Social media policy will help employees keep a handle on accounts

A Warrington-based employment law specialist is urging employees to be aware of their employer’s social media policy to avoid potential disciplinaries.

Whether posting during working hours, criticising a customer, or publishing a comment that could be construed as bullying, there are many pitfalls that people may not be aware of.

With social media usage at an all-time high, Latham Parry, managing partner and employment law expert at Cheshire’s Watsons Solicitors, is warning employees to be vigilant, especially with new platforms hitting the market.

BeReal, which has had more than 10 million downloads as of January, encourages users to share a picture within two minutes of receiving a notification, which could be during contracted hours.

Latham said: “The challenge this creates is that technically you should be working, but instead you are sharing content to social media.

“In addition, the picture could show a breach of health and safety or violate data protection, for example there might be a computer screen displaying information in the shot. 

“All these can lead to a potential disciplinary in the workplace. Companies should therefore ensure they have social media policies in place so that employees are aware of what is expected of them and aware of what activity is or is not tolerated. 

“The social media policy should clearly set out the company’s rules and expectations and the consequences of breaching the policy.”

Social media policies frequently include what the restrictions are, and what disciplinary procedures and sanctions could materialise for flaunting the rules.

Latham continued: “Employees often mistakenly believe that their social media activity outside of normal working hours on personal or private accounts will not attract any adverse consequences from their employers. 

“However, if their usage reflects negatively on the company, then this will be a problem and it is likely they will address this as a conduct matter. 

“There have been cases, such as in the hospitality sector, of employees ranting on social media about a customer. This is because it’s often clear who they work for and this can shine a negative light on the company, which impacts its reputation and therefore potentially sales.

“It’s a similar situation if you are working in the media and someone sends you an abusive message regarding your content. If you take issue with the comment and choose to react unprofessionally then that can land you in trouble as to many you are seen as the face of the business.”

Latham is willing to discuss any questions you may have regarding the vital creation of a social media policy and can be contacted at enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.