In today’s increasingly connected social ecosystem, the lines between our professional and person lives are blurring. Not only are we taking work home with us, but we are also brining our personal lives into work. This is one reason why companies should adopt and put in place a Social Media Policy to outline a clear Social Code of Conduct for the protection of the company and its employees.
Photo credit: Sean MacEntee
But even if such policy does not exist, where do you as social participant start?
a Good place to start is by using common sense; Many companies allow their employees to spend time interacting with social media on a personal level during office hours. This raises social media awareness among employees and in turn increases participation, when required, on a more professional level. On the flip side, employees should use simple common sense and not abuse the flexibility being offered by spending excessive amounts of time engaging in personal activities and allowing it to interfere with work.
Do’nt post confidential/propietary information or information that should really remain within the company boundaries. This includes inter-departemental, classified and/or copyright protected communications/information and respect the privacy of fellow employees. a General rule of thumb: If in doubt, don’t post! Remember: What you post is public.
Be polite and remain professional! Don’t go on personal, demeaning or inflammatory rants. Treat others with respect. Remember: The same policies with regards to the physical workplace apply online! Inappropriate remarks, comments or posts can damage your own, or even worse your employers reputation… This includes posting photo’s. Don’t get Dooced…
If your public profile stipulates your place of work, then make it very clear that the views you post are your own, and not that of the company your work for. Remember: Using company logo’s or material in your posts imply that you are authorised to speak on behalf of the company. Do not create this perception if it is not the case! Remain transparent and clear.
Unless you are doing this as part of your official job description, when participating in the social ecological system, you are representing yourself, and not your company or department! Take responsibility for what you post.
