1. Have you ever been disciplined for a work related social media post or do you know someone who has? Do you think it is justifiable for an employer to take action against an employee for a "rant."
Personally, I have never been disciplined for work related social media post. Yet, I read an article on Accounting Web which reported how an employee of a American Medical Response of Connecticut had called her supervisor an insulting/obscene name on her Facebook page after having a request for a union representative denied. Her remarks sparked conversation from other AMR employees, resulting in AMR terminating their employee. Shortly after, NLRB filed a complaint in defense of the employee, stating the Facebook posts were protected under the federal labor laws (Alaniz, 2012). Prohibiting this behavior in a social media policy does not violate the Act as long as it does not chill protected speech. Employers may encourage employees to refrain from making insulting remarks or engaging in hateful speech in social media. However, employers may not impose wholesale restrictions (Halpern, 2015). AMR ended up settling and revising the organizations Internet policy (Alaniz, 2012).
Thereby, I do think it is justifiable for an employer to take action against an employee for a "rant" depending upon the circumstances in which the action is being taken if it is not supported by protected concert activity. Many times employees are the face of an organization and it is important that at all times they represent the organization they are employed by well at all times - inside and outside of the work place. On the contrary, I also believe organization's should revise there social media policies to protect the organization, as well as, still allow employee's their right to freedom of speech on matter's of the work place within reason.
2. In 2015 is it reasonable to expect that employees are on social media during the work day? Is this the new norm? If so, does this have a positive or negative effect on the work place? If not, how can an employer ever truly restrict this use?
In 2015, it is unreasonable to expect employees are not using social media during the work day. Social media has evolved human relations, even in the workplace. Organizations are hiring for social media driven positions, attracting consumers and/or investors and making collaborations with other business entities.
With social media in the workforce being a new norm, it can exemplify a positive effect or a negative effect on the work place. Allowing employees to access social media profiles online during work hours can be a distraction. Employees may lose valuable work time playing games, talking to friends and updating their own personal profiles. Although social media in the workplace can be a benefit also. It can be utilized as a public relations tool for companies. It allows a measure of transparency to the company through posts, blogs and pictures and makes the company easier to relate to for the average consumer. Companies can use social media to gather mailing lists, distribute sale and special offer information, showcase product pictures and post positive media reviews. Use of social media for work is a very inexpensive, often free, way to promote the business to a wide audience (Swain).
Since, it is very convenient to interact on social media from one's phone. One way employers can truly restrict the use of social media is by not allowing cellular devices into the work area. Some government agencies in Washington, DC exercises this with employees. In addition too, setting website blockers on computer technology used in the office that prevents employees form accessing social media sites.
3. Do you think that social media helps or hurts a young persons ability to have a professional job? On one hand, it allows people to better network and you can create a brand for yourself. On the other hand, I got a Facebook page in high school and feel blessed that I did not have the opportunity to document my thoughts as a Middle Schooler for all to see.
In my opinion, social media can help or hurt a young person's ability to have a professional job depending on how they use social media. A lot of people, not just young people do not understand social media etiquette. Sites like LinkedIn, helps people to connect with others who share the same work expertise as you, locate information for the Hiring Manager or Director of HR for a department and see available jobs. Yet, on the other hand, pictures and status updates on social media has been the reason behind individuals being turned down from a potential job opportunity or being disciplined for inappropriate behavior as it makes the organization question having you as an employee.
4. Of the nine points listed by NLRB which one did you think was the most important and which one did you feel was the least important?
Of the nine points listed by NLRB, "Saving clauses are recommended, but may not win the day" were least important. It states "nothing in this policy should be construed or applied to prohibit employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act" because it is unreasonable to expect employees to understand the Act well enough to know what provisions of a policy may not apply. (Harpen, 2015). However, it coincides with one of the most important points, "Confidentiality clauses should be narrowly tailored", it is reasonable for an employer to restrict employees from disclosing company trade secrets in social media. However, employers cannot completely restrict employees’ rights to discuss wages, workplace conditions, and employee or company performance (Harpen, 2015).
References:
Halpern, S. (2015). When is Your Company's Social Media Policy an Unfair Labor Practice? Recent NLRB Decisions Offer Long-Awaited Guidance for Employers. Retrieved from http://www.natlawreview.com/article/when-your-company-s-social-media-policy-unfair-labor-practice-recent-nlrb-decisions-
Alaniz, R. (2012). When Employees Rant Online - The NLRB Weighs in on Workers' Rights. Retrieved from
http://www.accountingweb.com/aa/standards/when-employees-rant-online-the-nlrb-weighs-in-on-workers-rights
Swain, K. The Impact of Social Media in the Workplace Pros and Cons. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/impact-social-media-workplace-pros-cons-22611.html
Brije,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. A lot of people have been posting social media horror stories on our Facebook group of late. I agree with your answer to question three about social media hurting or helping a young person's career. I too believe that if done the right way it can be a big advantage to someone. I also have personally witnessed a lot of people turn their social media behavior into a huge liability for themselves. I am curious if you think that social media has helped you personally in your career or if you have even used it as a tool to further your work life? Also, do you know of anyone who has greatly helped or hurt their career through the use of social media?
