Internet Monitoring in the Workplace

Technology now makes it possible for employers to monitor workplace communications by any employee -- on the phone and in cyberspace. And many employers take advantage of these tracking devices: A survey completed by more than 700 companies by the Society for Human Resource Management found that almost three-quarters of the companies monitor their workers' use of the Internet and check employee email, and over half review employee phone calls. According to a study by the American Management Association, businesses offering financial services -- such as banks, brokerage houses, insurance firms, and real estate companies -- are most likely to monitor their workers' communications.

Employers have a justifiable interest in employee Internet monitoring and how employees spend their work hours. After all, no employer wants workers surfing X-rated websites, sending offensive email, or calling in bets on the ponies on the company's dime. And employers may want to take steps to ensure employees are not giving trade secrets to competitors, engaging in illegal conduct at work, or using company communications equipment to harass their coworkers.