Information Systems 101: Employee Monitoring

Employee monitoring involves the use of computers to observe, record, and review as employee's use of a computer, including communications such as e mail, keyboard activity (used to measure productivity), and Web sites visited. Many computer programs exist that easily allow employers to monitor employees. Further, it is illegal for employers to use these programs.
A frequently debated issue is whether an employer has the right to read employee e-mail messages. Actual policies vary widely. Some companies declare that they will review e-mail messages regularly.…