If an employee is unhappy, social media may become his or her's favorite place to vent. This is even more sensitive in a unionized environment, especially before or during negotiations. Here are six ways employers can help manage social media:
- Managers and supervisors should use caution when engaging with employees or unions through social media
- Conduct a social media policy that includes specific examples of what is and what is not acceptable conduct, using the takeaways as guidance. Otherwise, employers risk creating a policy that might be interpreted as either too narrow or overbroad
- Consult with counsel on developing a new social media policy or revising an existing one
- Circulate and post the social media policy in an easily accessible place
- Consult with counsel before you discipline an employee for having allegedly violated your social media policy
- Employers should make sure they understand all the facts of the situation before proceeding with discipline