How to handle visitors at work
Nov 23, 2009
JACKIE Karungi, an accountant in a law firm, believes unofficial visitors are an interruption at work. Relatives and friends often come to make social calls, sometimes without warning. Karungi says such visits are likely to lessen one’s concentration
By Joyce Nyakato
JACKIE Karungi, an accountant in a law firm, believes unofficial visitors are an interruption at work. Relatives and friends often come to make social calls, sometimes without warning. Karungi says such visits are likely to lessen one’s concentration.
Experts argue that employers assess their staff’s productivity based on how well they use their time at work. Time spent receiving and chitchatting with visitors does not benefit the company.
Peter Kaguliro, a human resource manager with Phenix Logistics, says employees must respect working hours and postpone any unofficial conversation for home.
Employees who spend most of their time attending to personal visitors are considered unfruitful to the company.
William Hanson, an online consultant writes that visitors should not stay long in a workplace or interfere with work. Every employer desires a workplace that is free from distractions. There are policies regarding visitors which range from booking an appointment to filling out a visitor’s form.
Creating a policy on visitors in the workplace protects against liability and helps to maintain worker efficiency, ensure security and protect confidential information.
Damien Wandera, an employer at a private firm in Kampala says they have no clear policy on visitors at his workplace. “Much as a human being is inclined to relate, it should not be at the expense of achieving company goals,†he says.
Although some organisations may not have clear policies on visitors at work, it is important to know how to handle visitors. Below are some tips:
Look out for designated visitor areas. Some areas are restricted and should be avoided.
If a visitor comes into your office, stand up to greet them but do not invite them to sit down. This will shorten the length of their visit.
If you are busy, ask them to come back. Set up an appointment.
Do not let visitors wander on their own. Every employee is held responsible for his visitor.
If you must, advise friends and relatives to meet you during tea and lunch breaks.
JACKIE Karungi, an accountant in a law firm, believes unofficial visitors are an interruption at work. Relatives and friends often come to make social calls, sometimes without warning. Karungi says such visits are likely to lessen one’s concentration.
Experts argue that employers assess their staff’s productivity based on how well they use their time at work. Time spent receiving and chitchatting with visitors does not benefit the company.
Peter Kaguliro, a human resource manager with Phenix Logistics, says employees must respect working hours and postpone any unofficial conversation for home.
Employees who spend most of their time attending to personal visitors are considered unfruitful to the company.
William Hanson, an online consultant writes that visitors should not stay long in a workplace or interfere with work. Every employer desires a workplace that is free from distractions. There are policies regarding visitors which range from booking an appointment to filling out a visitor’s form.
Creating a policy on visitors in the workplace protects against liability and helps to maintain worker efficiency, ensure security and protect confidential information.
Damien Wandera, an employer at a private firm in Kampala says they have no clear policy on visitors at his workplace. “Much as a human being is inclined to relate, it should not be at the expense of achieving company goals,†he says.
Although some organisations may not have clear policies on visitors at work, it is important to know how to handle visitors. Below are some tips: