by Anna Sanclement

Created on: March 11, 2009

Technology is great for the office. What would we do without computers, cell phones, printers and now Instant Messaging too! IMing has recently started to infiltrate the workplace and it's becoming a great tool for office workers. IMing has long been used by people outside the office, mostly to communicate with friends and family. But now it is getting increasingly popular within offices everywhere.

IMing is a quick way to communicate, it's like a virtual conversation, that's why it's an asset while working. Employees can easily ask questions and get back to work instead of spending time on the phone. But it has also become a way for co-worker friends to communicate and use it for more than work related conversations.

Just like emailing, any IMing done at work is subject to review and monitoring, so employees should watch out what they send through their IMs. Following are some tips on what should never be Instant Messaged at work:

'I hate this job!' - This is one that any office worker hears often from co-workers and although we may all feel like that at one time or another, it really is not the best idea to IM it throughout the company wires. If your company is downsizing you may just give them the perfect excuse for liberating you from your 'hated job'.

'My boss is a jerk' - Again, this one is as common as they get, but if it gets back to your boss you could be setting yourself up for many more 'I hate this job!' statements when your boss makes it a point to prove how much of a jerk he can really be. Of course, that is if he just shows you the jerk he is by a one time act of just firing you.

'I'm calling in sick tomorrow' This IM, if seen by the wrong eyes, will promt a FEDEx package to arrive at your house on your 'supposed' sick day. In this package you will find explicit instructions on submitting a doctor's note to your boss as soon as possible. If you do not do this within 24 hours, your sick day will be forfeited and you will be subject to disciplinary action and/or dismissal.

'The new guy is c-u-t-e!' Not only are you showing the Powers That Be from your company how unprofessional you are, but you are also letting them know how you spend your time at work. Instead of completing those TPS reports that are due at the end of the day, you are running around the office salivating over a guy that you don't even know.

'Check out HarryPotter.com, it has new clips from the movie!' You are blatantly announcing how you really spend your time while you should be

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