3 Essential Guidelines for Social Media use in the Office

Access to social media in the workplace is something which is unavoidable. There is a large benefit for businesses to encourage the use of Twitter, Facebook, or other various platforms. The issues arise when the lines between professionalism and personal use are blurred. Here are 3 things to keep in mind when using social media for the workplace.

1. Are you sharing valuable information? When engaging in an active social media post or creating

 your own, be sure that any views expressed are pertinent to your brand. As an employee, you represent the company you work for, exude professionalism. “Try to remain neutral, especially when it comes to political and religious issues. It’s really easy to come off as extreme, close-minded or judgmental when posting highly opinionated content. By all means have opinions! Just share them tactfully” (Reusnik, 2014).

 2. Is your profile appropriate? It is a good idea to perform a sweep of your social media profile for any pictures which may give off a negative view. Perhaps someone tagged you in a photo on Facebook from happy hour last week? There are settings on most social media which can ensure you can review anything someone may tag you in or post on your Facebook wall. “In 2013, 43 percent of employers who used social media to screen potential candidates said they found content that caused them not to hire. Half of these employers pointed the finger at provocative or inappropriate photos or content as the reason for their decision” (Reusnik, 2014).

3. Be careful with your secondary social media activity. What links are you sharing? What content are you ‘liking?’ Every move you make builds your internet personality, assure that any content you are expressing interest in is appropriate, non-controversial, and non-harassing. Be especially mindful of memes (pictures depicting humorous captions). “Staying primarily neutral and keeping your comments, likes and shares appropriate should protect you from having to wonder if what you post might be seen as inappropriate or offensive” (Reusnik, 2014).

Consider using these statistics to determine how to manage social media use at work and perhaps how to make it work for you. 

Keeping these points in mind will assure you utilize social media for personal use yet still remain professional.

References

Reusnik, M. (January 30, 2014). Social Media Do's & Don'ts: 10 Tips for Keeping Your Profiles Professional. Retrieved from http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/guide-to-soc-media-dos-and-donts/