected to take A LOT of initiative. I'm going to guess that neither one of you have enough to do, if you're on yahoo answers.

Answer 6

You have to determine what the cause of his "time wasting activity" is. As a manager it is your responsibility to discuss what you view as inappropriate. It could be that he is looking for some information for a personal problem he is having or in need of help.

If he is downright irresponsible, you don't have a choice but fire him.

Answer 7

you might not have to fire him right away,,, you can try to rectify this problem by giving him a fair warning that could lead to suspension and eventually determination...Just look into knowing your rights as an employer and his rights as an employee.

Answer 8

If you are a real employer you would not be asking this question. If you are a real employer, you are very inadequate. Why would you tolerate this behavior? You are not doing yourself or the employee any justice.

Answer 9

If it's his/her first time "No" just warned the employee. If it continue then you may with to consider termination. Sometime people have bad days and do silly things.

Answer 10

That all depends on what his job requirements are. If he is keeping up with all of those requirements, you really have no reason to. However, even if he's not, you should give him a warning before you fire him.