These days, social media is everywhere, and this includes in the workplace. While most managers do not mind if an employee is checking their Facebook or Twitter account for a moment during a break, inappropriate social media use can represent a real threat to a company’s bottom line. Managers should be aware of their employees' usage of social media and have a plan in place to address misuse.
Monitor Productivity
Most managers would be upset if an employee took a long lunch every day. Excessive use of social media is no different in terms of lost productivity. An employee might appear to be working. Instead, they are reading and making posts or idly watching videos. Make an effort to wander about the office and casually glance at what your workers are doing. Even better, ensure that employment contracts have a clause regarding the acceptable use of office resources.
Potential Workplace Problems
Unchecked use of social media causes other problems. Sometimes, workers post about the workplace itself and might cast it in a negative light, potentially harming your business' reputation. This includes posts about office activity, complaints about the job and even negative comments about fellow workers. Oftentimes, workplace harassment occurs over social media, so it's definitely something to be aware of. Harassment is never okay as it opens the door to serious legal problems for the company.
Leaking Company Secrets
A company can have the most robust security possible, but it is only as secure as its weakest link. This is no truer than in the case of its employees. Social media posts that contain proprietary information about company plans might be posted accidentally or with malice, but the result is the same. On many social media platforms, administrators cannot or will not delete posts. They are there forever. Moreover, employees will often include information about where they work in their profiles. If they are not posting about the company in an authorized capacity, consider implementing a policy that forbids referring to the company in any manner.
Social media often provides a boost to worker morale during the workday. When used judiciously, it allows workers to check in with family and friends before returning to assigned tasks. However, when misused, it causes numerous problems. Social media is not going away, so have a plan in place to address problems when they arise. Your company will be more productive, and your employees will be happier.
If you own a business and you conduct business online, you’ll need to make sure you have a way to protect your cyber assets. Alliance Insurance is here to help you with all your cyber liability needs!