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A Study Shows That 4% of Employees Are Fired For Playing Pokémon GO

2016-09-27 , 4:13 pm

While Pokemon GO has been a great hit and known as a “healthy game” since young people are coming out of their houses and walking about, there are several downsides to playing this game. Although Pokemon GO has generally toned down in Singapore, gamers in Malaysia are still hot on it – resulting in a 4% termination among employees, according to an article published in The Straits Times. Here are six facts regarding employers’ stand and the terminations for playing Pokemon GO.

Singapore employers do it too
Don’t give that sigh of relief yet – there have been cases of employees being fired in Singapore for playing Pokemon GO too. Some people are losing their mind over Pokemon GO, and they got so engrossed into this virtual world that they are distracted at work. Can you imagine your surgeon at the hospital playing Pokemon GO?

Game over for Malaysians who’re playing during work hours
While it’s no harm for a round of PokeGym to battle or train, it’s clearly a game over for employees who’re taking this game too seriously and playing it during work hours. Some employees are playing it to the extent that they’re not giving their best at work, leading to the termination.

Six employers have dismissed workers
According to a survey in Malaysia, six employers have dismissed workers. Employers also claim that their workers are taking a longer lunch break due to the game, and they’re breaching the company’s restricted areas to catch these monsters in the game. MEF executive director Datuk Shamsuddin had stated that employers are still trying to assess the situation because it is too early for them to set up a standard policy for all employers on this game.

Then again, by the time they set a policy, the game might have died down.

Poll was taken among various sectors
This poll was taken among 150 employers in various sectors, which 50% of poll participants were from the manufacturing sector while the rest were from other industries. In other words, it’s an impartial and relatively exhaustive survey.

Distracted employees have become a worrying issue for employers since it is “extremely unprofessional,” as mentioned by the employers. This is true, since you wouldn’t want an irresponsible staff to be making unnecessary mistakes at work.

Other actions took by employers
Employers have decided to take other measures, such as advising employees against playing the game during work hours, issuing warning letters and imposing suspensions from work without pay. 95% of the respondents mentioned that they do not allow employees to access the app at work, or prohibiting workers from using the company email address to sign up for the game. Some employers are also taking it a step further, hoping to request game developer Niantic labs remove

95% of the respondents mentioned that they do not allow employees to access the app at work, or prohibiting workers from using the company email address to sign up for the game. Some employers are also taking it a step further, hoping to request game developer Niantic labs remove Pokestops and Gyms near their offices or workplace.

Wait, there’re offices with PokeStops?

It’s good for some business though
However, 19% of employers in the survey such as F&B have found the game to be good for their businesses. Pokestops and Gyms near restaurants and eating-places help to bring in crowds and more business.

So, when you’re thinking of playing Pokemon GO at work do remember this and take note of your behaviour at work!

Featured Image: enchanted_fairy / Shutterstock.com

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

A Study Shows That 4% of Employees Are Fired For Playing Pokémon GO

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