Can You Be Fired Over an Email? HR Shares Advice

By Jane Okoth
“I have been working in a well known company in the banking industry for almost 3 years now.

My work has been going on well till some 2 weeks ago when I was reprimanded by my boss. He called to serve me with a warning letter that I have been unproductive and have also been spending much of my time in non work related issues.

I then came to find out that he had been spying on my work computer for a long time. I must have forgotten to log off my account when he quickly gained access to some sites I was visiting such as face book and you tube.

Is my boss allowed to fire me just because of a mere email and is he allowed in invading my privacy?” writes Margret in an email.

David Mureithi, a Human Resource Officer at Transport and Lifting is of the opinion that the boss is not entitled to going though your personal emails because one is entitled to privacy.

“Personal emails are private and confidential therefore they should not be snooped,” he says.

“Even though you used a company computer, technology allows you to access emails through any computer provided it is not during working hours,” he asserts.

He however warns that the employer findings of anything inappropriate in the email can lead to dire consequences as far as your job is concerned.

“This depends on the discovery of the email versus the company’s HR policy. Many companies have different policies regarding this and it is your responsibility as an employee to find out,” he says.

“For instance, there is a policy which is against sharing of company information to the public,” he opines.

“If you are found to be sharing such kind of information, you may be punished but within the laid out process in the company’s policy,” he advises.

“What of the boss constantly monitoring your social media activity?” I pose.

Mr. Mureithi states that the boss can spy on his employee based on the image of the company and the position the employee is holding at the moment.

“To some extent the company might be interested in one social image life and activity especially if the individual is holding a position that is seen as the face of the company,” he explains.

He further adds that “For instance if one is working in a Marketing or PR department and makes important public appearance then his/her private life is important as the public may interpret his conduct as the company’s position .”

“As much as what you do on your personal email and social media page is your own business, responsibility and caution is very important,” he says.

He concludes by saying that “Irresponsible use of social media can irreparably harm the company’s reputation, and sabotage your own careers as an employee.”

As an employee, have you found yourself in such a position?

For any queries based on Workplace Advice, contact Jane at jane@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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