Company equipment but your time - what belongs to whom?
You’ve just spend the morning handling business problems and paperwork, and it’s finally lunch time. This is YOUR time, right? So, you feel justified in using the computer at your desk (your computer, right?) for some personal business such as online banking and checking your personal emails. Hey, you’re still taking calls and you’re still available for any co-workers who need you – hey, this is a benefit to the company – staying at your desk during your lunch – it’s your time and energy, right?
WRONG. While the time may be your own, that computer at your desk, while its contents are your responsibility, belongs to the company. So does the information you use, write, and read on that computer. And yep, that does include all those personal and business emails you’ve been writing.
Now, before you get all hot and bothered and start complaining about your privacy rights – read the fine print of your company policy. The equipment AND information belongs to them. You are using said equipment and information to get your job done. BUT anything personal is, well, part of that information system and therefore belongs to the company. What this means is that the company has the right (and most DO) to check what you are doing on that computer via internet, intra net, or email. They have to. They need to ensure the equipment and information is being used correctly – that you are not doing anything illegal or unethical that might jeopardize the company.
You probably never thought of it that way. Don’t worry, most people don’t. And usually the Systems Department is only worried about potential viruses coming through. But occassionally there is the odd activity that needs following – and yes, that’s how some pedophiles are found.
More importantly for you though, is that your emails venting about a boss or co-worker can be read and used against you in a dismissal suit. Yes, the company HAS the right to read your emails on the company site, using company email. It’s their site.
No problem you say. You’ll use a free email system such as Yahoo! for your venting. Sounds good, but what you type at your computer can be followed, and again belongs to the company.
Don’t get me wrong – most companies don’t bother to go to that extreme in checking up on you. And most do realize the need to vent frustration. Just realize the many potential problems you may face if you email your frustration, especially if you send it in the heat of the moment. Your best solution? Try some calming techniques – write down your frustration but do not send it or let anyone else see it – and discard it (shred it!). If you do need to vent and must write an email – try to wait until you are home and use your own computer and personal email. DO NOT email to any company email addy. And always be careful about what you write in an email – read it out loud to yourself before sending it – does the tone sound more menacing or frivolous than you intended? The written word does not always convey the meaning we meant – there is no facial or vocal emotion to show our meaning – hence the words can be misinterpreted.
When you can, follow up your email with a phone call, to ensure no misinterpretation. The direct contact will also serve you well in networking, so consider it a bonus.
And leave your venting to outside the office.
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Copyright July 26, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
