Marc A. Mandelman, a Member of the Firm in the Labor and Employment practice, in the firm’s New York office, was quoted by SHRM.org, in “Employee Handbooks: Every Word Counts.” (Read the full version – membership required.)
Following is an excerpt:
But policies that prohibit any personal use of technology are no panacea. “The problem with blanket provisions is that they are very difficult to enforce,” advised Mandelman.
And even though it should be obvious that, barring specific instructions, employees cannot fly first class, stay at the Ritz or drink a $1,000 bottle of Bordeaux wine on company travel, it all needs to be spelled out in the handbook.
Employers need to be careful with confidentiality policies as well. Avoid making them overly broad, advised Mandelman. All employees—even those in non-unionized companies—are protected by the National Labor Relations Act, he noted, and certain activities, such as discussion of salaries, are protected.