According to a 2015 survey from CareerBuilder of more than 2,000 employers, “35-percent of employers say they are less likely to interview job candidates if they are unable to find information about that person online.” Do you think that schools should better prepare young students to understand both the dangers and advantages to social media etiquette?
This is certainly a topic that will only gain in prevalence for our society and it will be interesting to see how it effects the way we teach people and introduce them to social media platforms.
White, Sarah. "Is Your Social Media Presence Hurting Your Job Search?" CIO 27 May 2015. Web. .
Daniel,
DeleteI have never had social media help me personally in my career. Yet, I have used it as a tool to further my work life. I have a LinkedIn account which I try to use as an virtual Rolodex to stay connected with work-minded individuals as myself. I have also used it to apply for jobs and host my resume for recruiters scouting to fill open positions in an organization.
A friend of mine used Instagram to help further her career in a way. She is a designer. One day on Instagram she reached out to several designers with her designs & one responded back who now she designs the brands entire denim collection. The collection is stationed in LA & Vegas but my friend lives in Maryland.
Due to social media platforms advancing the way humans communicate, I think schools should better prepare young students to understand both the dangers and advantages to social media etiquette by offering them a course, whether it be mandatory or an elective.
Thanks for sharing. Great digital leadership discussion.
It is interesting that employers may pass on a potential employee if they do not see any information about them on the Internet. Part of the reason this might occur is probably dependent on the job type. For example, if you are applying for a social media position and then have no social media presence to speak of, this would be grounds for moving on to the next resume. Meanwhile, if you have a strong social media presence, but it is mostly photos of you going out to parties and drinking, this could also lead to you not getting the interview. This goes to show that there needs to be a fine balance between posting some personal material on the Web and making sure that it is the “right” information that will showcase your skills and get you that interview.
DeleteThanks for sharing your feedback.
DeleteHi Brije,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that social media can both help and hurt a young person's ability to find a professional job. On one hand, having a strong social media presence and a following could be seen as a positive factor. On the other hand, poor social media etiquette often leads to individuals being turned down for potential job opportunities. Thank you for sharing!
I agree. Recently, I read an article on actress Vanessa Williams who lost her beauty pageant crown due to inappropriate images taken at such a young age that was never suppose to be released.
DeleteNot quite social media related but it does relate to the etiquette of one being disciplined from a job opportunity do to digital work.
Thanks for your feedback.
Brije,
ReplyDeleteDaniel posed some thoughtful and detailed questions – your responses were fantastic!
Sometimes, I find it hard to believe how many people do find themselves in trouble (or unemployed) due to posts, comments or pictures shared on social media. Oftentimes, I think these issues would be more avoidable if users better understood privacy and viewing settings on social media. Many people utilize platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram without ever taking into consideration the audience. In my group, we discussed how many layers of privacy exist even on Facebook – including advertising tracking, searching settings and general timeline privacy: http://www.zdnet.com/article/september-2011-the-definitive-facebook-lockdown-guide/
In addition to having a more professional and mature filter – I think some need to be more strategic in the people they allow on social media sites, and reference the privacy settings on their pages to ensure their personal thoughts and lives are not transparent to the wrong audience.
My group also discussed the current battle of social media in the workplace. Evidence seems to be mounting in support of both sides, from what most of us found. Some support the use, and say that it would be impossible to control, and helps facilitate creative minds that are able to multitask. Others consider it a blatant disruption to productivity. I think this may be a battle that never ends – with just the vehicle for distraction being what changes. Before social media, it was gossiping at the water cooler that interrupted the work day. In our generation, the water cooler has moved online. It will be interesting to see how communication (and distractions) evolve beyond Facebook and mobile phones, as we see today.
Caitlin,
DeleteMany people enter into social media without ever looking at the privacy settings of these sites. Social media users don't even understand that some of the behaviors and things they do on these sites are used for market research. job evaluations and more.
thanks for sharing!
Hi Brije,
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I really enjoyed when you said, "In 2015, it is unreasonable to expect employees are not using social media during the work day. Social media has evolved human relations, even in the workplace. Organizations are hiring for social media driven positions, attracting consumers and/or investors and making collaborations with other business entities."
This, to me, sums up why it is so unreasonable to not expect employees to be using social media. Like you said, it evolves human relationships. The world is evolving daily and if you restrict your employees from doing the same, you are not only holding them back, but your business, too. Also, it should be common sense to realize if major companies are hiring for social media positions then it is not a detriment to the workplace. Social media has enabled companies small and large to gain more exposure that they never would of received prior. Employers today need to start embracing social media not only for their practice, but for their employees' use, as well.
Jordan,
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think if employees just need to keep in mind with social media use - etiquette and moderation. Indulge in social media activities but not so much that it blocks opportunities in the work field.
LinkedIn is a perfect example of companies using social media. A lot of companies browse users accounts to reach out for interviews or hire them based on their social media account with the network.