Think before you post….social media etiquette in the workplace

Although social media is a great way to connect socially with family and friends, the lines easily blur when personal and professional relationships co-mingle on social media. For others staying active on social media is part of their work.

As good as it is, social media and usage at work can also be a major snag in the employer-employee relationship, especially when the parties are not on the same page regarding what constitutes good social media etiquette.

It is very important for employers to have social media policies to guide both employer and employees around what could be a potential minefield. However, even in the absence of such a policy it is important for all to note the important Do’s and Don’ts of social media and employ decency and mindfulness in the usage of social media.

• Respect the viewpoints of others, even if you don’t agree with them: Although it is your device and your data, and even where content is posted during your personal time, it is important to never be rude or aggressive. While you are certainly entitled to your opinions, think before you post or comment on another’s post in an inflammatory way. Besides, no argument is ever won on social media.
• Manners never go out of fashion: Always be polite and professional in your posts. Do not use social media to embarrass your employer or colleagues. It is not the place to vent about how much you hate your job, your boss or your co-workers. As in real life, take your grievances to the source, not social media.
• Respect confidentiality: Never use social media to discuss company or organizational matters, disclose confidential or internal information. At times you may not realize that what you are discussing is proprietary information therefore, don’t take chances, if you don’t know and it’s not your place to do so, then don’t discuss it.
• Think before you post: Just as it’s wise to think before speaking, it’s prudent to be thoughtful about what you post online. If you have any doubts whatsoever about whether an opinion, photo or link is professionally appropriate, don’t post it. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t say in person to those involved.
• Being first is not always best: With social media everyone wants to be the first to ‘break the news.’ Before you post remember, being the first to know something doesn’t always entitle you to be the first to share it. Sharing company or organizational information without obtaining permission to do so could get you dismissed from your job. Sharing the personal information of others may be insensitive and could hurt their feelings and thus ruin relationships.
• Be mindful of time, don’t abuse your employer’s time: When your employer trusts you to not abuse social media while at work, don’t abuse that trust. Keep your social media use to a minimum while at work, or better yet limit your use of social media to the times when you are on your tea or lunch break. If social media is part of your job, stick to professional accounts instead of moving back and forth between personal and work sites. If you’re being paid to do your job, and unless your job is in social media, you shouldn’t be using your company’s time, resources and money to be on social media while you’re getting paid.
• Represent your organisation well: If you are a representative of your organization, be mindful of the fact that when you are posting information it is as if you are posting on their behalf. If you should see negative information posted by someone, do not get into any confrontational attacks. Even when you are in the right, reacting emotionally could easily place you in the wrong. Rather notify someone in charge who has the decision-making powers to handle the matter, or who will guide you on how to handle it correctly and legally. 

Remember: Basic social media etiquette is similar to office etiquette.  Employees need to be respectful and professional in their posts. Posting profanity, obscenities or making negative comments, is unacceptable behaviour. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Treat people online the way you would treat them in person, be respectful of privacy and personal viewpoints. 

Remember that when you post comments on-line, it stays out there online, so beware of what you post.  You need to be responsible and think about what you are posting before you make it public.

This article contains information from:

https://www.toolbox.com/hr