Your Company needs a policy regarding the use of “Social Media” sites
Social networking through the use of Internet-based and other electronic social media tools is integrated into everyday life. Use of Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, wikis and other online social media vehicles are commonplace. The lines between work and personal life can become blurred. In general, what you do on your own time is a personal decision. However, activities in or outside of work that affect your job performance, the performance of others, or your business interests are a proper focus for your company policy.
Unfortunately, most employees don’t understand that the ethics and compliance rules that apply in the “real world” apply when online regardless of whether they’re at work, home, or when surfing the Net at their local coffee shop. The risks to your company’s brand, reputation, and bottom line are real!
Here are a few facts to consider:
· Over 75% of employees are already using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for business purposes—up from 15 percent just a few years ago.
· Nearly 20% of companies report that they have investigated the posting of confidential, sensitive or private information to a social network .
· Approximately 8% of companies have terminated employees for organizational violations using social media .
It is highly recommended by Human Resources Professionals to address the growing interest and utilization of Social Media sites by your employee in a clearly stated, professional and compliant manner. An important first step in doing so is to establish a company policy on the use or restriction of Social Media sites while at work or “on the clock”. Such a policy will eliminate any confusion your employees may have concerning the use of social media websites at the workplace.
Don’t continue to operate your business in the “Dark Ages” (i.e. pre-Internet). Contact The LL Roberts Group’s HR Department about implementing a Social Media Policy for your company. Contact the LL Roberts Group (toll free) at 877.878.6463.
