Workplace Email Ethics

Email use by employees is governed by official and unofficial rules.

Though employers struggled with the decision to make email widespread when it first became available, it is now ubiquitous in most offices. Employees must use etiquette and discretion to properly use email in the workplace.

Proprietary Information

Do not send sensitive and private documents or information belonging to your employer to external emails.

Opening Attachments

Use care in opening attachments from senders you don't know. You could inadvertently infect your company's computers with a virus.

Language

Using foul language and presenting yourself in an unprofessional manner over email could come back and hurt you if the email found its way to a superior who found your language offensive.

Personal Usage

Though your work email has your name on it, it still belongs to your company. You should not use it for personal correspondence or for registering at sites you use on your personal time.

Harassment

Just as offensive sexual innuendo can get an employ in trouble when spoken, suggestive emails can also be grounds for harassment charges.

References

• Duke Law: MONITORING EMPLOYEE E-MAIL: EFFICIENT WORKPLACES VS. EMPLOYEE PRIVACY