Abuse of privilege

It is wise to include the use of internet and e-mail in your company policy. As an employer, you may be held liable for any discriminatory material that has been sent by employees via e-mail, whether or not they are aware. Any explicit or sensitive material that is secret to the company is also at risk if a strict internet and e-mail policy is not in place. Including this in your policy helps to prevent the problem.

Be vigilant to ensure that your employees are aware of these rules by including them within employee handbooks, which must be given to them upon commencement of employment with you. A policy will enable you to apply rules consistently and will illustrate to your employees that you do not tolerate e-mail and internet abuse.

A policy outlining the acceptable level of e-mail and internet use by employees for personal reasons will also be beneficial to your company.

You should review the policy on a regular basis to ensure that it is working and should you at any stage wish to alter the policy, convene a meeting with all personnel concerned and clearly explain the changes and your reasons for them.

Peter Done, Managing director, Peninsula Business Services.