subject: A Computer Usage Policy Is Necessary [print this page] If you are a manager of an important company and you have allowed your employees to have permanent and access to their computers and the Internet where anything goes, you had better come up with a policy to protect yourself against any wrongdoing that may be occurring behind your back. Wrongdoing can result in charges of anything from inappropriate behavior to even employee harassment. Don't let yourself get caught up in a scandal, so take safeguards against any potential improprieties.
It is not on purpose of course, but when the freedom is there, there are usually a couple of people that can't control themselves or make bad decisions. Nobody wants to be working in a hostile of uncomfortable situation, but on the other hand, nobody wants to feel so oppressed and hounded that they feel uncomfortable. What there needs to be is a behind the scenes program, installed and running to help keep everybody on track.
If you do not impose boundaries on your employees or, at times, family members, you can find yourself in trouble with files being lost and work being mismanaged. Make sure that you don't ignore safeguards at your own home, especially if you have children who might be of an age where the Internet is extremely tempting.
Now, kids are going to see and hear things that you don't want them to, that's just part of growing up, but it's the ease of access that has made the job of monitoring it that much harder. A parent, just like a boss can't be there every second of every day, you have to trust that they are going to make a good decision. But, that doesn't mean you stop trying. You put up the barriers, the walls and protection and you try to keep the worst of it out of your office or home and off your hard drive.
Finally, make sure the users of your computer know what they are working with. It isn't tough to do some serious damage to your files and have someone gain access to information that is personal and private. Never open spam e-mail or anything from someone you don't know.
