With all of the technological advances making business easier, the importance of managing these technologies is growing as well. With cell phones and laptops given to many employees by their employers, there is a need for updated privacy and monitoring policies.
 
While these electronic devices benefit your organization, they also become a way for time to be used for non-work activities, like checking personal e-mail, text messages, or engaging in online activity that violates company policies, including anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies.

It is important to tell your employees, (in writing) when they are given an employer-owned cell phone, that they are expected to maintain their professional behavior in and out of the workplace, including their use of the cell phone and/or laptop you provide - that they must comply with all legal requirements as well as company policy.

In June of 2010, a Supreme Court case (Ontario v. Qual) determined that the employer is responsible for creating a clear policy regarding the use of company issued phones. Via this written policy, be sure your employees know what is expected of them regarding their use of the phone. Also be clear that their use of employer-owned communication devices is subject to monitoring.