A well-defined social media policy is essential for setting clear expectations on how employees should use social media in the workplace. Employers should outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, ensuring that both business and personal use of social media are managed appropriately.
Key elements to include:
- Personal use of social media at work
Employers should specify whether personal use of social media is permitted on company devices or during working hours. Clear guidelines should be set on accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or online shopping sites, as well as using mobile phones for personal browsing, video streaming, or app downloads. - Company social media activity
Businesses should implement compliance and quality control measures for their social media presence. Employees responsible for managing the company’s social accounts must follow clear standards on content creation, engagement, and brand representation. - Employee conduct on social media
Employees should understand what they can and cannot say about the business, both in professional and personal capacities. If staff are allowed to post about their workplace, guidelines should be in place to ensure posts align with company values and do not bring the business into disrepute. - Data protection and monitoring
Employers should clarify whether social media usage will be monitored and to what extent. If monitoring is in place, employees must be informed, and it should be conducted in a lawful and transparent manner. Excessive surveillance, such as reading personal emails, is likely to breach privacy laws. - Consequences of policy breaches
Any breaches of the social media policy should be addressed through appropriate disciplinary measures. Employers must also make it clear that harassment, bullying, or discrimination via social media will be treated just as seriously as similar behaviour in person. This should align with the company’s anti-bullying and harassment policies.
For expert legal advice on social media policies, contact our team on 01792 468684 or email enquiries@pgmsolicitors.co.uk.
