You should develop a comprehensive email and Internet use policy in concert with revising your employee handbook. Once the policy has been developed, the next step is to communicate it to your employees. Work with your network administrator to include an advisory each time an employee signs into the company system.
As previously mentioned, the email and Internet use policy should be documented in your employee handbook, and when you hire a new employee, it’s a good idea to have him or her sign an orientation statement acknowledging receipt of the policy. You might also want to consider conducting a training session regarding your email and Internet use policy so employees have the opportunity to ask questions and alleviate fears about it.
Electronic Mail and Internet Use Policy Quick Tips
- Make sure that everyone is familiar with the policy
- Personal use policy: Inform employees whether personal use of the Internet or email is permitted. It is advisable to prohibit all personal use of Internet and electronic mail on company time and equipment.
- Monitoring rights: Advise employees that their Internet and email activity is monitored.
- Prohibited uses: Inform employees what uses of Internet and email are permitted or prohibited.
- Report violations: Develop an easy process for employees to report mistakes or violations.
- Consequences: Provide employees with information regarding the consequences of violating the email and Internet use policy.
By: Kevin V. Maltby, Esquire
Comments