IT, Internet, Email and Social Media Policy Template

Did you know these facts about IT, Internet, Email and Social Media?

• All information, either digitally stored or in transit, i.e., being shared via email, or social media, needs to be processed and accessed securely.
• An IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy is an official document that clearly defines how a company’s employees should make professional use of IT resources in the workplace on a day-to-day basis.
• IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media is about how you link your organisation’s mission, values, and principles with the required standards of professional online conduct.

IT, Internet, Email and Social Media Policy overview

This IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy covers what IT resources are and provides guidelines for the professional standards required for the use of these resources within and outside your organisation. It deals with the standards of behaviour and discretion expected when your people are using the internet, email, and social media for personal and professional use.

This IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy template can be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation. You can change as little or as much of the content as you like. Some sections may be governed by state and federal legislation. It is important that you seek your own HR or legal advice, maintain this policy as legislation changes and adjust it to meet your requirements.

Target audience

This IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media workplace policy template is suitable for all your employees, contractors, and volunteers who use your IT resources. Once you have adjusted the IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy template to meet the specific requirements of your organisation, you can deliver it to new starters at induction and as refresher training on a regular basis.

Topics covered

The following topics are covered in this IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media Policy:

• Define Information Technology
• Internet usage guidelines
• Email Guidelines
• Professional use of Social Media
• Personal use of Social Media

Duration

This IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media Policy will take approximately five minutes to complete.

Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes will be achieved upon completion of this IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media Policy:

• Understand the professional standards of behaviour that are expected while using your company’s IT resources.
• Recognise the types of behaviour that constitute acting with honesty and integrity.
• Understand that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Recognise your personal responsibility to comply with this IT, Internet, email, and social media policy.
• Acknowledge that the IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy does not cover every possible event or action and that caution and common sense are required.

Business outcomes

Once all employees, contractors and volunteers have completed your IT, Internet, Email, and Social Media policy, the following business outcomes will be achieved for your organisation:

• Reduce the incidents of unprofessional online conduct in your workplace.
• Mitigate the risk of legal liability associated with unlawful internet usage.
• Protect your reputation from the damage caused by incidents of misconduct on social media.
• Present a vision for professional standards for the use of IT resources in and outside your workplace.
• Increase engagement by supporting a workplace culture that treats people fairly and with respect and prohibits the use of IT resources for bullying or harassing fellow employees.
• Become an employer of choice.