Managing Your Internet Usage While At Work

When you are at work do you ever find yourself browsing the web, reading personal emails or doing some online shopping? Many individuals are not certain on the exact amount of time that would be consider to much time, when referring to personal internet usage at the job.

Below are some guidelines that you should follow, when it comes to using the internet for personal purposes at work:

Know the Policy – Most of the companies have a written policy on Internet usage during work hours. Take time to find and look at the company’s written policy. Some company do not have a written policy on Internet usage, however it is still greatly discouraged, this is also important to know.

If your company does not have a policy on personal Internet usage it is still a good idea to keep it to a minimum. If your employer continuously observers your on the web they will begin to assume that you do not have enough work to do and your position may be re evaluated. Although many companies allow for a small amount of personal Internet usage, it should stay at a minimal as you are getting paid to work and not check your emails.

Additionally, many companies have policies regarding sending off-colored jokes through work email and to co-workers. Doing so could break their company sexual harassment policies. Use the Internet Wisely Even when you have determined that your company does not have a strict internet policy it does not mean you should be using the internet inappropriately.

We all know when you surf the web you leave an imprint of the places you visited. Additionally, many companies use software to track their employees internet usage. The same thing goes for personal emails that you send from your work computer. You should assume that any email being sent from your work computer may end up in front of someone you did not intend to see it so practice caution when sending your emails. It is important to remember that you can be putting your job at risk by doing a little online shopping or sending the off-colored joke to your list of friends.

It’s important to note, just because you are not notified that you are being monitored does not mean it is not happening.

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