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Communication and Information Systems Policy

Author: Jason Habinsky, Haynes & Boone

Updating Author: XpertHR Editorial Team

When to Use

An employer may generally monitor employee workplace activity or activities that employees engage in while using equipment or devices owned by the employer. An employer should decide the goals it seeks to achieve by monitoring employees and then develop a policy that promotes those goals. Federal and state laws protect the privacy rights of employees, and an employer should ensure that a communication and information systems policy complies with those laws. A written and published policy is best practice in order to manage employee expectations of privacy. It may also be necessary for the employer to have a written and published policy for defending against potential lawsuits or for evidence in disciplinary proceedings.

The policy should be communicated to employees at the commencement of employment and the employer should make sure that employees sign and acknowledge that they have received and understand the policy. The policy should be referred to whenever there is a question regarding what employees should and should not be allowed to do with the employer's communication and information systems.