Cathy

Is it just me- or has the American office become deadly silent. It seems like no one talks to each other anymore since the internet (message boards and chat rooms (Fodors) have become available on everyone's work computer.

It makes us look so busy punching away at the keyboard! We will not get in trouble for what we say or be yelled at for socializing on the job.

I miss the good old days. When we caught up on our work people would gather in the hall and chat. Now that we have the internet (and Fodors) we only chat on line.

Lester

In my office being social is discouraged. We are expected to be in our offices with noses to the grinstone but of course there is always slow periods where it would be nice to get up and walk around and talk to people. My only social chances in this office is the internet. Very sad!

Howard

They are looking at your internet use anyway, so your blamed for communication regardless of if it is verbal or on line.

I think with the recession people are afraid to talk socially in offices because they may be called slakers.

Jackie

I am in my 50s and have worked for maybe 10 companies since my 20s. I have noticed a general decrease in social communication in the office during the last 10 years. Especially the last few years since the internet. So-- I have to agree.

x

Which tells you something about the work ethic - spend time on the internet engaged in social activities when at work. Great way to earn your salary. If someone did a survey I bet it would be found that many employees with Internet access at work are spending an hour or more a day (not including lunch) on the Internet in non work related activities.

Dinah

Howard, i couldnt agree more! In my office people keep their noses to their desks, and off the telephone. Our bosses know exactly what we put on our computers. Interesting you'd use the word slackers because we have a board somebody put up (we're all scared to move it!) for people to list goof offs. Somebody else penned slackers at the top! At first it seemed like somebody's idea of a joke, but now it seems to work - any thoughts?

x

Dinah - I don't think employees should use the Internet for personal business when at work. But posting a list requsting names of "goof offs" is beyond the pale and should be removed. What a way for someone to get back, for whatever reason, at a co-worker. Reminds me of the incdent where the Indian actress and her family were detained for hours because a passenger on the airplane interpreted their being excited at seeing NYC from the air as a suspicious activity.

Anne

Funny there are twice as many posts during the workday than on weekends on Fodors, wonder where from----- work/offices of course.

I have noticed a general trend away from workplace socializing also. Maybe due to the internet.

Are the people on this board more interesting than your co-workers?

heres

I agree that the internet is part of it. However, 20 years ago many employees stayed at the same company for 10, 20, 50 years. Co-workers were more like "family." Nowadays people are constantly changing jobs or being laid off, so long-term relationships don't develop. And I do think that heightened awareness and crackdowns on sexual harrassment in the office has made people more cautious about becoming friendly, since actions might be misinterpreted.

Jes

The typical office has people just staring into computers all day, very dull, people forget how to be friendly to co-workers.