verbal warnings

[Lizzy]

I have been working in the call center environment for awhile. I am presently in this job for the past 9 months. I have recently received a verbal warning for surfing the Internet in on after call work. I realize that on company time I should not be surfing the Net. It just happened that one week I was doing it alot and they saw that. How should I react? Should I start looking for another job? I like my job and the company, but I would not want to disappoint them. I am committed to not going on the Net in productive mode and rather go surfing on my breaks only. I am a consciencious worker who has a great record in punctuality and absenteism. In addition, clients and supervisors like my work and do not doubt my capabilities.

[dpzim]

if it is a written company policy, you must follow. most companies have this as a policy now for several reasons, productivity, security, what the user will be looking at.

If it is not a company policy, a written company policy, then if I was you, and I have 13 years experience, 11 in managment, I would speak to the person that gave it to you and let them know that you were not aware of this policy and give them a little tip, advise them that if it is a policy then they may want to write it up and advice everyone of this. approach the subject matter of factly and the person I think would appreciate this, like you are doing them a favor.

I do not think this is the only reason to look for another job, like i said before most companies have a policy like this now. Mine is zero tolerance and people will be terminated immediately.

[yooo]

My question would be if you were handed out any policy regarding internet use in writing and did you sign it. Any company policy has to be in writing with the agents/associates signature.
Also, these days one has to surf the internet for work as well.

If I were you, I would ask my Supervisor or whosoever handed out the verbal warning, an explanation of the policy and to revoke the verbal warning.

[NBosch]

Lizzy,

Don't worry too much. One verbal warning, in a well managed call centre, is normally not the single factor for being fired.

I agree, that it would be helpful to you and your colleagues if there was a written policy, but as you said, it is clear that after call wrap up time is not the appropriate moment to surf the net. If you agree with your TL that he/she was right and that it won't happen again, I am pretty sure that it will soon be forgotten.

[amc2]

I'd talk to your manager or your HR manager. Let them know that you understand why they issued you the warning- and that you intend to ensure that you dont do this again.

Tell them that you are committed to the company and your job- and mean it.

Today can be the first day at your new job....or the new day at your existing job- the truth is- in either case you will have to be on your best behaviour.

The verbal warning- only becomes a problem, if you continue to have issues- otherwise it will go away-

Id focus on doing a great job while you are at work- act as if you own the company and do the best job you can possibly do- in 6 months- go back to your boss and review all the great things that you have done- and politely ask him/her if they would remove it from your file. (dont get mad if they wont)

Time heals all things;

Remember- we make a choice every day we get up and go to work- make it count

[Lizzy]

thanks to everyone who responded.
All employees recently got a document 'Inappropriate conduct' to read and sign. This document details all conducts inappropriate in a call center: Internet usage at work. Many people were caught in the act and this document came out and we were requested to read it and sign it.
If I had this document given to me when they hired me I would have been more aware of 'inappropriate conduct'. Since the occurence, my boss has seen an improvement which is a good thing.