The segment suggests several key strategies to guard against employee misuse of workplace technology:
- Establish Clear Technology Policies and Educate Employees : Define what constitutes proper and improper use of company technology, including internet access, email, computers, and printers. Provide comprehensive written policies and ensure employees are trained to understand the risks, rules, and consequences related to misuse
- Implement Monitoring and Access Controls : Use monitoring tools to track employee activity on apps and websites to detect unauthorized use. Manage access by setting limits on which technologies and applications employees can use, employing firewalls, VPNs, and secure logins to prevent unauthorized access
- Discuss Violations and Take Corrective Action : Address policy violations through open conversations with employees to identify underlying issues and enforce consequences when necessary, including dismissal or legal action for serious misuse
- Provide Approved Tools and Alternatives : Offer employees approved internal apps and tools to reduce the temptation to use unauthorized technology for work tasks, and allow use of personal technology during breaks to balance productivity and personal needs
- Maintain Transparency and Respect Privacy : When implementing monitoring or surveillance, be transparent about the purpose and scope, seek employee consent, safeguard data privacy, and allow an appeal process to maintain trust and ethical standards
Together, these measures create a framework that protects organizational assets, ensures compliance, fosters a culture of responsibility, and balances security with employee well-being
