Why Your Business Needs A Social Media Policy

The Pew Research Centre began tracking social media usage in 2005. In that year, 7% of adults were regularly using social media. A decade later, 65% of adults are active social media users. While social media use is more heavily weighted to a younger demographic (90% of those aged 18 to 29) a full 77% of 30 to 49-year olds are also frequent social media users. There is no denying it – your employees are using social media and using it in every facet of their lives. Which begs the question – how does this impact on your business?

Social media has been referred to as "word of mouth on steroids". It makes good news travel fast, and, it seems, bad news travel even faster. The business of managing a brand's reputation has become more and more complex, with every member of your organization a potential brand spokesperson. How should business owners and their HR people ensure that their employees are positive ambassadors in the digital world?