Internet policies, as we discussed last time, are not a luxury they are a necessity.  There are so many opportunities for employers to suffer from Internet use abuse.  The best line of defense is having a comprehensive and company appropriate Internet policy.

Last time we presented seven tips for Internet policies, here are four more very important ones that deal specifically with employee abuse of Internet privileges.

Internet Policy Considerations

  • Position on personal usage – Spell out detailed examples of what kinds of personal usage are either acceptable or forbidden. In many cases, you can provide additional clarification by relating the company’s Internet policy to analogies of personal telephone usage.
  • Acceptable usage of e-mail, Web browsing, and news-groups/message boards – Discuss standards for proper use of company e-mail, including analogies to official letterhead or memos. Give examples of the kind of work-related Web browsing that is both acceptable and encouraged. List guidelines for participation in newsgroups and message boards as official representation of the company’s opinions and positions. This is also the perfect place to list if only certain job functions or departments are authorized for specific resources, as well as if special management permission is required for specific resource access.
  • Unacceptable usage of e-mail, Web browsing, and news-groups/message boards -  List any specific activities that you wish to explicitly ban with the Internet policy. These might include unauthorized mass e-mail mailings, online gaming or gambling, stock trading, commerce for personal gain, creation or distribution of computer viruses, dissemination of vulgar, racist, or obscene material, violations of copyright law, leaking sensitive or confidential information, software piracy, or attempting to hack into another system. For any gray areas that are forbidden, listing management justification goes a long way toward end user acceptance.
  • Investigation of, and sanctions for, violations – If your client has human resources policies and procedures that document behaviors that could lead to termination, discuss how these policies are related to violations of the Internet policy. If your client has no similar policies and procedures, now is the time to list any investigative procedures and sanctions for blatant first time or repeat violations.

Bottom Line on Internet Policies
Internet policies that clearly spell out employer expectations and define the penalties for violation of that Internet policy are highly effective.  As a way to add significant value to the services you offer your clients, offer to help them draft an Internet policy.  

In this article, you’ve been introduced to Internet Policies. To learn more about how you can improve your knowledge about Internet Policies, just click here now to get access to a free one-hour audio training program on 5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Computer Consulting Business.