Personal Email on Company Time?

It Should Go Without Saying…

But yep, I have to say it… When it comes to your email activities while on the job, you should not be dilly-dallying on social media or websites using company equipment and connectivity. Nor should you send or forward non-business-related emails or texts to friends or co-workers.

When on Company Time

Employees should also understand (hopefully because it has been advised in a written email policy) that there should be no assumption of privacy when it comes to online activities when on company time. No wiggle room there.

You are on company time, using company resources and equipment. That makes those communications the company’s proprietary property. And if you are a true professional, you understand and respect this.

It is smart business for any business owner to keep tabs on what their employees are up to on and off-line while on company time, for productivity, liability, and legal reasons alike. What employees do on company time can impact a business in too many ways to ignore.

Some Stats

How do you use your employer’s online and technology resources?

In this regard, your activities and behavior can go a long way to impressing and reflecting you are a valuable employee. Of course, a few emails or forwards here or there is no big deal. But why take that chance one of those activities becomes exposed, causing your future and career to be negatively impacted?

When at work, work. Use company resources with respect and discretion. For other activities, use your personal smartphone while on break or lunch for non-work-related activities.

Not sure if you have all the bases covered? Start with my Business Email Basics, then check out NSFW = Not Safe For Work? What’s with that!?.

You’re welcome!