Looking for an internet usage policy template for your company? This article will provide a sample that you can download and tailor to suit the needs of your workforce.
If you are managing remote workers you will also like our work from home policy template that helps establish expectations for employees that work remotely.
This internet acceptable use policy for employees is an excellent start, but it’s just the beginning.
To truly enforce your acceptable use policy and ensure that employees are using company-provided devices appropriately you will need:
This acceptable use policy sample will serve as the cornerstone for communicating the expected use of technology in the workplace. The template can be downloaded and edited to include the exact messaging you’d like to provide your employees.
Free Sample Template:
Employee Internet Usage Policy
Download this FREE acceptable use policy, customize it,
and distribute it to your employees to set a precedent for the acceptable use of the internet in the workplace.
Disclaimer: Please note that this document does not constitute legal advice. This is a templated document provided by CurrentWare Inc. for informational purposes only. Prior to implementing any policy, please consult a legal professional, your company’s existing policies, as well as local, regional, or country guidelines.
BEGINNING OF TEMPLATE
This internet usage policy is current as of <<DATE>>
This internet usage policy is intended to provide guidelines for the acceptable use of the internet, computers, email, and other forms of technology used in connection with <<COMPANY>>. The guidelines set in this policy are intended to provide examples of inappropriate behaviors that are prohibited in <<COMPANY>>. The acts outlined in this document are also intended to serve as a precedent for addressing related unacceptable behaviors concerning the use of the internet and other technology provided by <<COMPANY>>.
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and other associates of <<COMPANY>>. By signing this document you agree to abide by the principles stated within the policy. Violation of this policy could result in disciplinary and/or legal action including termination of your employment with <<COMPANY>>. Employees may also be held liable for damages caused by any violations of this policy.
Employees of <<COMPANY>> are trusted to use company property in a way that is respectful and appropriate. <<COMPANY>> has zero tolerance for comments and actions that would be considered racist, sexist, derogatory, vulgar, threatening, harassing, or otherwise discriminatory. This includes but is not limited to actions and comments partaken when using the internet and other technology provided by <<COMPANY>>.
Employees are expected to use company-provided internet and other devices as a resource for completing their assigned duties and supporting the objectives of <<COMPANY>>.
Excessive personal use of company internet (“cyberloafing”) during work hours is not permitted, however occasional and reasonable personal use is acceptable, so long as:
The following activities are strictly forbidden on company equipment:
The equipment used to access the internet is the property of <<COMPANY>>. <<COMPANY>> may use employee monitoring software to ensure the acceptable use of technology by employees, maintain the security of company data and property, and assist with employee productivity tracking. This activity tracking software will be used to monitor employee computer activity, including monitoring internet activity such as the websites visited by employees.
All data that is created on <<COMPANY>> computer systems is considered to be owned by <<COMPANY>>. Unauthorized disclosure of this data is not permitted and <<COMPANY>> reserves the right to disclose this data to authorized parties at its discretion.
Those found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to corrective measures up to and including termination of their employment with <<COMPANY>>.
The terms of this policy are subject to change at the discretion of <<COMPANY>>. Employees will be notified of amendments via written notice. Employees will be required to provide a signed acknowledgement of their receipt and acceptance of the revised policy.
If the undersigned is uncertain about what is considered acceptable or unacceptable use of the internet or they have any other questions and concerns, they can contact the below representative of <<COMPANY>> for further clarification.
<<REPRESENTATIVE’S CONTACT INFO>>
Employee Signature
Date
Free Sample Template:
Employee Internet Usage Policy
Download this FREE acceptable use policy, customize it,
and distribute it to your employees to set a precedent for the acceptable use of the internet in the workplace.
END OF TEMPLATE
An internet usage policy is a document used by employers to communicate the acceptable use of technology in the workplace. The document provides rules and guidelines surrounding the organization’s expectations of their employees when using the internet and other company-provided devices.
Common topics include:
Email and internet use policies are used by companies to communicate the expected use of technology in the workplace. These documents both serve as a means of communicating the company’s expectations and setting a precedent for taking corrective actions should employees be found to use workplace technology inappropriately.
Yes. While the exact precedent will vary based on your jurisdiction, employees have been fired due to their workplace internet usage. Before an employee is fired they will typically have received several verbal and written warnings regarding their unacceptable internet usage habits.
Potential fireable offenses include:
26% (of organizations) have terminated workers for Internet misuse in 2009.
2009 Electronic Business Communication Policies & Procedures Survey
To limit employee internet use you can blacklist websites using a web filter. CurrentWare’s web filter BrowseControl can be used to limit employee internet access with unique configurations for each user, device, and department.
You can also use internet monitoring software to track websites visited by remote and in-office employees. By monitoring internet use you can see if employees are abusing their internet access privileges by visiting unsafe, inappropriate, or unproductive websites.
An internet policy is a critical administrative safeguard for ensuring that employees use the company’s internet in a way that is productive, safe, and appropriate. To help scale the enforcement of your policy you can monitor employee internet use by deploying employee monitoring software such as CurrentWare’s BrowseReporter.