To Sign or Not to Sign?

SamanthaQ

We are a financial institution and our federal examiners have indicated to us that we need to have an acknowledgment form signed by each employee regarding our internet and e-mail policies. That's fine - I can handle that. My question is what do you do when an employee refuses to sign the acknowledgment? My managment peers seem to think it's grounds for removing their e-mail/internet capabilities (which is our major form of communication)- and since they can't effectively do their job then it could mean termination. I tend to disagree. What process or steps do you use when an employee refuses to sign?

lorrie

I would tend to agree with your management. An employee does not have to agree with company policies, but they are required to follow them.

Right off hand I can't think of any reason why an employee would be excused from signing a required policy acknowledgment form. Follow a directive, or find another job.

franfields

I agree with Lorrie and your management. I would add that on two occasions I have had to use signed automation policy acknowledgements when terminating employees for violations. The signed acknowledgements made terminations go very smoothly.

pecohr

I agree and would explain to this ee that there signature and exceptance of this company policy is a condition part and parcel of their continued employment.