The Employee Internet Usage Policy outlines guidelines for using the company’s internet connection, network, and equipment. It aims to prevent inappropriate or illegal internet use that jeopardizes the company’s legality and reputation. The policy covers appropriate usage, confidentiality, data protection, and consequences for violations.
This Employee Internet Usage Policy is ready to be tailored for your company’s needs and should be considered a starting point for setting up your policies regarding computer usage for employees. May also be called Employee Internet Policy, Company Internet Policy or Computer Usage Policy.
The internet usage policy should include:
Our employee internet usage policy outlines our guidelines for using our company’s internet connection, network and equipment. We want to avoid inappropriate or illegal internet use that creates risks for our company’s legality and reputation.
This employee internet usage policy applies to all our employees, contractors, volunteers and partners who access our network and computers.
Our employees are advised to use our company’s internet connection for the following reasons:
We don’t want to restrict our employees’ access to websites of their choice, but we expect our employees to exercise good judgement and remain productive at work while using the internet.
Any use of our network and connection must follow our confidentiality and data protection policy.
Our employees mustn’t use our network to:
We also advise our employees to be careful when downloading and opening/executing files and software. If they’re unsure if a file is safe, they should ask [their supervisor/ IT manager/ etc.]
Our company may install anti-virus and disk encryption software on our company computers. Employees may not deactivate or configure settings and firewalls without managerial approval.
We won’t assume any responsibility if employee devices are infected by malicious software, or if their personal data are compromised as a result of inappropriate employee use.
We expect our employees to respect and protect our company’s equipment. “Company equipment” in this computer usage policy for employees includes company-issued phones, laptops, tablets and any other electronic equipment, and belongs to our company.
We advise our employees to lock their devices in their desks when they’re not using them. Our employees are responsible for their equipment whenever they take it out of their offices.
Our employees can use their corporate email accounts for both work-related and personal purposes as long as they don’t violate this policy’s rules. Employees shouldn’t use their corporate email to:
Our company has the right to monitor corporate emails. We also have the right to monitor websites employees visit on our computers.
Employees who don’t conform to this employee internet usage policy will face disciplinary action. Serious violations will be cause for termination of employment, or legal action when appropriate. Examples of serious violations are:
| Disclaimer: This employee internet usage policy template is meant to provide general guidelines and should be used as a reference. It may not take into account all relevant local, state or federal laws and is not a legal document. Neither the author nor Workable will assume any legal liability that may arise from the use of this policy. |
What is an example of an internet usage policy? An internet usage policy typically outlines guidelines for employees on appropriate use of the company's internet, ensuring data protection, and consequences for misuse. Why is an internet usage policy important? Such a policy is crucial to prevent misuse, protect company data, maintain productivity, and safeguard the company's reputation. What should an internet usage policy include? It should detail appropriate internet behaviors, data protection measures, and consequences for violations. How does the policy address personal use of company email? Employees can use corporate email for personal purposes as long as they don't violate the policy's rules, such as sending inappropriate content or signing up for unauthorized services. Are employees allowed to download or upload movies and music? No, employees must not download or upload movies, music, or other copyrighted material using the company's network.
