In the wake of recent events, the role of social media in workplaces has come under scrutiny. A significant survey highlights rising concerns among employers about the misuse of social media by employees.
- A new survey from WorkNest reveals that 36% of businesses fear employees might share offensive content online.
- The issue of time spent on social media at work concerns 23% of companies, surpassing worries about disparaging posts (20%).
- Many businesses lack formal social media policies, yet such guidelines are pivotal, as emphasized by expert Toyah Marshall.
- Despite 75% having some guidance, only 30% enforce these policies strictly, underscoring the need for more robust implementation.
Employers are increasingly concerned about their employees’ use of social media, primarily fearing the posting of offensive content. This worry, highlighted by a recent WorkNest survey, outstrips concerns about productivity and negative comments regarding the company itself. With 36% of businesses identifying offensive content as their primary concern, this issue clearly eclipses the 23% who worry about the time employees spend on social media and the 20% concerned about derogatory remarks about the company.
While social media platforms face criticism for not adequately controlling harmful content, the responsibility largely falls on individuals to self-regulate their behavior. Inappropriate material can easily spread among employees and cause significant ramifications for workplaces. Head of team and employment law advisor at WorkNest, Toyah Marshall, notes that there are several laws employers should be aware of, including The Employment Rights Act 1996, The Equality Act 2010, and various data protection laws, which can all impact social media use.
The WorkNest survey indicates that approximately 30% of companies have initiated disciplinary actions as a response to social media misuse. An additional 15% have considered such measures but remain uncertain about the course of action. Toyah Marshall emphasizes the necessity of a clear social media policy, which should aim to prevent issues, protect the company’s interests, and promote best practices among employees.
Despite the importance of comprehensive policies, a quarter of businesses have yet to implement such guidelines, while 44% of companies admit their existing policies are not rigorously enforced. This reveals a critical gap, as only 30% of organizations can claim to enforce their policies effectively. The pervasive reach of social media means these numbers must improve to safeguard both employees and employers adequately.
Surprisingly, when it comes to understanding of social media expectations, only 12% of businesses feel confident that their employees fully comprehend the guidelines, with a significant portion (32%) admitting to a lack of clarity around these expectations. This suggests not only the need for clearer guidelines but also for better communication and education around existing social media policies.
In summation, the urgent need for effective and enforced social media policies in workplaces is emphasized by the rising concern of offensive content shared by employees, which poses a significant risk to businesses’ reputations and operational harmony.
