Objective
ETHOS recognizes that use of the internet and email is necessary in the workplace, and employeesare required to use both responsibly and lawfully, as unacceptable use can place ETHOS and others at risk for harassment, security breaches and similar issues. This policy outlines the guidelines for acceptable use of ETHOS technology systems.
Scope
This policy must be followed in conjunction with other ETHOS policies governing appropriate workplace conduct and behavior. Any employee who abuses the company-provided access to email, the internet, or other electronic communications or networks, including social media, may be denied future access and, if appropriate, be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. ETHOS complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws as they concern the employer/employee relationship, and nothing contained herein should be misconstrued to violate any of the rights or responsibilities contained in such laws.
Questions regarding the appropriate use of ETHOS electronic communications equipment or systems, including email and the internet, should be directed to your supervisor or the information technology (IT) department.
Policy
ETHOS has established the following guidelines for employee use of the company’s technology and communications networks, including the internet and email, in an appropriate, ethical and professional manner.
Confidentiality andMonitoring
All technology provided by ETHOS, including computer systems, communication networks, company-related work records and other information stored electronically, is the property of ETHOS and not the employee. In general, use of the company’s technology systems and electronic communications should be job-related and not for personal convenience. ETHOS reserves the right to examine, monitor andregulate email and other electronic communications, directories, files and all other content, including internet use, transmitted by or stored in its technology systems, whether onsite or offsite.
Internal and external email, voice mail, text messages and other electronic communications are considered business records and may be subject to discovery in the event of litigation. Employees must be aware of this possibility when communicating electronically within and outside the company.
Appropriate Use
ETHOS employees are expected to use technology responsibly, lawfully and productively as necessary for their jobs. Internet access and email use is for job-related activities; however, minimal personal use is acceptable.
Employees may not use ETHOS internet, email or other electronic communications to transmit, retrieve or store any communications or other content of adefamatory, discriminatory, harassing or pornographic nature. No messages with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individual’s race, age, sex, disability ,religion, national origin, physical attributes, gender identity, sexual preference or any other protected class may be transmitted. Harassment of any kind is prohibited.
Abusive, excessively profane or offensive language and any illegal activities—including piracy, cracking, extortion, blackmail, copyright infringement and unauthorized access to any computers on the internet or email—are forbidden.
Copyrighted materials belonging to entities other than ETHOS may not be transmitted byemployees on the company’s network without permission of the copyright holder.
Employees may not use ETHOS computer systems in a way that disrupts its use byothers. This includes sending or receiving excessive numbers of large files andspamming (sending unsolicited email to thousands of users).
Employees are prohibited from downloading software or other program files or online services from the internet without prior approval from the IT department. All files or software should be passed through virus-protection programs prior to use.Failure to detect viruses could result in corruption or damage to files or unauthorized entry into company systems and networks.
Every employee of ETHOS is responsible for the content of all text, audio, video or imagefiles that he or she places or sends over the company’s internet and email systems. No email or other electronic communications may be sent that hide theidentity of the sender or represent the sender as someone else. ETHOS corporate identity is attached to all outgoing email communications, which should reflect corporate values and appropriate workplace language and conduct.
Nothing in this policy is intended to, nor should be construed to limit or interfere with employee rights as set forth under all applicable provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, including Section 7 and 8(a)(1) rights to organize and engage in protected, concerted activities regarding the terms and conditions of employment.
