Camera cell phones, although a technical innovation, in some instances could be a big problem at work.

Many companies are concerned that employees will use a camera cell phone to send images of new products or other proprietary company information to competitors.

Other employer concerns center around hostile work environment and sexual harassment issues. There are numerous reports of voyeurism – pictures of coworkers taken in bathrooms and locker rooms.

What can be done? Arbitrarily banning all cell phones could invite lawsuits from people who might have to use a phone in an emergency and were unable to summon help.

This is also a problem from the perspective of punishing everyone for the actions of an indiscriminate individual violator.

The best answer is to have a policy that fits your specific organization. The key is common sense. If you organization has a lot of proprietary information, you may want to ban camera phones totally. If you prohibit cell phones in your production area, prohibiting a camera phone should not be a huge change for employees.

Update your current cell phone policy, electronic media usage policy or privacy policy to include your company’s philosophy and requirements about camera phones or any other hand held devices that have photographic capabilities.

Review the language in your employee handbook to include your company’s requirements and appropriate disciplinary ramifications for violators.

Make sure your employees know that you have updated your policies. You should consider getting an acknowledgement from employees to make sure they know what your policy is regarding this subject.