Voice Mail, E-Mail, Cell Phones, Personal Digital Assistants, Cameras and Computer Files
Employer-provided technology and equipment, voice mail, E-mail, and computers which are to be used for Employer’s business purposes only, and may not be used for personal matters. These systems are maintained by the Employer in order to facilitate Employer’s business. Therefore, all messages sent, received, composed and/or stored on these systems are the sole property of the Employer.
Employer computers should not be used to access on-line databases or Internet services unless such access is for work related purposes. The company understands that on occasion, employees may need to conduct personal business using computing resources. Such use must be limited to break time and must not excessively use computing and network resources. Excessive use of computer and/or network resources includes but is not limited to listening to audio broadcasts (live or prerecorded) on the internet, viewing video broadcasts (live or prerecorded), and downloading large data files for personal use.
The Employer understands that on occasion family members or others may need to leave personal messages on the voice mail system for an employee, and is willing to accommodate this to a limited degree. However, personal use of the voice mail system which interferes with an employee’s work performance will not be permitted.
Messages or communications on the Employer’s voicemail, e-mail, or computer systems are subject to the same policies regarding harassment and discrimination as are any other workplace communications. Offensive, harassing or discriminatory content will not be tolerated by the Employer. Content that is considered offensive includes, but is not limited to, any message which contains sexual implications, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other statement that offensively addresses someone’s age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, marital status, religious or political beliefs, ancestry, national origin, citizenship or disability.
Employees should have no anticipation of privacy with respect to Employer provided voice mail, E-mail, text messaging, and computer based communications. Even when a message is erased, it may still be possible to retrieve it from a backup system. Therefore, employees should not rely on erasure of messages to guarantee that a message remains private. The Employer reserves the right to listen to employee voice mail and read E-mail messages, text messages and to access employee computer files to ensure compliance with these rules. This may be done without notice to an employee and in the employee’s absence.
Notwithstanding the Employer’s right to retrieve and review such material, such material should be treated as confidential by other employees and accessed only by the intended recipient. Employees are not authorized to retrieve any voice mail or E-mail messages that are not addressed to them.
Employees are prohibited from using passwords without prior Employer authorization and registration. The existence of a password on voice mail, e-mail or computer systems is not intended to indicate that messages or other communications will remain private.
Employees are prohibited from loading any software onto a Employer provided computer where such action would violate the software license. Employees are prohibited from loading any software onto an Employer-provided computer without the express approval of their manager or supervisor.
The E-mail system should not be used to send (upload) or receive (download) copyrighted materials, trade secrets, proprietary information, or similar matter without prior authorization from the Employer.
Telephones
In order to ensure that telephone calls are handled in a professional and business like manner and to promote employee efficiency, the Employer may monitor employee telephone calls. Therefore, employees should have no anticipation of privacy for either incoming or outgoing calls made on Employer provided telephone equipment.
Cell Phone Usage
Employer is committed to promoting safety by encouraging the safe use of cellular telephones by its employees while they are on Company business. While the Company recognizes the need to use cellular phones for business purposes, safety is the first priority. It is also acknowledged that Company-distributed cell phones are to be used only for Company business.
If an employee needs to make a phone call while driving, the individual should find a proper parking space first. Stopping on the side of the road is not acceptable. The only exception is for genuine emergencies such as an accident or a car breakdown. Employees must use hands-free devices and engage in brief conversations while driving. Otherwise, employees must park their vehicles before using their phones if the conversation is involved or the call is going to be intense, or when road conditions are poor or traffic is heavy.
Proper cellular phone use is one part of safe driving. Employees also should remember that while traveling on business, they are expected to follow posted speed limits, practice defensive driving, wear seat belts, take a sufficient number of breaks so they remain alert, and avoid taking notes while driving.
Cell Phones with Cameras: The photo-taking and transmitting features available on many cell phones shall be used for Company business purposes only.
Right to Search Employees, Equipment or Date Storage Devices
Employer reserves the right to conduct searches of employees, their personal belongings, and any Employer furnishings or equipment utilized by employees whenever we deem it necessary. An employee’s consent to such searches is a condition of employment, and refusal may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, even for a first offense.
Tags: Cameras, Cell Phones, Computer Files, E-Mail, Personal Digital Assistants, Voice Mail