Lazy employees could find themselves given the boot, the head of the Bermuda Small Development Corporation has warned.

General Manager William Spriggs backed union leader Ed Ball's claim that bad attitudes and manners from some employees had affected quality of service.

In Thursday's Royal Gazette the Bermuda Public Servants Association General Secretary had said employees in all sectors of Bermuda were slacking because they were sure they wouldn't be fired.

But Mr. Spriggs said short-term contracts and outsourcing would soon expose idle workers.

He said: "Employees must learn to understand that `It is not in my job description' mentalities cannot and will not be tolerated in today's marketplace.

"Speaking from an employees perspective, I feel that many rob their employers of hours every week simply because they can.

"Employees have been doing it for years and see no reason why they should change.

"In fact, some no doubt feel they are underpaid for the 75 percent of work that they are getting paid 100 percent to do. This is a serious mindset issue.

"A poorly skilled employee wastes a considerable amount of time trying to appear competent and protect his or her job.'' He said some employees "go through the motions'' because they felt trapped in their present job and found it difficult to find more suitable work.

This problem was reinforced by lack of proper career in schools, said Mr.

Spriggs.

"Why do many employees (and employers for that matter) exhibit bad attitudes and manners? "Most people want to give their best, feel proud of their accomplishments and feel valued as a contributor to the achievement of a noble organisation's goals.'' "The 20 to 30 year work security idea is probably a thing of the past.

Outsourcing, temporary workers and short-term work contracts seems to be the new work rule.

"The new work deal is for the employer to provide interesting learning experiences in exchange for excellent work with a smile from the employee.'' He said performance pay and incentive systems were spreading like wildfire in the economy.

"It will widen the gap between superior and poor performers, quickly highlighting to the organisation the employees who are deadwood.'' "Pay for skills is not far behind, creating added incentives for good employees who want to become great. These individuals will also distance themselves from the deadwood. These ideas will continue to motivate organisations to focus on hiring the best people.'' He said employees would soon find it impossible to hide bad attitudes and poor performances.

"Employees will be blocked from upward mobility, fired or at best kept frustrated in their present place of employment.'' He also said Mr. Ball was quite right to state that "we have to find a different way of doing business''.

Mr. Spriggs said he had consulted with a number of employers, employees and students over the years to find out the best way to combat workplace dissatisfaction.

Employers had condoned sloppiness by not enforcing employee responsibility and accountability, said Mr. Spriggs.

"Executives need to ensure managers have the skills to evaluate and motivate employees.''