These days it seems like everyone from grade schoolers to presidential candidates have a presence on a social networking site like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. For businesses, these Internet tools are transforming the way they conduct business, allowing them to connect quickly and efficiently with customers and potential employees. However, some companies are finding that social networking sites have serious pitfalls. For instance, the news is littered with stories about employees divulging confidential information, company secrets and personal information about themselves on social networking websites. Not only can such actions embarrass an employer, but they put the company at risk of being sued if the employee used company tools to make discriminatory or harassing remarks. Similarly, companies can be severely damaged if their employees leak sensitive information. To help avoid the pitfalls of social networking, employers should devise a policy that outlines the company’s expectations about employees’ use of its computers, cell phones and other tools both in and outside the workplace. It is important that this type of policy balances the employee’s privacy with the employer’s interests, so it is highly recommended that employers work closely with an experienced employment attorney when drafting their policy.
