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HRIS / Technology

Ensure computer policy is clear: No using tech for nonbusiness purposes

12/02/2013
Here’s good news you can use to warn employees against misusing company computers and other technology for their own benefit, to compete or to commit fraud: Employees can’t argue that because they received the equipment to use, they are authorized to access information for purposes unrelated to business.

Online reviews: Warn workers to avoid ‘Astroturfing’

11/04/2013
Make sure employees know that it’s not just bad form to write fake customer reviews about your company online—it could be illegal. New York’s attorney general last month cracked down on 19 companies that created deceptive reviews (a process called “Astroturfing”).

Personal cellphone: Must we pay if it’s used for work?

10/21/2013
Q. An employee uses his own smartphone to access company email and conduct work from home. The work is on his own initiative—it’s not required, but we’re aware of it. Are we obligated to pay any portion of his monthly bill?

Posting employee pics online: Is a waiver required?

10/16/2013
Q. Do we need a signed waiver before we post pictures of our staff on our website, Facebook page or other Web-based media?  

Workplace lexicon: acc

10/11/2013
According to National Public Radio blogger Elise Hu, an acc in an email is even worse than the dreaded but invisible bcc because it is a “passive-aggressive move that blindsides the original party.”

Why not click? Maybe this Nigerian email is legit!

10/10/2013
Nearly one in five white-collar employees polled (19%) admit they have opened a suspicious email at work—and then failed to notify IT that they may have compromised computer security systems.

One more reason not to seek staff’s Facebook content

10/07/2013

There has been a lot of ink spilled out on the practice of employers requiring employees to provide access to their private social media accounts. Employers should avoid this practice because it erodes the trust necessary to build a workable employer/employee relationship. A recent case provides another reason why it’s a bad idea.

Tablets taking over business

10/03/2013
So far, tablets such as the iPad have mostly been for personal use. However, the mini machines are making inroads at work, too. For example, United Airlines pilots carry tablets instead of bulky flight-plan binders.

By the numbers: Cellphones bring us the Internet

10/02/2013
According to the Pew Research Center, 21% of cell users almost exclusively access the Internet with their phones.

Scheduling tricks for multiple time zones

09/17/2013
If you conduct virtual interviews or meetings with people around the country (or globe), it’s hard to correctly schedule meetings across various time zones. One tool to consider: EveryTimeZone.com.