Your Boss Reads Your IMs... and 9 Things He Won't Admit

But fear not, you're not likely to get fired for online shopping
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 9, 2011 4:37 PM CST
Your Boss Reads Your IMs... and 9 Things He Won't Admit
Your boss might be looking over your shoulder even when you're not around.   (Shutter Stock)

Ever wonder if your bosses are snooping on you at work? They probably are. On SmartMoney, Catey Hill reveals 10 things they’ll never tell you:

  • They read your emails and IMs: Some employ monitoring software that flags certain keywords or types of messages; one company estimates reading 5% to 10% of employee emails. But don’t worry: You’re more likely to get canned for leaking confidential information than, say, using your work email to place an Amazon order.
  • They know when you’re not actually sick: One manager sums it up nicely: “I've been a boss, but I've been an employee too.” That sense of ESP also goes for job-hunting, leaving early, or just plain slacking.

  • They don't care about your kids: Taking too much time off to care for them? You may be overlooked when it comes to big projects—or promotions.
  • Promotions aren’t based on performance: Sure, performance matters—but many other factors contribute, including the question of how much your boss likes you.
  • Looks matter: Attractive people tend to get ahead at work; unattractive people tend to be penalized. In one survey, 43% of overweight people reported being passed over, teased, or even fired for their weight.
Click for the complete list. (More boss stories.)

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