A report published in 2010 by My Job Group found that 55% of employees questioned admitted to accessing social networking sites at work. ACAS have recently issued guidance which advises that employers should;
- Draw up a policy on social networking
- Treat 'electronic behaviour' in the same way you would treat 'non-electronic behaviour'
- React reasonably to issues around social networking by asking 'what is the likely impact on the organisation?'
A number of workplaces have already blocked certain websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and My Space. Some have even gone as far as to block certain personal email accounts. As well as the obvious loss of efficiency, employers have also experienced a number of other grievances such as the internet being used as a vehicle for bullying, defamation and invasion of privacy.
From a legal point of view, it is a good idea to have a written policy for internet use as this may serve to protect the employer from potential liability. If an employer is seen to have done little or nothing to prevent the possibility of abuse of the internet this will not serve him well should the issue go to court.
Follow the link below to access useful fact sheets on a range of issues relating to social media use in the workplace.