While most of the 100 people I surveyed admitted to being guilty of three to six tech crimes against the office equipment, Mr John Tan (not his real name) ticked 14 out of the 20 abuses listed, earning him the dubious honour of 'top abuser'.

The self-confessed office loafer, who works in an administrative position at a manufacturing company, lists surfing non-work-related websites as his main abuse, spending two hours a day on it.

Quipped the 21-year-old: 'The reason I have so much free time (to commit the abuses) is because I work so fast.'

His employer is unlikely to buy that argument.

Not least because tech malingerers cost big money.

Printer manufacturing company Fuji Xerox estimates that employee abuse of the office printer alone can cost a company between US$500 (S$765) to US$5,000 annually.

Less tangible but equally serious are the possible repercussions of computer abuse in today's PC-driven offices.

Computer use policy

Mr Jason Chin, information technology director of transportation company SMRT, points out that irresponsible use of computers could expose them to virus attacks, compromise of network systems and legal issues.

Companies can stop the rot by putting in place a clear Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

For instance, the policy could state that employees may not create, transmit, or store sexually explicit material. Or use any of the tech facilities in a way that may lead to loss or damage.

Employers can also hire security providers such as McAfee. Such companies can install software that restricts the websites that employees can visit, block unwanted traffic from applications such as radio streaming, or prevent employees from launching unapproved programs.

The employees' usage of other tech facilities can be monitored by keeping electronic logs of the printers and photocopiers.

To take it a step further, bosses can install 'employee watchers' (read, small surveillance cameras to spy on staff.)

Don't overdo it

On the other hand, coming down too hard on staff or clamping down on their privileges may backfire.

A 2004 study by the London School Of Economics and Political Science, titled The Future Role Of Trust In Work, revealed that micromanaging and spying on employees reduced their productivity.

Mr David Ang, executive director of the Singapore Human Resource Institute (SHRI), explained that staff morale will be badly affected by draconian tech restrictions.

He highlighted that in extreme situations, disgruntled employees may deliberately perform badly or even sabotage the operations of the company.

Bosses would also want to retain employees especially in a tight labour market, where employees can easily take flight, pointed out Ms Annie Yap, chief executive officer of recruitment company GMP Group.

And, perhaps, follow in the footsteps of technology company Hewlett-Packard (HP), which emerged tops in four categories at the Human Resource Management Awards this year.

HP employees are allowed to do personal things such as sending instant messages and surfing non-work-related websites, provided they keep it to a minimum and company policies are complied with.

The rules and regulations are spelled out clearly in its AUP.

HP's example shows that the crux of managing tech abuse boils down to the issue of trust. Employers have to decide the level of goodwill they can afford to their staff so as to maximise productivity without adversely affecting staff morale.

What the employers say

'Employees should refrain from doing non-work-related activities, such as chatting on MSN Messenger, as they are not paid to do that.'

- Mr Ang, 27, works in the animation industry

'Now that the Internet is so pervasive, it is prudent to have a give-and-take relationship. I will not stop my staff from doing e-banking transactions, as it saves time for them. For their part, they must deliver their work on time.'

- Mr Fong, 40, works in the education industry

'Apart from the inappropriate use of the Internet for personal surfing, other common abuses that we find are the careless use of printers and the siphoning of office stationery. What employees forget is that if these consumables are wasted, it adds up to a significant amount for the company.'

- Mr Sim, 36, works in the IT industry

Editor's note: All the office workers interviewed