For example, Internet connections were monitored by 63 percent of the more than 1,600 companies responding to the survey. Telephone use was tracked by 43 percent. Computer use such as time logged on or keystroke counts was monitored by 19 percent. Video surveillance for security purposes was used by 38 percent. In addition, the annual survey found that more than a quarter of respondent companies fired people for misuse of company technology and three-quarters have disciplined people.
People act as if they have privacy protection.
Although federal laws against wiretapping prevent monitoring of employee conversations under most circumstances, there are few limitations on monitoring such things as voice mail. The very definition of what is private is up for grabs as lines blur between working hours, personal time and home life. Meanwhile, the porous nature of e-mail communications makes it quick and easy for employees to gossip with friends or business associates outside the organization. The informality of the medium lends itself to the rapid transfer of a company's trade secrets outside the organization. What they don't send via e-mail angry employees can carry on a floppy disk in their shirt pocket as they walk out the door.