Abusing company email and internet systems

Some companies allow no use, some allow limited use and others allow full access for personal use although this is becoming rarer. Those who allow full use of the internet and emails often do so for specific periods of time during the working day only.

It is evident that a number of employers still fail to recognise the need for clear policies to prevent abuse of their email systems and the internet.

The following checklist is provided to give you an insight into the areas you should be considering  and implementing to protect your company and employees.

CHECKLIST

•    Policies should clearly set out what penalties will be imposed if company email and internet systems are abused by staff.

•    Policies should also explain clearly what is and is not acceptable  to your organisation

•   Ensure that all employees are aware of the policy, and are aware that their e-mail and internet usage may be checked at any time as part of your monitoring processes.

•   Bringing your organisation into disrepute through unauthorised use of e-mail or internet sites is a huge concen to most  organisations, therefore staff should be aware that this is a disciplinary offence even if this has occurred outwith what is considered to be working hours.


•   Ensure that employees have adequate password protection for company e-mail, and that the passwords are recorded by the line manager for access in the employee's absence.

•   Do not allow employees to contribute to any blogs and / or other internet discussion sites that relate in any way to the organisation's activities unless your policy dictates otherwise.  Some organisations recommend such use - be sure you know what your organisation wants to achieve

•   Be consistent with any penalties that are imposed for abuse of email and internet systems.  Should you require assistance in setting up such a policy and advice on how to implement and advise your employees then contact us now on 01738 632 561.