Final answer:
An employee should not use a business email for non-business-related communication while on duty, as it may be monitored and is considered company property. Professional email etiquette dictates that personal matters should be handled through a personal email account, maintaining a clear separation between work and private life.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing the question of whether an employee can use email for non-business-related communication while on duty, the key considerations relate to professional email etiquette and company policies. Employees should understand that while on duty, the priority should be company business, and thus, using a business email account for personal matters would typically be considered inappropriate. This is because business email accounts and their contents are considered the property of the employer, and the employer may have the right to access and monitor communications. Moreover, all communications should reflect professionalism to uphold the company's image and maintain trust.
Here are some tips for conducting oneself online in a professional manner:
- Use business email strictly for work-related correspondence and reserve personal email accounts for private matters.
- Be aware of who your audience is and always maintain professionalism, even in internal communications.
- Before you send an email, consider its content carefully, acknowledging that it can easily be forwarded or become public.
- Make a clear distinction between work and personal life by setting priorities and managing your time effectively.
In summary, the use of company email systems should align with policies emphasizing communication best practices and discretion to protect both the employee's and the company's interests.