Employee Computer Acceptable Use Policy

Limits on Facebook and Myspace?

An employer is wise to publish an acceptable use policy (AUP) for employees. Generally, the policy should forbid the use of work equipment for pornography and other offensive or non-business purposes. It might specifically warn against wasting of time at places like gambling, shopping or social networking sites. And it should warn that violation of the policy could be grounds for reprimand or termination.

However,  some experts argue that employee use of social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace can be productive.  They say social networking is a modern form of communication that builds bonds among colleagues.

Fair enough.  Still, excessive time on social sites can be a waste.  Therefore a wise employer might use software to monitor and limit the time an employee lingers on specific social sites.

–Benjamin Wright

At Messaging Architects, Mr. Wright leads a workshop on the development of IT policy.