Employee Use of Internet Policy

Employers often require employees to follow an Internet usage policy. This policy has become common in business, and often requires the employee to accept the policy by signing a document.

Security

Employees using the Internet for personal reasons may lead to Internet sites that have viruses or track an organization's information. This could potentially cause extensive damage to an organization's information systems.

Productivity

Employee productivity is often drastically reduced if personal websites and email are accessible at work.

Cost

Using employer Internet services for personal use can increase network traffic, which can result in purchasing larger or unneeded servers and systems to handle the amount of information processed.

Monitoring

Most employers use software to monitor employee Internet usage, which is maintained by the organization's information technology department.

Considerations

Because of potential hazards and costs to an organization, employees are often terminated if they disregard employee Internet usage policies.

References

• Microsoft.com: Why you need a company policy on Internet use
• LegalZoom.com: Employee Internet Policy Form

Resources

• Senate.gov: U.S. Senate Internet Services Usage Rules and Policies