If you are a business owner, it is a good idea to have a social media and internet policy. Make the policy clear and understandable and make sure all employees receive a copy and have the means of referring to it at a later date.
A clear policy can do the following:
1. Prevent misunderstandings about what is and is not appropriate to discuss or show online
2. Prevent employees from claiming that they are not all treated equally (taking things “as they come” can result in inconsistent policies or reprimands).
3. Encourage employees to put out a positive image about your business online (discouraging any mention of your business online ignores an avenue of positive publicity)
4. Prevent allegations of discrimination or privacy invasion if you have to discuss an area of concern with your employees. For instance, do you allow your employees to use your company name on their personal social network profiles and if so, how would you feel if you saw the employee scantily dressed or obviously drunk on that same profile that contains the name of your company? Do you as the employer claim the right to look through any company computers and view anything that is stored on them, regardless of whether the work station is assigned to a particular employee?
Drafting an understandable internet and social media policy can help you prevent understandings, embarrassment, or negative publicity later on.
