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The subject of what constitutes "work" in the work place is still a very controversial subject. Making copies, if they relate to work (copies of schedules, work & business rules, product support documents...) must be a paid function. Making copies of personal items (usually banned at most companies) should not be paid for on the clock.
As for signing in... the practice of asking hourly employees to be at their desk, PC logged in, phone signed on at the start of shift is quite common and legal in most states. Few places pay the time for employees to walk in the door, go get coffee or breakfast, and then settle into their desk. However, some businesses allow and pay for 5 minutes after signing in to get a PC or other tools booted. I have heard of some businesses that allow more than 5 minutes based on special team needs - like restrictive security procedures that lenghten access to work stations, agents putting on special clothing or gear, and so forth.
A business unit should always seek HR or legal department advice when setting up these types of guidelines. It is very important that whatever guidelines are set up be uniform throughout the facility and enforced uniformly.
While the "rule of law" sets general guidelines, the best rule to use in the work place is "common sense". Overly restictive rules tend to ruin morale. Too lax a rule can ruin productivity and promotes poor work habits.
Matt
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