With email and the Internet currently one of the largest causes of disciplinary problems in the workplace, and with many companies routinely monitoring its use - the latest news from the UKís privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner, is that they are producing stringent codes of practice governing how much scrutiny companies can carry out on private communications.
But what is the reality of the situation? Are we aware of what we can and canít do in the workplace, and how much are our employers doing to meet their obligations?
The latest Jobhunter research from GoJobsite has found that there is certainly room for improvement, and if indeed employers are flouting the regulations they could find themselves in hot water should they be summoned to an employment tribunal.
As we all know, email and Internet use are part of the crucial day-to-day operations of many UK businesses. Employers are monitoring the actions of their employees to eradicate viruses, spam and also to control effective customer service levels.
Of the 525 Jobhunters surveyed throughout November a staggering 87% stated that their employer had failed to ask for their consent in monitoring email messages at work. 42% had not been informed of their employerís email and Internet policy at any stage.
But unsurprisingly 54% of Jobhunters admitted to using their work email accounts for personal messages and equally unsurprisingly 64% admitted to accessing non-work related websites during work hours.
It is therefore clear that companies can do far more to make their employees aware of their both their monitoring activity, and their company policy on email and Internet use. Jackie Jones, GoJobsiteís HR manager, sheds some light: ìCompanies are going to have to demonstrate that they have a working policy.
ìIt is simply not enough to just have the right policies in place ñ the second part and equally important part of the process is to ensure that the policies are properly and efficiently communicated and explained to employees.î
Is your boss monitoring your email?
Jobhunter research from GoJobsite