Top 5 tips for a social media policy
Some employers are naturally wary of being seen to tell employees what to do in their own time and how to present themselves online; but the reality is that there can be a conflict between how employees express themselves online and a Company's values.
Social media has created the ability for people to express themselves, but when users post discriminatory or offensive messages or discuss work-related issues online then that can have an impact on business reputation. Some employers require their employees to use social media for work-related purposes and, in that case, there is even more of a need for employers to be clear on how employees should be expressing themselves online.
Simon’s Top 5 tips for a social media policy:
- Be clear that disciplinary action (including dismissal) can occur for a breach of the Policy
- Give examples of the type of content that will be regarded as inappropriate (even if it seems obvious) - for example, content that could be perceived as bullying, discriminatory or offensive
- Link the Policy to your Company values and make it clear that those values should be upheld online at all times
- Be clear that the Policy applies to all social media content, even if posted in an employee's own time, using privacy settings and on a personal device
- Don’t discourage social media use but do encourage responsibility
This is an extract from my interview with Prosper Magazine. The full article (indeed the full magazine) can be read here: