BUSINESS information consultancy Croner today urged firms to take a "Big Brother attitude" when monitoring employee e-mails, given that 35 per cent of all outbound office e-mail is unrelated to work.
The group said e-mails are increasingly being used by employees to bully, harass and air prejudices against colleagues.
Croner warned that e-mails can be used as evidence against employers in many tribunal cases. Too many employers are unaware of this fact, are too complacent about it, or are unsure about the ethics of monitoring e-mails, Croner stated.
Richard Smith, HR expert at Croner, said the contents of an e-mail sent by a worker may see serious legal issues arise for the firm.
He added: "Employers can't afford to be blas and are best advised to adopt a more watchful Big Brother attitude over e-mails sent using their network."
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