Online Social Networking in the Workplace

Date Added: 18 September 2011

The use of social media, whether it be Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, accessed via your Company’s computers and smart phones will have dramatically increased in recent years.  This is an area in which we are called upon to give more and more advice when employers become concerned about the excessive use of social media on the Company’s time.

Recent research funded by ACAS reports that more than 50% of employees admitted using social networking sites at work.  How do you tackle this?  We have a number of suggestions:-

1. Draw up an internet and social media policy.
2. Set out your businesses definition of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, drawing a distinction between business and private use of social media and making quite clear the consequences of a breach of the policy.
3. Treat online conduct no differently to off line conduct.
4. Prior to implementing such a policy, consult with your staff and keep the policy under review.
5. Keep an open mind and recognise the potential benefits to your business.

We can assist you with the drafting and information of a policy to suit your needs. Please contact our Employment Law team for more information.

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