What an employee says and does on social media, including
outside work time, can have an adverse effect on the business they
work for or the colleagues they work with.
The public nature of communication on social media means
employees need to be held liable for their conduct both during and
outside of work hours. Employers may also be liable for the conduct
of their employees on social media if it is connected with the
employment relationship, and the employer has not taken reasonable
steps to avoid that conduct occurring.
All employers should have social media policies in place to
outline their expectations of appropriate social media use, and the
consequences of breaches. A clear social media policy should manage
what can and cannot be said on behalf of the business on social
media. This policy can also safeguard the business against the
risks that arise from improper use by employees.
