latedropeddy said...

FB only at lunch in your own time.

Same goes for youtube etc unless it is work related. We use skype a fair bit, sometimes easier and less disruptive than picking up the phone or sending an email. Also a bit more immediate due to the time it takes for emails to get through firewalls etc...Works great when your collegues are overseas. When you need to "capture" something important I will say put it in email so it is more official and is recorded.

Pierrec45 - what type of engineers cause you the most issues? Most of my Grad Mech's are guns and in no way lazy or demanding. All have a good attitude to work/life balance and keep the place fresh and innovative, keeps me on my toes .

Technically I have no problem with FB and googling and smoking a joint and all that, as long as you get your money's worth overall in commitment and hours. Problem is that it is assumed by many workers that they're given rights of theirs (here is that 'right' word again, as in "I have rights" and "I know my rights" and "I have the right to demand 6 weeks hols on my first year" and "I have the right to sue the co. if I don't get this-that raise"). There are privileges that have to earned over time, etc.

Engineering: ahhh!, there's an interesting question of yours. It's not a matter of whether they're civil or chemical or electrical or IT. It's usually the hiring process and the overall company envelope that makes or break the attitude of the younger hires. When they (or other professions such as IT) are allowed to become 'prima donnas' early in the career, then you're toast.

Currently contracting for a co. where that is the case: too many early perks, they lose all productivity, except for a few hungry ones. Other than that, plenty of raw talent and challenging types out there, that's for sure.