UK Employment Law\ Employer\ telephone, email and internet.
Computers
Since the advent of computers in the office, they have not only been a boost to productivity, but at times, they have also been a distraction. The very earliest business machines came with games such as ‘Patience’ and ‘Minesweeper’. However, now the situation is far more tricky. Most companies are online, and so are many of their employees. It is a frequent problem in modern offices where employees often expect to be allowed to keep a social networking site open throughout the working day. Other employees might insist on typing letters whilst listening to online radio stations.
This section gives you some pointers about how the matter should be treated.
Emails at work
Employers are allowed to monitor staff emails as they are being sent during working hours from office computers. They can also sack employees for email misuse. There is a protection offered by Human Rights laws. They say that everyone is entitled to privacy, thus an employer must allow a reasonable amount of personal correspondence. This means that you are allowed to write emails and take phone calls from family and friends.
Internet usage
Employers can install software that takes screen snapshots and captures passwords. It can also store emails and block websites. Employees need to be aware that this can be run without them knowing. However, if you ask your employer about how they are monitoring you, they are obliged to reveal what they are using.
Key tips:
- Ask your boss to outline monitoring and privacy policies;
- Get your boss to make up a 'personal email' template. These would have to be discarded when staff are monitored;
- Use a personal email for personal affairs and your work email for business. Be aware that these will still show up on screen snapshots taken by monitoring software.
Social Media
Many employees have been caught out posting comments on sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Comments spotted by bosses or customers can lead to disciplinary action. There have been many cases in the news where employees have been dismissed. Think before you post anything whether it will threaten either your position, or that of your employer.
Social media can also be seen in a positive light. Many businesses have a Facebook page to generate contacts and interest. They might also use Twitter to alert clients to new offers. Therefore, some employees will be justified in staying online to carry out these roles. However, you could set up professional profiles for them to use whilst carrying out company business.
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