Online Forum

Many of my employees use Messenger and other Instant Messaging to communicate with clients. In theory, it is a good idea; free, fast and easy communication, but I’m worried about how much time is spent messaging about non-business matters.
I have heard that the risks of instant messaging can include; theft of confidential information (leading to potentially devastating lawsuits), infection by computer viruses, invasion by hackers and general time-wasting of employees as they chat to friends instead of working.
What should I do?

IM in my company is a vital part of our communication, so banning was not an option.
Using NetAngel, I found out some of my employees were chatting to friends too much during work-hours. With NetAngels reports, I was able to show them the percentage of time they spent on non-work related conversations. Some employees had a percentage that was embarassing in itself, and it seems they were shamed into working a LOT harder!

I reccomend creating a "messaging Policy".
This should include rules regarding content of the messages, who they can communicate with, when they may do it, and where.

The "Content Policy" should outline specifically banned language, such as profanity and threats, as well as taboo topics, corporate secrets, personal information or comments about fellow employees, potentially slanderous digs at rivals, and just about all types of jokes.

Also restrict the people who can be communicated with via IM. Instant messages can include file attachments that may host destructive computer viruses, so IMing should be limited to known, trusted correspondents. For instance, you may approve IMs between employees, but forbid messages to customers, suppliers, government regulators, news media and members of the public.

It's also a good idea to limit the times and places in which IM can be used. Firms may allow employees to use IM only after hours, during lunch and other breaks, or for specified amounts of time.

Make sure your IM policy is written and disseminated to employees. Ideally, get everyone to sign a statement testifying that they have seen and understand the policy as well as the reasons for having it, and penalties, such as disciplinary action or termination, for violators.

An important last step is to train your employees in how to use IM without exposing the company to undue risk. Only about a third of companies that have electronic communications policies train employees to implement them.
You need to make it very clear to your employees what is appropriate and inappropriate use.