For more information, talk to an EAP Consultant . The majority of employees have access to the internet. Recently, I have been informed that a person I supervise has been accessing websites that are sexually explicit in nature. Use of computers on the job has introduced many new management problems. It is important for employees using computer terminals on their job to remember that the employer owns the computer network and the terminals and may use them to monitor employees.
Employers have a legitimate interest in monitoring work to ensure efficiency and productivity.
Employers may monitor many aspects of their employees' jobs, and usually will have policies in place regarding monitoring. If your company is unionized, check the union contract too. When addressing the issue with the employee, you may want to prepare what you are going to say ahead of time. State the company's policies, and be clear and direct that noncompliance with the policies is a job performance issue. State your expectations clearly, and what will happen if those expectations are not met.