In today’s society, the use of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram has become prevalent. Almost everyone with a smartphone has access to a social media site. These days, most people open up about their feelings online. You may find that some co-workers are feuding and end up taking it to Twitter. Some people use these sites to bully, shame and even insult others since it’s easier done on a machine than in person. So, what does social media misconduct entail? It is discussed below.
Social Media Misconduct
The workplace has become an area where social media misconduct has adversely grown. Many employees are reporting they are being bullied at work. The worst part about this is that it is public and can be even more damaging to the victim. People are cruel online, hence, it is good to know when to intervene in such matters before they get worse.
When To Intervene
When employees report that they have been victims of social media misconduct, it is best for HR to step in to end that abuse. However, the solution is not to prohibit them from using social media since it will not work. It is not practical in this modern world we live in. Some of the ways to handle it are by doing the following:
- Immediately follow up on all the complaints filed by the workers and take them seriously. If necessary, conduct an extensive investigation.
- Document the behaviour reported.
- Discipline the violators or even fire them if necessary.
- Provide support to the victims by getting them some counselling.
- Set and enforce policies on the appropriate use of social media.
- Monitor the behaviours of employees every once in a while.
The Risks Of Social Media Misconduct
Social media misconduct such as cyberbullying can even lead the victim to commit suicide or have low self-esteem. Some of the ways social misconduct affects us are as follows:
- It can cause stress, anxiety, absenteeism and even depression.
- It can lower productivity.
- It can deflate the morale of the workplace.
Employee Policy
Since the internet is largely unregulated, it is crucial for employers to enforce their policies on the appropriate use of social media. The employees should understand the consequence of them not complying and know what measures will be taken against them.
Social media misconduct is a critical issue in the workplace that should be dealt with cautiously. The employers must provide a safe environment where their workers will be free to report such occurrences and appropriate measures taken.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as formal legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Specific legal advice should be sort tailored to the individual circumstances in all cases.
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