As technology becomes more ubiquitous in the workplace, the
importance of having proper policies and discipline to govern the
use of that technology by workers becomes more critical. A
recent case involving a federal government worker serves as an
illustration of some of the unique issues raised by employee misuse
of technology.
In Gravelle v Deputy Head (Justice) numerous tips
led to an investigation of the grievor, a human resources
assistant. That investigation revealed that the grievor had
engaged in extensive abuse of his privileges on the employer's
network, as well as other misconduct. Specifically, that
misconduct consisted of:
- Excessive and unreasonable use of the employer's network
and internet connection in relation to his interest in cars and
mechanical subjects, which the employer claimed was a for-profit
side business. In particular, he sent a large number of emails to
at least one co-worker concerning this interest, and used the
Internet at an
