Time theft is a serious crime.

Is time theft morally wrong? Let's examine the issue.

Time Theft Is Wrong

We'll define "time theft" as time spent at work not working when you should be. In other words, if you work an eight hour day and you're doing personal things outside of your 15 minute breaks, you're "stealing time".

Let's make the case of it being immoral. First, you agreed to work for your employer in exchange for a salary. Your employer has this expectation. When you waste time, you're breaking a promise to your employer.

You are also damaging your employer's ability to do business, satisfy customers and pay other employees. When you aren't working, your employer is less efficient and they make less revenue or lose more money.

So your "time theft" also hurts others who rely on the organization.

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Time Theft is Okay

On the other hand, your employer probably has an expectation that some time theft is reasonable - as long as your important work gets done.

Also, your employer has an obligation to supply you with work (or to make clear that you need to initiate work on your own). Your employer should also supply you with the tools and training to get the work done.

If your employer does not supply you with work or with the tools to do this work, then you do not have an obligation to "complete" anything for them.

Conclusion

Overall, I conclude that there's a stronger case for arguing that time theft is wrong.

Other Points to Consider

* Would it make a difference if your own manager or boss "time theft" himself or herself? And that there was an unstated culture of time theft throughout the workplace?

* Would it make a difference if you stole time as a way of revenging some other injustice?

* How about if you stole time, but told your employer about it, so that they knew you weren't busy enough. Would that make it okay?

* What about if you realized yourself that by "time-theft" you actually made yourself more efficient and productive as an employee, because you've had that added rest. Would it still be unethical? Should you be allowed to make that judgement?

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Note: I wrote this entry at work.