When a company decides to download instant messenger (IM) programs onto their employee's computers in order to increase communication and efficiency, it is important that managers and supervisors sit down beforehand and draft a policy statement about instant messaging. Some of the things that need to be taken into consideration include downloads, allowable features, chat records, and buddy lists. The more clear the management staff is before the company workers are allowed to download instant messenger programs, the less confusion there will be. Be sure to tell employees what they can and cannot download through the IM client. Many contacts might send them music or other files not pertaining to work-related issues. Additionally, if the company is not using a secure or hosted IM client, then downloads may not be clean of trojans or viruses and employees need to be aware of that. Many enterprise IM programs that are made for use in the workplace allow the system administrator to chose which features each user is allowed to use. Extra features like video and voice chat, whiteboard, and voicemail can be chosen to be used by certain employees only. Another area that needs to be considered before staff are approved to download instant messenger programs is privacy. In many cases, these IM programs allow supervisors to choose to have all employees chat records accessible to management at any time. Also, supervisors can make it clear to employees that they can also have access to their buddy lists, so they can see who each user is talking to. Having guidelines and discipline procedure ahead of time will make sure there isn't any confusion once the IM program is put into place. Having instant messaging in the workplace is a great morale and communication booster, but, like any perk, it can also be abused. While many employees will appreciate the use of instant messaging, make sure that they are aware that it is a privilege that can also be taken away.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
