Social Media and the Workplace

More than ever people are using technology and social media to assist them with finding jobs, and to network with others in their field or the field they’d like to enter. Social Media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram are becoming part of the everyday norm. By becoming visible and participating in groups that are trying to accomplish similar goals, an individual, can open doors that may not have been available to them before. These tools are no longer just for personal use since many people use them in their professional lives as well.

As social media becomes the go-to strategy for branding, networking, job seeking and recruitment, employers are increasingly concerned with employees using these tools for non-work purposes while on the job. Engaging in speech in public venues that might reflect poorly on their organization is also a way for people to get job offers rescinded, reprimanded at work and even fired.

Everyone has their “My-job-sucks,” “I-hate-my-co-workers,” or “I want- more-money” moment. However, they seem to forget that as employers increase their online presence using social networking sites it might be best for their career not to have these moments on the Internet.

If you are currently employed you should be aware of your online activity as it could have a negative impact on how you are perceived in the workplace. If you want to use your profile to get hired or at least not get fired – here are some basic rules to keep in mind:

1. Don’t announce your job search if you’re still employed. If your employer knows you’re on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you’re keeping your search confidential, don’t post anything, anywhere. Even if you aren’t connected to your boss online, somebody can relay the information back to him or her.
2. Don’t badmouth your current or previous employer – Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you’re willing to trash a colleague online they assume you’ll do it to them, too. There is also a strong possibility of getting fired if your negative comments are discovered.
3. Uploading and being tagged in photos on social media sites has become a very popular activity and can be difficult to maintain full control over who can and cannot see your photos. You should be extremely careful when uploading photos onto sites such as Facebook and Twitter, particularly photos which show you having a drink in a nightclub or a night out. In addition, never allow yourself to be photographed around drugs or using weapons. These photos will give potential employers a negative impression of you and you could potentially be reported to the HR department or management for such activity.
4. Providing a status on a social media site gives users the opportunity to provide a brief description of where they are, what they are doing or what is on their mind. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter give users the opportunity to voice their opinions on matters such as a bad day at work or an irritating boss. Doing so, can have serious consequences and have resulted in instances where employees have been terminated as a result of negative online behavior.
5. Being an active social media user can afford you many favors in the workplace, it can also cause much trouble if you are getting involved in negative or controversial discussions. Maintain a positive and neutral profile that avoids discussing sensitive, racist or political views.

While everyone can benefit greatly from social media, there can also be downsides to being the center of attention. When individuals create an online presence via social media they own the content and image that they are presenting. Remember to utilize your social media accounts wisely and capitalize on the opportunity to interact with others responsibly.