The use of the internet, email, text messages, and cell phones are rampant in the workplace because of good reason.  As the US moves ever closer to an information worker/service type of economy, the convenience and speed of electronic communications increase the efficiency and productivity of employees, and any business without these tools is at a severe competitive disadvantage. 

Risks

On the downside, the use of the electronic devises can actually result in a loss of efficiency due to employees’ use employer-provided devices for personal, non-work-related use during work hours.  Employees might use the web to visit pornographic websites or disburse inappropriate materials via company email, and therefore expose employers to legal liability for permitting a hostile work environment due to harassment or defamation. Further, the unscrupulous employee could expose the employer’s trade secrets, proprietary and confidential information, or engage in inappropriate contact with competitors or customers. Continue reading ‘CAN EMPLOYERS MONITOR EMPLOYEE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE?’