August 19, 2010
Networking via social media is on the increase in business and can be a useful tool for promoting the business. However, employers need to find a balance between making it work for them and protecting their business from the negative issues which may arise. Employers need to ensure that they take reasonable steps to avoid misuse of the media by maintaining and communicating policies and training to ensure employees understand what the appropriate standards of behaviour are when using the media on behalf of their employers. Employers should also ensure that they adequately protect the contacts made on such social networking sites, for example ensuring that contacts and information gained on these sites in the course of business remain the property of an employer. Furthermore, employers should ensure that employees do not disclose personal data or information relating to colleagues or clients, without that person’s permission. Employers should also consider whether it is necessary to limit access to such sites during working hours, to ensure that productivity is not compromised by the use of such media. If adequate guidelines are in place within the workplace, an employer can use such social networking sites to promote a business and its image and values to potential new contacts and to clients. Furthermore, employees’ knowledge can be shared between each other internally which will make for a better informed, cohesive workforce. Further information can be obtained from the Employment Law department of Spratt Endicott Solicitors.