Online posts by your workers can reflect either negatively or positively on your company. Does your team know what’s acceptable? If not, use these tips to set employee social media standards.
Setting Employee Social Media Standards
Explain Why You Have Employee Social Media Standards
Some people feel workplace social media guidelines infringe on their individual rights. As a result, it’s important to introduce policies in the right way. Remember, social media standards should protect not only the organization and the brand but also employees. For example, a social media policy may require a business to ask permission before posting a picture of an employee. Ultimately, clearly defined guidelines (and potential consequences) help everyone to recognize exactly what’s expected.
Address Legal Issues
Some rules, such as copyright laws, apply to all U.S. workers. Others will be specific to your company. For instance, an employee may have access to confidential customer information or sign off on a non-disclosure agreement. Be sure to clarify what information employees are NOT allowed to share.
Establish a Code of Conduct
Most organizations already have a code of conduct in place. Employees need to understand this code applies to their business AND public personal social media accounts. Items to address could include hate speech, threats of violence, harassment and discriminatory comments.
Explain the Rules of Engagement
To keep everyone accountable, you also should address HOW workers can share information. FedEx employees must request permission before conducting official business through a personal account. And at Adidas, team members must add social media disclaimers stating they are an individual and not a spokesperson.
Encourage Employees to Participate
Of course, your social media standards shouldn’t simply be a list of DON’Ts. Having employees promote your organization online can be a wonderful way to expand your reach and build your brand. Give examples of how your team can join in the conversation. Just keep in mind, to create an authentic experience. Never require people to participate.
Provide a Point of Contact
When your employees have a question or if they make a mistake, they should immediately know where to turn. Designate a social media point person and encourage your workers to check in whenever necessary. Having a troubleshooter readily available allows you to avoid problems and address issues quickly.
Update as Needed
Social networks, functionality and platforms change overnight. What’s revolutionary today may be outdated tomorrow. Therefore, don’t develop a social media policy and stash it away in a drawer. Instead, create a fluid document open to interpretation, suggestions and change.
Are You Looking for Employees Who Will Represent You Positively on Social Media?
At Connectology, we place talented manufacturing candidates with top companies in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and beyond. Our recruiters are dedicated to creating perfect matches designed for long-term success. Contact us today to find out how partnering with Connectology can benefit your organization!
