This might sound like a controversial question – especially in an age where businesses are struggling with the decision about whether or not they should even allow access to Facebook in the workplace. The reality is that whether or not you allow Facebook to be used in the workplace, you should aim to educate and train your organization on what is or is not appropriate.
The Risks of Facebook
The risks of HR issues because of Facebook are not eliminated if Facebook is banned in the workplace. In fact, many of the most publicized cases involving Facebook include people posting inappropriate things on their own time, on their own computer, outside of the workplace.
A friend of mine recently posted something negative about his job on Facebook.
He is a highly educated professional, working in regulatory for his industry. To him, Facebook is a place to communicate with his friends. This comment was just a comment that he might make casually over drinks with friends, and to him, Facebook is no different. Yet, when the post is live on the internet for everyone to see, it can create a huge issue.
The fact that your employees are on Facebook means that you run the risk of them discussing the workplace online.
But it is in my Code of Conduct
Many of the organizations that I work with don’t provide Facebook Training because they believe that their existing code of conduct covers it. Poll 10 of your employees and ask them when the last time was that they read the code of conduct.
The reality is that most of these documents are not well read by the organization. While including the behavior guidelines in your generic policy may mitigate your risk legally (check with your legal team) it doesn’t achieve the goal of helping employees to make smart decisions and understand the risks and issues that their online behavior may create.
Studies show that more and more organizations are involved in firing employees over social media posts. The goal should be to educate employees to prevent this vs. falling back onto a vague policy.
For People, The Lines Are Less Clear
The basic issue created by Facebook and other social networks is that the lines are less clear. To some it is a personal space, not a public forum. To others it is a place for them to vent. The reality is that many people are not aware of the potential issues that their posts could create.
In one instance, a waitress made a comment about cheap customers not tipping (she didn’t use names, just made a general comment) and she was fired. In her mind she was just venting. In the company's mind she was saying negative things about customers in public.
Legally the lines are not clear either, but surely educating employees on the potential risks and issues that can arise from Facebook is worth the time to minimize issues.
What to do About it: Create a Facebook Policy and Training Program
I am not suggesting that you create a training program to show employees how to use Facebook, but a Facebook training program that highlights the potential risks and issues that can arise from posts on Facebook can help minimize the occurrence of these issues.
For most people, their comments on Facebook are not intended to be malicious; rather, they represent poor judgment and a lack awareness that Facebook is ultimately a public forum.
Create a policy and provide training to show employees how they can be putting themselves as professionals, and their organization at risk. Don’t sit back and claim that it is in a policy that nobody reads. Be proactive to avoid the issues in the first place.
