Email Thing

MOST of us use email every day of our working lives, but few think about how it might land us or our employers in hot water.
Experts warn that negotiating the do's and don'ts of email can be a tricky area, and that "think before you send" is something every worker should make their motto.

On the plus side, the experts also say that those who are familiar with some simple rules of email etiquette and protocol are unlikely to offend or overstep any workplace boundaries.
"Only 7 per cent of our communication is actually the words we use -- 38 per cent is the sound of our voice and 55 per cent is body language.
while at work an email is a business medium, and should fit within the rules of business communication -- not casual chit chat.."
Sunday says for younger workers who have grown up on text, email and blogging, using email formally can be challenging.
"Less is more"
Sunday's next warning is to bear in mind that sending an email is final and can't be brought back.
Katz says emails are best avoided, where possible, if the content is not straightforward. "Get up and walk down the hall and have a conversation, or pick up the phone and actually speak." Sunday says this is doubly true where a disagreement is involved.
While sticking to rules of etiquette and grammar is important, staying within the law is vital. there are instances where email communication can lose you your job, cost you and your employer money, or expose you to criminal charges.
Schreier Joffe says a failure to take email communication seriously may be part of the reason email can be such a legal minefield.
Schreier Joffe says another danger is the ease of distribution of email.
"Something like the circulating of a sexually explicit joke or a picture that is offensive to someone can be a problem because it can be construed as sexual harassment." likely.
There are other behaviours which should always be avoided in the office.
Companies have a legal right to monitor and read employee emails when the employees have been informed it will be done.
"Certainly your employer as a rule can't regulate what you do outside work hours and whether or not you decide to put photos of your activities on Facebook or MySpace will be your choice."
if the outrageous activity you are posting pictures of has taken place at an after-work party or work-based social function.