Workplace Internet Policies
Our distractions increase as technology advances. Your staff are not immune either. Safeguarding your office’s productivity is critical, and an Internet policy may help you do it.
Employees who misuse their Internet rights in the office might face disciplinary action under Internet policy.
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What exactly is an Internet policy?
Internet rules, which are common in many businesses throughout the globe, help define permissible Internet usage in the workplace.
Many of these policies, or agreements, are contracts that the employee signs or agrees to for record keeping. These agreements often specify the types of allowed Internet usage, allowing or forbidding certain websites or activities.
Some frequent Internet policy requirements are:
Social profiles and social networking
Blogs and other forms of communication
Inappropriate content or forbidden websites
Web surfing that is not tied to work
When addressing technology, companies should be worried about two things, according to Karen Klein of Businessweek: security and productivity. Internet policies should be combined with security upgrades for employees.
What does an Internet policy cover?
It’s critical to have a robust yet fair Internet policy in place to safeguard workers and the firm, and what you include in your policy depends on the sort of job you conduct.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 87 percent of employers asked indicated it’s usual for workers to use non-work related websites for a part of the workday, with 57 percent of employees acknowledging that the Internet reduces productivity.
Although it is normal for employers and workers to use the Internet, your company will benefit from having certain policies in place, such as those governing:
Use of business emails, instant chat, or software for personal purposes
Proper internet presence as a corporate employee (such as prohibiting negative talk about the company)
Only use the internet during break times.
Racism, sexual harassment, and other sensitive or discriminating acts are prohibited.
Employees have the right to engage in private activities under the National Labor Relations Act. Employers that do monitor their employees’ Internet usage, however, are protected by federal law.
In today’s technologically evolved world, Internet regulations are a crucial aspect of many enterprises. Following common sense recommendations for your workers’ Internet usage can assist you in developing a suitable, yet safe, Internet policy for your workplace.
Do you need assistance in developing your Internet policy? As a starting step toward a successful policy, see our Internet Policy resource.
Clarifying personal posting rights
Your workers, like you, have lives outside of the workplace. Family, friends, internet networking, personal blogs-they have a plethora of options for interacting outside of the office.
Although social media may be a terrific outlet, it can also be detrimental to your company’s image or stock price.
Personal posts must be considered while developing an Internet policy. Different restrictions may already be in effect depending on where you reside. As an example:
Political viewpoint protection-Many states guarantee an employee’s ability to support a political party or be public about their ideas.
Off-hours behavior rights-Many states safeguard an employee’s right to non-work-related hobbies or interests, such as blogging or social networking, providing they are not prohibited.
With a common sense approach to Internet usage, you may, nevertheless, express the necessity of good behavior outside of the workplace.
Harassment and discrimination will not be permitted while applying corporate rules online.
Prohibiting personal use of corporate equipment-Establish guidelines outlining personal usage of company computers, e-mail, or networks.
Protecting your company’s name-Remind workers that making false comments or using the company’s image or name is not acceptable.
Whichever kind of policy you decide to create, use online tools and resources to assist you, beginning with our Employee Handbook resource as a guide.
But, many experts agree: Speak to your staff about Internet use in the office, and make sure they realize how a fair policy can help safeguard not just the firm, but also their reputations.
