Contact: Elisabeth A. Hershman, Esq. Van Prooyen Greenfield LLP (212) 289-6734 ehershman@vpgllp.com
Lara Minch-Klass Public Relations Manager Jackson Lewis LLP. (212)-545-4031 KlassL@Jacksonlewis.com
JACKSON LEWIS SURVEY FINDS EMPLOYERS SCREEN EMPLOYEES’ USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES
- Results show New York employers are reviewing employees’ internet usage to determine access as well as using networking sites as screening tools for new employees -
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (September 17, 2008)— Jackson Lewis LLP, one of the country’s largest and fastest growing workplace law firms, recently conducted a survey of more than 100 employers in New York’s metropolitan commuter areas to determine how on-line social networking sites have affected the employer - employee relationship. The survey found that many employers are monitoring employees’ use of the internet during work time and will terminate employees who violate workplace control and screening policies. Employers are also actively using social networking sites to screen new employees before hiring.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of employers responding to the survey admit to monitoring employees’ internet use to determine whether they are accessing on-line social networking sites, among other potentially inappropriate things. Thirty-eight percent (38%) block employees from accessing such websites.
Other findings from the survey include:
16% of survey respondents admit to checking on-line social networking sites to see what current and former employees might be saying about them on-line Six percent of employers that responded have even terminated employees for utilizing on-line social networking sites during work time Less than one-third of employers responding to the survey indicated that they have adopted policies limiting or prohibiting use of such sites during work time 12% of the employers surveyed use on-line social networking sites to recruit new employees and an equal percentage admit to using on-line social networking sites to assess applicants before extending a job offer“Barring a policy to the contrary, it is the employers’ prerogative to examine its employees’ use of the internet during work time and to ensure that employees’ are working when they are being paid to do so,” says Paul Siegel, a partner in the Long Island office of Jackson Lewis. “On the contrary, taking adverse employment action against employees on the basis of their protected recreational activities outside of the workplace is unlawful.”
Jackson Lewis attorneys are available to discuss complete survey results and other information regarding preventative strategies in the workplace.
About Jackson Lewis LLP Founded in 1958, Jackson Lewis LLP is dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law. With offices in 39 cities and over 500 attorneys, Jackson Lewis has developed a specialized expertise in every aspect of employment, labor, benefits and immigration law. Additional information about Jackson Lewis LLP can be found at www.jacksonlewis.com.
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