by Ali Mechelle

Created on: June 05, 2008

WISELY & EFFECTIVELY MONITORING INTERNET USAGE In regards to the question of whether or not employees should monitor Internet usage, the answer is a resounding yes. All businesses and companies aim to achieve productivity and most hope to achieve profitability as well. Therefore, one must consider the following: 1. Frequent and inappropriate Internet usage interferes with company productivity and/or profitability. 2. Unlimited and unmonitored Internet usage exposes a company's expensive computer network and system to potential viruses and threats, as well as hacking and loss of confidential information. Such an occurrence can put a company out of business for days, weeks, or months. 3. Internet usage exposes any person, whether in the office environment or outside it, to questionable or provocative content, such as pornography, gossip sites, or anything that may be viewed as discriminatory or racist material. Any environment where this type of content is viewed and discussed runs the dangerous risk of experiencing a decrease in moral and ethics and an increase in negativity, heated debates and arguments, and tension. These types of things also interfere with the goal of a business. Of course, there are cons to the monitoring of Internet usage in an office, as listed below: 1. Employees may feel distrusted or overly monitored, which may give them a feeling of bitterness or returned distrust. Such feelings run the risk of influencing employees to gain an eagerness to leave or avenge themselves through negative behavior. 2. Employees may lose an outlet for letting off steam or relieving any boredom that can also lead to a decrease in productivity. Considering the benefits and the disadvantages, there are ways to monitor Internet usage that alleviates and prevents the negative results, whike making use of the benefits as well. 1. Allow employees to use the Internet for personal reasons, but during specified times, such as lunch or other breaks. One helpful suggestion may be to set up a small area in the office, like a computer lab, where employees can engage in personal, but restricted use, such as reading news sites or viewing allowed sites that are not related to the office. 2. Set up specific rules and standards about Internet usage that is included in orientation materials for new hires and explained to existing employees. If these rules are in handout form, you may require all employees to read the handout and sign a form saying that they agree and understand.

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