Internet at work
November 5th 2008 03:56
Just read an interesting article in the NZ Management magazine. It's written both for employers and employees and relates to the using of the Internet during working hours. Most contracts now have a clause written into them saying that reasonable use of the Internet (if it's part of a person's job) is allowable, but what is 'reasonable' may depend on viewpoint.
A bigger issue, which the article deals with, is that of abusing your boss or fellow-workers on your blog, or on a social network site such as Bebo, Facebook, or MySpace.
It's okay to hold opinions about bosses and fellow employees, but once you start publishing them online, you're putting yourself in line for dismissal, if what you say is derogatory, libellous, or inflammatory. And what a judge thinks any of those might be might depend on how serious he or she considers the effect of the writing.
Equally, sending emails that are sexually explici taround the office or other branches can also get you into strife. The problem is that many employees these days think that they're not subject to restrictions when they go to work. Learning that you are subject to them is a worthwhile discipline.
Employers have some responsibilities in this:
they need to make staff aware of what will be considered as stepping over the line;
they shouldn't collect personal emails for any purpose, unless it's been stated that personal emails are out of bounds;
personal emails shouldn't be available to be read by other staff members, such as IT.
All in all it's worth both employers and employees being aware of the pitfalls and rulings relating to the use of the Internet.
I'm in the fortunate position of having to use it to find out endless bits of information. But it's very easy to go overboard and start utilising the employer's time for your own ends. Be aware.
A bigger issue, which the article deals with, is that of abusing your boss or fellow-workers on your blog, or on a social network site such as Bebo, Facebook, or MySpace.
It's okay to hold opinions about bosses and fellow employees, but once you start publishing them online, you're putting yourself in line for dismissal, if what you say is derogatory, libellous, or inflammatory. And what a judge thinks any of those might be might depend on how serious he or she considers the effect of the writing.
Equally, sending emails that are sexually explici taround the office or other branches can also get you into strife. The problem is that many employees these days think that they're not subject to restrictions when they go to work. Learning that you are subject to them is a worthwhile discipline.
Employers have some responsibilities in this:
they need to make staff aware of what will be considered as stepping over the line;
they shouldn't collect personal emails for any purpose, unless it's been stated that personal emails are out of bounds;
personal emails shouldn't be available to be read by other staff members, such as IT.
All in all it's worth both employers and employees being aware of the pitfalls and rulings relating to the use of the Internet.
I'm in the fortunate position of having to use it to find out endless bits of information. But it's very easy to go overboard and start utilising the employer's time for your own ends. Be aware.
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