Communication Technology

HR Zone have just released a new report about the uses for social networking tools in the workplace.

The report has been done in conjunction with Skillsoft.

To get a copy of the report click HERE.

An article featured on the BBC News (Business) website today concentrates on ageism since the recent introduction of anti-ageist employment law.

The study group - The Employers Forum on Age - reported in the article suggests ageism is still "endemic" in the UK workplace despite new laws coming into force last year.

To prove the point a poll found that 16 million people witnessed ageist practices at work last year.

What's more, the study highlights how more than 2,000 claims have been lodged with the Employment Tribunal Service since the new laws came into effect.

For more details, TV links and links to a Panorama programme on ageism see In Ageism 'endemic' in the workplace.

WorkSMART from the TUC has recently up-dated its advice for workers on monitoring and Internet policies.

The basis for the advice is as follows:

"Everyone has the right to a private life, even when at work. But privacy at work is becoming more of an issue every day.

New technology allows employers to collect substantial information about their staff, whilst surveillance techniques in the workplace are becoming increasingly sophisticated and intrusive.

Snooping on workers is now technically very easy."

An example of the questions answered by WorkSMART include:

1) How should my employer approach monitoring at work?

2) Is my boss allowed to listen to my voicemail or open my email whilst I’m away from work?

3) Is my employer allowed to monitor my vehicle?