IM Rule 20: The Easiest Way to Control Instant Messaging Risk Is to Control Written Content.

IM Rule # 20: The Easiest Way to Control Instant Messaging Risk Is to Control Written Content.

By requiring employees to use appropriate, businesslike language in IM, employers can help limit their liability risks and improve the overall effectiveness of the organization’s IM system. Use your written IM policy to spell out content guidelines and language rules.

The establishment of your IM policy is a good time to review (and update if necessary) the organization’s sexual harassment and discrimination policies. Sexual harassment claims are not new to employers, but the use of smoking gun instant messages as evidence is. Be sure to address sexual harassment and discrimination in your IM content, language, and usage guidelines.