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Many more employees are using social media in the workplace, something that employers are now accepting as part of doing business in the 21st century. But business practices haven’t caught up yet with the technology. Companies are still working out policies and procedures for using social media.

In a recent survey of 250 multinational businesses, more than three-fourths of the businesses said they use social media for business purposes. But more companies are also keeping tabs on the use of social media by employees. Almost three-fourths of the companies that use social media have policies for it. That’s up about 20 percent from last year.

And all employers have to contend with problems related to social media – employees and former employees who violate company policies. In fact, one-fourth of the problems with social media were the result of misuse by former employees, according to the survey.

As more employees use social media, it may create a host of legal issues for companies, according to some legal experts. In addition to social media policies, companies also need to look at other risk management guidelines to make sure their businesses are not open to legal claims, the experts said.

The survey showed that almost one-third of the companies give their employees some type of training in social media, while about one-fifth have provisions calling for termination if employees breach the guidelines.

If companies are engaged in social media, they need to have a formal policy covering how it should be used, and all employees need to be made aware of the policy and understand its regulations.  The policy needs to clearly spell out what is allowable use and what is not. And the policy should cover times when the employee is working and when he is not, and also after the employee leaves employment with the company, according to the survey.

Also, companies need to make sure that their social media policies comply with privacy laws. Having such policies helps companies make better use of social media, as well as giving them legal support if they have to discipline employees for misuse of social media.

When your Manhattan company needs skilled and reliable professionals for temporary as well as direct-hire opportunities, call upon the recruiting experts at Winston Resources. We look forward to hearing from you.


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