21st century workplace – is technology a help or hindrance?
26 November 2008
Technology and the workplace have gone hand in hand for some
time. However, recent advances have had a previously unforeseen
impact on the working environment, leaving many employers at a loss
as to the extent to which they can integrate new technology into
their workplace.
For example, Facebook and MySpace are used by
millions of people in the UK. It is therefore not surprising that
employees are increasingly accessing such sites at work,
highlighting the very question of whether the recent phenomenon of
social networking, as a general form of internet use, has a proper
place in the working environment. Some argue that these sites have
business benefits, others are concerned that they have a negative
impact on employee productivity and may be misused. According to
recent reports, social networking sites are also increasingly being
used by employers as part of the recruitment process. The level of
detail included on these sites potentially makes them a mine of
information when it comes to researching candidates but many
question whether such sites are a legitimate tool.
Advances in technology have also challenged
the role of technology in the workplace. Microsoft has
recently developed employee spyware, which is capable of monitoring
an employee’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence. But
how far can employee monitoring go? Are employers subject to any
limits and can allowances be made in light of the developments in
technology?
From an employment law perspective, internet
use, social networking and monitoring in the workplace therefore
raise a number of important issues for employers. Should you limit
employees’ access to the internet and social networking sites? Is
it possible to discipline employees for excessive use of social
networking sites, particularly if, as argued, there are business
benefits? Can such sites legitimately form part of a business’
recruitment procedure and, if so, are there are any pitfalls?
To what extent can internet usage be monitored? This workshop will
provide an overview of the key, wide-ranging, legal principles and,
using tailored case studies, will demonstrate the parameters and
best practice surrounding one of the most recent issues to affect
the modern workplace.
Click
here to reserve your place.