Viewing Porn at work

[martelld]

What is the name of your state? Florida

Our company has a strict policy on using the computer/web for personal reasons and prohibits visiting or downloading pornographic/illegal material. We also have a policy, which everyone has been notified, that we monitor computer use and there should be no expectation of privacy. Recently, an employee brought in a personal CD with pornographic movies on it and used the computer to view them. Obviously, it's troubling that the employee is using the computer for personal reasons. Is there a difference between bringing in personal pornographic material as opposed to visiting a pornographic site? This employee is under me in the chain of command and I'm uncertain how to proceed. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[cbg]

No, there is no difference. S/he undoubtably thinks there is and will probably try to split that hair with you, but 1.) s/he has no business using the computer for personal reasons, period and 2.) porn in the workplace is unacceptable, period.

Were I in your shoes, I would take the person aside and tell them in no uncertain terms that it doesn't make any difference what the source of the porn is, the next time they are caught with porn in the workplace regardless of where it came from OR using the company computer for any personal reason at all, they will be fired. Document their file to that effect, put HR on notice and be prepared to follow through. In fact, I would put the warning in writing and require them to read and sign.

(This assumes that you do not have any kind of guaranteed disciplinary process that must be followed.)

The reason I am suggesting putting this person on final warning rather than firing them outright is that at least in my state, if they did not have clear and unambiguous knowledge that the action(s) in question can lead to their losing their job, they would probably be granted unemployment.