Whether we like it or not, social media is here stay. It impacts
and affects not only our personal lives, but also our employment
relationships. What is becoming apparent, however, is that when
social media is involved, the line between our work lives and
personal lives is not always clearly defined. Whether we are
talking about Facebook, blogs, MySpace or Twitter, issues arise
with respect to privacy rights, workplace harassment and bullying,
client/customer confidentiality and the employer's business
reputation. As the following three decisions illustrate, if an
employee's use of or commentary on social media can be viewed
as insubordinate, harassing and/or disparaging of co-workers, or
damaging to the employer's business, then discipline, including
termination, can result even if the comments were not made at work
or during working hours.
