Before you dash off a quick email or instant message to a friend or family member during a protracted work meeting , remember that your message may be monitored. Over three-quarters (76%) of US firms report that they record and review their employees communications on the job, with over half retaining and reviewing email.
The consequences of misuse can be severe. The American Management Association reports that one in four companies have terminated employees for email misuse. This might be the perfect day to brush up on what your employer says about proper use of email and IM in the "Company Handbook." Companies large and small are implementing electronic technology policies. The primary drivers for communication monitoring are legal and regulatory. In a court of law, email, instant messages, and other employee content has become evidence. They are the equivalent of business DNA.
Before you dash off a quick email or instant message to a friend or family member during a protracted 
