When at work, work!

In this time of good economic growth, jobs are still not that easy to come by. New graduates find themselves jobless even with their respective degrees. So those already with jobs they can call their own are considered the fortunate ones. That doesn't always necessarily make them smart. Take the case of two POEA employees assigned to a counter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A sharp-eyed citizen took a picture of the two female employees obviously playing computer games on their respective terminals, while a long queue of people wait for their turn to be served on a different station. The composition of the photo could not have been more perfect.

The reaction was fast and harsh, thanks to the internet. "It's really more fun in the Philippines," says one taking a swipe at the country's tourism slogan which has been the subject of many jokes ever since its launching. The photo also doesn't help in disproving that the NAIA is once again the world's worst airport, it actually enforces it. It was learned later on that the two female employees were from the POEA and not the airport, assigned to check on the documents of departing OFWs. Since they had nobody at their station, they decided to make good use of their time playing games on their computer terminals. Does that make it alright? Of course not.

Here we have a fine example of employees who don't give a hoot about their work, and just want to get through the day and be paid. I really don't care if they were on an official break, they still should not be playing games on an official terminal. They can do all the playing they want at home, or in an internet café, but not at work. This is the problem many businesses face today. Because of the many things that can be done on a computer, a lot of productive time is wasted on things like Facebook, Twitter and what have you, and of course, games. You name it, employees have probably played them on company time. Is this how one treats his job, which others would practically kill to have?

I won't lose sleep if these two POEA employees get fired. In fact, I hope they do, so someone else more deserving of a job can replace them. There is a time for everything, and when at work, then work. But it is more fun in the Philippines, so I won't be surprised if they get a slap on the wrist. They are probably friends with someone high up to have the gall to play during working hours, and therefore have no fear of reprimand. I can only imagine how long these two, and whoever else that mans the same terminal, have been doing this. Imagine their disdain and contempt when while at the height of their playtime, an OFW comes along to have his documents checked. Like we don't get that look from government employees, who feel that we, the people, owe them for just being there.

Every citizen should really be armed with a camera. Just imagine what kind of a photo you would be able to take. It may be the best deterrent to laziness, and even corruption. Or as harmless as someone playing at the casino.