Internet availabilities give the office many advantages. However, it can lessen productivity in the workplace if left unmonitored. It is a common problem in many companies to have employees wasting too much time on the internet. It is estimated that employees engage in non-work related internet surfing for at least 2 hours a day.

More often, the employees’ unnecessary use of the internet causes system problems such as unwanted viruses and system hackers. That’s why it is important to set imposed limits to prevent system hackers and workplace slackers. By putting reasonable limits in place, you help your employees keep their focus on their work. Also, proper limits on internet access protect your company’s bandwidth and maximize its use.

Setting a good and doable employee internet policy requires a few things. You need to conduct a thorough review and evaluation on your employees’ internet usage. After a complete review, formulate an acceptable internet use policy. Set proper rules and fair expectations for your employees. Lastly, purchase filtering and blocking software which will help support your goals.

Those with small scale businesses frequently have limited information on their workers’ web browsing activities. If this is your case, review current practices by conducting a technology audit or a web traffic assessment to help you complete your documentation.
Look into programs like NetTracker because they can help analyze internet habits and web pages viewed by employees within the company workstations.

Formulate a written internet usage policy which is acceptable and doable. Specify which will be deemed acceptable internet usage and which won’t. Gather a number of employees which need to include those from IT and human resources. Develop written policies together as a team and communicate such to the staff. Your company internet usage policy may be included in your employee handbook. You may also include a discussion of that during employee orientations.

It’s best to involve your company lawyer. Have an HR get policy templates from the members-only Society for Human Resource Management site. You may also buy sample policies from Corporate Internet Policy or HR.BLR.com.

Products like Cyberpatrol, SmartFilter, or SurfControl can help you not only identify and monitor but also block objectionable Web sites. You need to use products like these since some of your workers may probably visit pornographic and violent sites. They may also participate in hate message distribution. If untaken cared of, such may contribute to a hostile working environment which may eventually lead to legal problems.

Through purchasing monitoring and blocking software, you may also prevent your employees from acquiring and downloading outside files that contain potentially dangerous spyware.

Your internet policies should properly provide for legitimate email and internet access needs. Make sure to put a specific provision in place which will allow internet access for valid official and unofficial reasons. Privacy issues should also be well tackled since some of your employees may raise objections with regards to personal privacy. Provide honest communication regarding this matter. Encourage and accept any helpful advice which may be given to you.

Tags: internet usage policy