Why you need a Social Media Policy
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter – if used correctly, can be a powerful and essential tool for marketing, advertising, networking and recruitment as well as a tool for gathering information and prospective clients.
But how do you ensure your staff don't abuse social media, and where do you draw the line with the use of social media in the workplace? When does it go from a tool to a distraction? These are all important questions and ones we can help you can tackle in your social media policy.
Speak to an expert
What is a Social Media Policy?
A social media policy is all about setting guidelines for staff; what is appropriate and what is acceptable-use of social media?
Your social media policy can also be a key tool in protecting a business from defamatory statements and damage to your reputation or company image. A social media policy can be added to complete a company’s staff handbook, or it can be a stand-alone policy.
Speak to an expert
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are social media policies important?
A: There are four reasons why a Social Media Policy is important.
- There is a potential risk of company secrets, strategies and confidential information being leaked.
- there could be infringements on a third party’s intellectual property rights (e.g., a business using a Meme that infringes on copyright).
- An employer could be vicariously liable if for any harmful or slanderous comments.
- misuse of social media could result in damage to a company’s reputation.
Q: Do you need a Social Media Policy?
A: Legally, no. But it would be useful to implement one before the event of an employee writing a harmful post, and you being held vicariously liable!
Q: Why have a Social Media Policy?
A: There are many advantages of having a social media policy. Sometimes, it is a useful tool just to educate employees on what is appropriate and acceptable when using social media.
Legally, you cannot interfere with an employee’s personal profile and control what they personally post and interact with, but you can make it crystal clear what you consider appropriate and inappropriate use of social media in regards to the workplace. This will hopefully reduce the chances of an incident in future.
Ask our experts a question
