I’d like to keep my employees from using their company computers for personal stuff like e-mail. Can I prohibit this?
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In general, while your written policy can set limits on the personal use of company computers, it’s not a good idea to flat-out prohibit it. Not only is trying to prohibit all personal use of e-mail and the Internet unrealistic, the National Labor Relations Board has deemed such policies too broad (prohibiting nonwork-related use of email infringes on employees’ rights to organize, or engage in “concerted activity”). Many employers adopt policies with language indicating that the company’s computers should be used “primarily” for business purposes, and that any use of the computer for personal business should not interfere with work. Your policies should also inform employees that computer use may be subject to monitoring, and therefore employees should have no expectation of privacy when using company computers. — CELA Editors