Saturday, 23 February 2008
Legal Technology - Who Wins the Fight Over E-Mail Ownership?
| The challenge of employees using email in a business setting for private use is an area most businesses struggle with. The article linked to this post covers the issue in some depth from a US perspective - looking at recent US case law. While the Australian courts would not be likely to take these cases as precedent, they would still be informed by the content. So what is the bottom line for company email policy? * Companies need a stated email policy that clearly states all emails are the property of the company * The policy needs to state all emails will be monitored * The policy needs to extend to blogging, message board and forum posting * It also needs to state all emails are stored on the companies server and can be searched * Companies need to regularly remind employees of the policy * Companies need to consistently enforce their policy If you do that you will be half of the way there in any disputed case over who owns or can access emails. Until next time Ingrid Cliff Heart Harmony Labels: employee handbook, hr policies |
Thursday, 20 December 2007
HR Tips - Shift Swapping
| As a business owner you can waste hours each week setting up rosters - only to have team members come back with changes they want to make (particulary during school holiday periods). This can set you into a spiral of chasing people to swap shifts to cover your roster. A well considered HR policy should include some basic admin processes Have a shift request book - that way if someone can't work they should write it in the book before you do up the rosters (and remember to check and rule off the book when you do up the rosters for that week). Get people into the habit of trying to find their own replacement from other staff if they can't work a shift.That way they come and tell you that they are not available but Mary Joe will cover for them. Have people initial their rosters to say that they have seen them. Firmly and equally apply your "no show - not sick - no pay" policy. By being clear on your rostering rules and procedures you will save hours of your precious time each week as well as reduce your overtime bill. Until next time Ingrid Cliff Heart Harmony www.heartharmony.com.au Labels: hr policies, hr tips, shift policies, shift swapping |