Social Media at Work
Social media is a fact of life. We use it to connect with friends, family and colleagues. We use it to share news, photos and thoughts. We use it to engage with the world around us, and increasingly we use it at work. However, the use of social media must not negatively impact an organization’s production or performance.
All work-related activities regarding social media need to be controlled. Accordingly, an organization needs to define clear procedures and limitations with social media use within work hours.
The exception would be when authorization has been provided for work-related use, or there has been approval given for social media use during working hours
A Social Media Policy is Intended to Protect Not Limit
A social media policy should be for the mutual protection of an organization, its employees and representatives. It should not be intended to prevent, discourage or unjustifiably limit the expression of personal opinions or online activities.
However, employees should consider company-related social media posts to be public, despite the availability of privacy options on social media platforms, it may still be possible for content to be shared beyond the intended recipients.
How to Create a Social Media Policy?
When creating a social media policy some key aspects need to be considered for inclusion in the policy, some examples are outlined below.
Appropriate Use of Social Media
Employees of an organization should always maintain professionalism and ethical behavior when using social media. This is to maintain public confidence in the company’s operations and services.
Additionally, to protect the reputation of an organization and its employees all persons should adhere to several key social media standards, for example:
- Always assess the likelihood of damaging or negative outcomes before posting or publishing information online.
- Be considerate and show respect, particularly if using company social media outlets.
- Respect the opinions, cultures and beliefs of others.
- Take care to protect your own personal brand and privacy.
- Do not disclose passwords of social media accounts to others.
- Never disclose any confidential information.
- Understand and comply with the platform’s (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram) terms and conditions of use.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise from associations made through social media.
- Be aware that employee posts about the company or anything published online may still be available even after it has been deleted (be mindful of the necessary common sense actions).
- Employees to avoid posts of content about the company outside of social media guidelines, the employee handbook or code of conduct policies.
- Use a disclaimer to clarify any transparency concerns or conflicts of interest.
Use of Social Media During Work Hours
Typically, for most businesses, employee social media use will only be permitted during scheduled breaks or outside of work hours, unless authorization has been provided for work-related use.
Any use of personal social media at work should not negatively impact production or performance.
Disciplinary Action for Breaches of a Social Media Policy
Procedures for disciplinary action should be included in a social media policy. This may include a verbal warning, training or even termination of employment for a serious policy breach.
How Does Having a Social Media Policy Benefit a Business?
Effective social media can help businesses of all sizes connect with customers and create a more personal relationship with them.
By using social media strategies, businesses can interact with customers in a more informal setting, which can lead to increased customer loyalty. Additionally, social media can help businesses to build brand awareness with an online presence.
Why Choose to Buy this Social Media Policy Template
This 2-page social media policy can provide you with the rules and guidelines needed to manage social media in a workplace. Implementation of the policy can play a huge part in protecting your business and staff, as well as providing other benefits.
After purchasing this template you will be able to:
- Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own social media policy.
- Apply your own style, format and brand to the policy.
- Use it in any industry or sector regardless of size or type of organization.
Availability and Use of this Social Media Policy
- This social media policy template is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
- The policy will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.
This Social Media Policy is 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.