The above is not an exhaustive list but sets out some of the reasons why policies and procedures are important to a business. In practical terms, an internet use policy can help ensure that employees make the most effective use of the internet - without wasting time on social networking and so on. Also, if email is used exclusively for business purposes, the company does not have to sort through personal messages to extricate those crucial to business. In an office environment, it is likely all staff members will need internet access to do their jobs. An ‘Acceptable Use’ policy ensures that employees understand the way in which information should be used. A solid Internet use policy help to make the work environment more pleasant and more conducive to getting the necessary work done in order to have a successful business. An email and Internet usage policy can keep a company productive and efficient. Staying connected to the internet is a necessity for most companies today. Carabelli earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Seton Hall and has worked in banking, notably commercial lending, since 2001. Implementing new Internet/email use policies can be a nerve-wracking affair, especially if a drastic change is employee behaviour is expected. Simply put, an effective email policy will encourage positive, productive communications while protecting a company from legal liability, reputation damage, and security breaches. Advantages of using email 4. LGBTQ rights were in the limelight this year. Most viruses and malware get downloaded into company computers when employees are allowed to access personal email accounts and use the internet for leisure purposes. For the employees, this tends to feel rather dictatorial and fascistic though business owners and company manager have very good reasons for putting these policies in place. What are the e-mail use, Internet use, and privacy policies at your job? Even though each state has different laws, many states allow companies to monitor employees' data, emails, downloads, and what the employees are doing on the computers. In order to accomplish this, the company has to have productive employees. Policies have to be well controlled, and they will be the baseline for implementation. This is disturbing for several reasons. All policies and procedures should be carefully drafted to ensure that they are compliant with any legal obligations, but also on balance do not place onerous obligations on an employer that it may not or cannot comply with. Without social media policies, employees have no insight or information about what they’re allowed to do, but there’s no need to completely disarm you companies social media channels. Whatever the rationale, it is important that management distribute it to all employees. They always have. Why Have An Internet Use Policy? And the U.S. corporate world took note. #1 would drive me mad and my productivity would drop. E-mail policies protect against unauthorized data access and distribution, the introduction of dangerous viruses and other security threats, and lost productivity. Misusing the Internet for personal purposes can make it difficult for other employees trying to use it for work. The policy can then be tailored … When your business expands quickly, it can be hard to stay on top of policy creation and management. It is becoming a disturbing trend — plaintiffs are trying to use internal policies and procedures against a company defendant. The employer will monitor e-mail and voice mail messages and Internet use, and may disclose the content of e-mail and voice mail messages, even after they have been deleted, when, in the employer's sole discretion, there is a business need to do so. We examine the top reasons why companies implement email and internet use policies. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to better manage the transition. The reason for implementation of such policies is that employees often spend way too much time on these personal pursuits which lower their productivity. Why Have An Internet Use Policy? Information on the Internet is available for anyone to see. Employment Liability Laws for Internet Usage. It also gives management the right to monitor messages to ensure employees are not engaging in activity detrimental to the business. Well, there are many reasons and here are the top 5 reasons, in no particular order: They address threats – Threats are everywhere, especially when it comes to IT Security and the explosion of Ransomware these days. Sample HR Policy: T his sample email and internet policy clearly defines guidelines on the appropriate use of internet and email while they are working. 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