Using social media in workplace a double-edged sword
WORKERS and bosses are using social media in unexpected and sometimes unhealthy ways, with young people and first-time workers most likely to be caught out.
Australian laws are yet to catch up to the trend.
But social media analysts say there are ways for both groups to use the networks positively.
Dionne Lew, founder of social media consultancy The Social Executive, said modern forms of communication had become essential to finding work but their use in the workplace was not straightforward.
“There’s a lack of awareness around what is OK and what’s not because professional and personal brands have merged,” she said. “There have been examples of unfair dismissal cases thrown out … and there are other examples where more senior people have been sacked and that has been upheld by courts.”
But Ms Lew said companies such as Lenovo and Deloitte actively encouraged all employees to post to social networks during work time to “amplify” company messages.
Others, such as ANZ, used internal social networks to improve productivity and communication.
Ms Lew said workers should be aware of the company’s social media policies, and should consider using two social media profiles – one for work and the other for personal use.
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