Avoid Abusing High-Tech Tools

Sat., April 15, 2000

By Jackie Van Allen jackiev@spokesman.com

Is Big Brother watching?

In 1999, at least 45 percent of employers said they monitored their employees’ phone calls, computer files or e-mail messages, according to the American Management Association.

A software product called SuperScout allows computer system managers to monitor network usage and block some Internet sites.

SuperScout advertising says “uncontrolled nonbusiness use of the Internet can be a significant cost to your company. This issue can be effectively resolved with the implementation of clear policies and competent use of available tools.”

Xerox, for example, flashes a message on the screen every time employees log on. It tells them not to use the Web for anything but work. Xerox fired 40 employees last year for surfing to forbidden Web sites. Spokane County employees are not allowed personal use of the Internet, not even during lunch. Many companies have a policy of no personal use of the Internet or e-mail.

Policies aside, it’s simply wise to exercise self-restraint. The computer system in our newsroom has embarrassed many employees by sending errant messages to everyone in the department.

Both employees and employers seem to be searching for the right balance. Would an employee be fired for sending an occasional personal e-mail or quickly booking baseball tickets over the Internet during lunch hour? How about companies such as America Online, whose employees are expected to check their e-mail over the weekend? Where is the line between office and home?

Even though that line has become blurred, there is inherent risk in personal use of any employer’s equipment, especially a computer.

The telephone, the fax and the copy machine long have had the potential to be used for personal business, as do the newer Internet and e-mail technologies. Most companies already have instituted policies to police the small minority of employees who take advantage of company tools. It’s difficult to attribute fax or copy machine usage to a specific person. Ah, but the computer leaves a hidden trail behind. Even when people delete the history of their Internet searches or remove e-mails from their computer, their trail is never really gone. Yes, Big Brother is watching you.

Employees should use caution and realize Internet usage and e-mail can be retrieved. That snide comment about your supervisor could come back to haunt you.

Still, companies should be realistic and allow minimal use of these tools for non-company business. Employees who feel trusted by their employer will be more productive and content.

Local journalism is essential.

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