Article courtesy of Payne Financial Group's Live Well, Work Well newsletter, May 2011 issue.

Did you know that emails sent at work could be grounds for termination or create legal problems? It is essential you take precautions when using email, to protect your job and company.

• - Avoid jokes and sarcasm in an email. You may unintentionally offend someone or a recipient may misread your tone. Instead, be professional and clear.
• - Remember that emails are permanent and you do not own your email - your company does. Do not send anything in an email that is inappropriate. The company may monitor your email and may use it as grounds for discipline, if appropriate.
• - Always proofread your email and double check recipients and attachments before sending.
• - Use care when using "Reply All." Do all of the recipients need the information you are sending? Should all recipients be privy to the information?
• - Consider using the phone or face-to-face conversations for sensitive or complex information.
• - Do not send an email in anger. Give yourself time to cool down from the situation. You cannot "unsend" an email!