Email Monitoring

Many companies electronically monitor their employees' Internet and e-mail usage, but doing so can lead to lawsuits by employees who believe their privacy is being invaded. However, in a number of reported cases, the employees' legal claims have failed. This article explains the legal issues related to workplace monitoring and offers practical tips companies can take to protect themselves. Technological advances such as e-mail and the Internet are designed to make the workplace more efficient. Of course, these tools also expose employers to new types of employment law claims, including e-harassment. Some employers may decide to monitor the use of e-mail and the Internet to limit their exposure to discrimination and/or harassment claims. In addition, employers also are concerned about employees sharing, intentionally or inadvertently, the company's trade secrets and other proprietary or confidential information with competitors.