Instant Messaging Rules: A Business Guide to Managing Policies, Security, and Legal Issues for Safe IM Communication

Overview

When it comes to instant messaging, employers have a lot to consider:

• Is there already an IM presence in your office?

• How are employees currently using it?

• Do you want to legitimize and authorize IM use?

• Do you prefer to ban its use completely?

• Does your organization have the IT expertise, budget, and tools necessary to ensure a secure IM solution?

• Do you have a thorough understanding of the legal, regulatory, and business challenges IM brings to the workplace?

• Are you prepared to meet IM-related regulatory requirements?

• Is your organization prepared to commit the financial and human resources necessary to develop, implement, and enforce IM rules, policies, and training?

• In what ways does (or would) IM benefit your organization?

• How does (or might) it harm your business or employees?

• Will IM deliver a favorable enough return on investment to justify the expense of installing, maintaining, and managing the technology for it and controlling problems related to it?

The following list of instant messaging pros and cons is offered to help employers who are undecided about the role it should play as a workplace communications tool.