| Tip Of The Month - March 2010 |
Social Networking Policy
Most of us have at some time attended a company sponsored event. Perhaps it was a Christmas Party, a conference or an awards banquet. Many times these events are a great way to socialize and create a stronger bond between employees and promote an atmosphere of teamwork and togetherness. Unfortunately, there are times when one or more employees has a little more fun than the occasion warrants and would prefer that their behavior not be immortalized on the World Wide Web with a caption that may be equally unflattering. The best time to address a situation like this is before it occurs.
Seems like it was just a few short years ago when employers were scrambling to create e-mail policies and the ink has barely dried on the acknowledgement form for those policies and now we have another electronic workplace matter to address, social networking.
Attorneys and HR Managers are focusing on establishing guidelines and policies regarding the information employees share through this type of media. Some employers are very comfortable with employees updating their Facebook status during working hours and even encourage employees to create personal blogs. While other employers believe social media has no place in the workplace. For those employers I say, your employees are likely engaging in some form of social networking so its in your best interest to establish some guidelines in the form of a Social Networking Policy.
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I recommend addressing the following specific issues in your policy:
- PERSONAL BLOGS -
1. Employees should use a disclaimer stating the views expressed on their blog does not represent the views of the company.
2. Employees should be respectful of the company, other employees, customers and competitors.
3. The disclosure of confidential company information should be prohibited.
- SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES IN GENERAL -
1. Employees should not use the company's logos or trademarks without written consent.
2. Employees should not reference clients or customers without their consent.
3. Employees should not use this form of media to harass, bully or intimidate other employees.
4. Employees should not post pictures from company sponsored events without obtaining writing permission from the company.
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| The boss having too much fun. |
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HR Surveys & Solutions, LLC can create a Social Networking Policy for your company. Contact us today for more information.
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