Companies Monitoring Internet Use
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Yasmeen Anderson
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WEB SITE POLL FINDS THAT 55% OF EMPLOYEES DISAPPROVE OF COMPANIES MONITORING THEIR INTERNET USAGE WITHOUT CONSENT
FPC Workplace Web Poll Data Also Indicate 32% of Candidates Polled Felt it is Within a Company’s Rights to Monitor their Internet Usage, Even Without Consent
NEW YORK, April 27, 2005—Recruiting professionals at FPC, a national executive search firm with more than 70 offices, ask job candidates visiting the site their opinions about workplace issues.
This latest data from the FPC Workplace Web Poll spanning March and April of 2005 indicate that a significant percentage of the nations’ employees think they have a right to privacy when it comes to their internet usage at the office.
Of 405 respondents* to the question “How do you feel about your company monitoring your internet usage?”
• 55% said they felt their company had the right but only with consent
• 32% said it was a company’s right to do so without telling employees, since it is their computer.
• 8% said it was within the company’s rights only if the employee was suspected of abusing the privilege
• 1% said it was okay if the employee had previously been caught abusing the privilege
• 3% said that they don’t believe a company ever has the right to monitor their internet usage.
* +/- 4% margin of error
“Technology has become such a vital part of our everyday lives both professionally and personally, it’s not surprising that companies want to assure that their employees’ time is predominantly spent on work-related computer usage. Some would argue that since it is the company’s computer, the company’s internet service and the company’s time, it is somewhat surprising that 55% of employees felt monitoring office internet usage should require consent. In today’s world, many people are used to being monitored without their consent so for 31% of employees, the workplace is no exception for them,” said FPC Executive Vice President Ron Herzog. Adding, “The majority of employees, though, would like to be informed, so it is always in the company’s best interest to have an internet usage policy clearly outlining the company’s expectations, which all employees sign upon hiring.”
The FPC Web site, www.fpcnational.com, offers candidates actionable articles, such as “But I Hate Networking; a Practical Guide for Networking Effectively”, “Getting What You Want: Negotiating Successfully” and “Not Your Old Fashioned Interview, How to Prepare for Situational and Behavioral Interviews.” These tips join many others covering all areas of the job search process drawing on the company’s years of professional experience in screening resumes for client companies, helping executives to get interviews and negotiating new positions.
About the Poll
The FPC Workplace Web Poll takes the pulse of candidates in the ever-changing job market and spots developing trends. FPC conducts ongoing research so that its recruiters can provide the most current advice and information to job candidates and client companies. FPC shares pertinent results with the public.
About FPC
FPC is a national executive search firm with more than 70 franchise offices. The award-winning fpcnational.com website offers job seekers access to its network of hundreds of professional executive recruiters and job opportunities in many industries and disciplines as well as providing job search information and assistance. The company has been providing human asset and career solutions since 1959. Advocates for both clients and candidates, FPC recruiters are committed to bringing together the right individual with the right opportunity. For further information about FPC, call 800-886-7839 or visit the FPC Web site at www.fpcnational.com. For job search tips, visit the Services section or visit About Us - Media Center, for more information about FPC. ###