Social media and the workplace: Three important things learned from cases to date

Social media has become a valuable asset to many businesses. But social media can also be a significant liability when it comes to employees and employment- related issues. What are you doing to protect your organisation?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Employers are susceptible to bullying claims arising from employee (or contractor) conduct online, regardless of where and when the online activity took place - make sure your bullying, social media and Internet workplace policies are up to date in order to manage any legal risks.
• As an employer, you may not have the right to address any disciplinary action for an employee's out-of-hours conduct, so you need to be very clear about your position.