Many questions arise when it comes to privacy in the workplace. Most of the answers always come down to the general code of ethics; whats right and whats wrong. Many employees feel as if their personal rights have been tampered with in the workplace. In this time and day, many employers don't have a problem or any rules against going through their employees email or blogs. In most cases, employers scope out these particular internet activities to see what their employee is really up to. For instance, at my job they tend to check peoples face book to see what they are like out of work. Employers don't want their workers to be wild and crazy on the weekends because believe it or not, the employees represent the company at all times, not only in the workplace. Another great example is my aunt who works for a big accounting firm Ernst and Young. The company gives her a laptop for work. Even though she has permission to go on websites that are not for work she knows that these sites are limited and whatever she goes to is monitored. I remember trying to log on to face book on her company computer and she almost had a heart attack. The company wouldn't want such sites on their computer because it isnt one of the safest ones out there and if they saw that she could get in trouble. As far as I'm concerned, I see nothing wrong with a employee (boss) to check the company computer to try to see traces of previous activity. The employee is fully aware that their boss ( when given a free company laptop) will check to see whats going on. I especially think it is important for a employer to check computers/ email while in the workplace. I think it is totally unacceptable for a person ( employee) to surf the web while at work. The employee has a responsibility to do his/her own work while in the workplace not use the company's equipment for personal use unless told to do so. Personally, I would hate it if my boss checked my email and listened in on my telephone calls but there is a time and place for personal use ( at home) and it is the bosses right to make sure the employee is doing his/her work. I found articles on workplace privacy and it was a site dedicated to answering questions about when it is and isn't right for an employers to check email, listen to calls, or a record of phone calls/voice mails.
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs7-work.htm#3b