The internet is an essential tool for many businesses. The internet and email facilities provide a source of information and communication without which many businesses would suffer but why the need for a definitive policy?

There are many reasons why it's extremelly important to have a written, available internet and email policy for your company. Most employees wouldn't dream of abusing this privilege but it is wise to protect yourself from anything that may open you up to a claim.

Employees with full access to the web may inadvertently download software that could infect your network with a virus, thus holding up or even stopping work altogether whilst your IT department tries to clean the system and limit the damage done by the security risk. Also, if an employee either deliberately or accidentally accesses illegal content, i.e pornography in the workplace your business may be liable for prosecution.

If there isn't a policy that clearly details appropriate internet and email usage withing the workplace, then you may find it harder to defend any breach if a claim is made against you. Email usage for instance should be limited to work communications only and if you have a policy in place then this makes it much easier to police.

Personal emails and personal web searching means employees aren't devoting themselves to what they're paid for, working and therefore your business' productivity will decline.

If there is a clear policy and employees are made aware of this, then measures can be taken to ensure that staff abide by the rules so it is vital that what is allowed and what is forbidden is clearly stated right down to the restrictions on the types of websites and global emails that can be accessed.

For more information on email and internet policy, please click here