Do you think it is OK to skip out of work a few minutes early?

Question

At work one of the supervisors came up behind me near the end of the day and asked, "Are you working over time today?" I looked at the clock and found that I had 3 minutes left until the end of the day so I responded, "No, but I've got 3 more minutes, I can do at least 4 or 5 of these in 3 minutes." She grabbed her stuff and walked out the door. I know three minutes doesn't sound like much of a theft but stealing is stealing in my book. I figure I make about $.20 per minute so, if I leave 3 minutes early that is $.60 I have stolen from my employer. If I leave 3 minutes early every day that is $3.00 per week I have stolen. If I do that every day for a year I'll have stolen $156.00 from my employer. Now, if you multiply that times the number of workers....if every one left 3 minutes early every day for a year, and they employ approximately 1500 people. So, assuming that every one else is making at least what I am making it means that collectively we will have stolen at least $234,000.00 that year from our employer. And with that money our employer could have haired 7,800 more workers that year at 30K per year. (I think these figures are correct....math is not my best subject so you may want to check these numbers before using it as an example to any one.)

Answer 1

It is not OK If you make it a habit; however if once in awhile  you leave early, I don't think is a big deal.

I worked for a company in CA and my supervisor/manager was in OH. And even though they never saw me come in or leave the office, I usually stayed 1 to 2 hours after my schedule working hours, and I did not get paid overtime because I was exempt.  But, that is the kind of person that I am.

Answer 2

In my job, we often have to work long hours when a project goes live, without monetary compensation. Often as well we need to work through our lunch breaks which means each day the company gets extra time out of us.

Because of this we all go by the mantra 'make the most of the time while you have it'. This means that if we have the chance (i.e. we don't have any immediate responsibilities) we'll leave early, or start a bit later. 99.9% make up the time.

I guess my answer is that it depends on the agreement you have with your boss. In my case, no it's not wrong, as long as we make the time up somewhere.

Answer 3

Do you think it is OK to steal?

Answer 4

you already answer your question..... it is not ok to skip out of work.