I recently joined a new company, today was actually my first day and just found that they don't provide a computer.....

Anonymous

March 28,2022 at 5:06PM UTC

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I recently joined a new company, today was actually my first day and just found that they don't provide a computer.....

This is the first time ever that my employer doesn't provide a computer. I'm honestly really mad that this did not come up on the interview process. Has anyone else experienced this and how did you go about it?

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AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 5:57PM UTC
This is an in-person company? Are you an employee or a contract hire?
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 6:27PM UTC
Full time & remote!
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
Is this on-site? Or remote? If you;re working full-time, I would suggest you come forward and address this with them. Ask if they don't provide you with any sort of allowance to acquire equipment...
Joanne RosenMarch 28,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
What? They don't provide a computer for you to do the work? That is insane. (Insanity seems to be a theme this year.)
So you arrived, got to your workstation and there was no computer? What did they say?
I'm pretty sure that if a computer is necessary, they have to supply it. I taught at a school where there were 20 teachers in the office. They supplied 2 desktop computers for all of us so we brought our own laptops. However, we only needed the computer to enter grades, attendance, and other admin work.
Go to HR, ask them what you are supposed to do. If there is no HR department, ask your supervisor how they will provide a computer for you. Don't ask IF, ask how and when.
If they don't, you have to weigh your options.
Sorry you are facing this.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
Wtf? I've never ever heard of this. I have severe doubts about this company.
Jillian KnappMarch 28,2022 at 8:09PM UTC
I’ve encountered this as a contractor but not as an employee, which does make sense …although even in some contractor jobs I have been provided with a computer.
As an employee you may want to review their policies on what they can own on your computer. I’ve heard horror stories of companies being able to take possession of your device for whatever reason and review both business and personal items on it. If you see something like this in the policies I’d push back. The line of who ends up owning your devices in these situations can get blurry. All the best.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 11:16PM UTC
So my current job is with a large state wide company. I am working hybrid. I go in 1 day of the week. On that day there is a desktop. They had no laptop for me for the first 3 months. They were trying to find one that the former person had and IT lost, then they had to order a new one for me. It was a hassle and unexpected to me.
I do agree that it is unusual, but so is the last two years. So ask them. I even had an old job purchase a laptop off craigslist and give it to me. Now that is cheap, but it worked. If they won't buy you a computer than inquire into monthly technology reimbursement. There are laws about this in some states.
Ramona d'ViolaMarch 29,2022 at 8:56AM UTC
How will you do your job? Or are you supposed to use your personal, unsecured device?
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 9:42AM UTC
This is so odd unless you're a contractor or working via an agency. In that case you or the agency could be responsible for providing the computer and other tools.
If you are a W2 employee I would ask HR or IT what their timing is on providing you a computer if a computer is necessary to performyour work.
It could be their Onboarding sucks and they were not prepared for your first day. There are so many questions surrounding the nature of your employment and type of work you will be responsible for. Does your work require a computer? You aren't clear in your post.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 6:26PM UTC
Thank you everyone! So I ended up talking to my manager and explained that I had no idea this was a thing - I have never experienced not receiving a laptop for work. Even when I did contracting work (they gave me a Macbook Pro).
She was really understanding and said that they would provide a 1K stipend (subject to be approved - which today she confirmed it was going to be approved) for hardware.
Also for the record yes I’m working remotely & don’t have an office in my state.
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 6:26PM UTC
so I guess the lesson here is: ask you shall receive!