This document discusses how social media has changed the workplace and business practices. It begins by outlining how social media is now used for marketing, recruiting, and sales. However, it can also pose liabilities if not properly addressed through policies. The document then details how companies can benefit from social media for branding, publicity, and evaluating job candidates, but also faces risks like bad publicity and legal issues. It emphasizes the importance of organizations developing clear social media policies and training to mitigate risks and clarify appropriate usage for employees.

1. Living With Social Media in
the Workplace
Presented by
Rebecca Regard, MBA PHR

2. Friendly Reminder
• Not an attorney.
• Not a substitute for experienced legal
counsel.
• Not providing legal advice.

3. Agenda
• What is new? What is changing?
• Business Use
– Marketing, Recruiting, Sales
• Social Media as a Liability
– How to Mitigate
– Social Media Policies/Tips for Writing
One
• In the News…
– Employers asking for password

4. Changing the Workplace
• Time management
• EE job to monitor/write
• New policies
• Make EE’s feel connected
• Increase camaraderie

5. Business Practices
• Recruiting
• Building your Brand
• Increased publicity & exposure
• Additional policies
• Becoming expected not just desired
• In the news
– Asking candidates for passwords
lawmakers considering banning it.

6. What’s out there?
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Google +
• Pinterest
(who would have
thought?)
• Tumblr

7. Advantage for Companies?
• Demonstrate expertise
• Awards & recognition
• Generate interest

8. Advantage for Companies
• Marketing
• Collect data
• Give your company a voice

9. Advantage for companies
• Recruiting
– Post jobs
– Find candidates
• “Passive” candidates
• Target high-potential
• Alumni referrals
– Provide inside look

10. Advantage for companies
• Sales
– Increase your brand
• Starbucks

11. Lay Down the Law
• Social media can be a liability!
– Red Cross
– Chrysler
– Termination
– Harassment
• HIPPA
• GINA
• Protected class
• Inaccurate portrayal

12. To Use or Not to Use?
• Should you use social media to
research job candidates?
– Why?
– What are you hoping to find?
– Good or Bad?

13. Bad Publicity
• McDonald’s
#mcdstories
• Intentional
sabotage

14. Safety Net?
• Where is the law?
• Social media policy
• Additional company policies
• Limit access
• Training, training, training…
• Act quickly

15. Ask for Facebook Password?
• Facebook’s standpoint
• ACLU
• What’s the risk?
– Protected classes
– Disability
– GINA
• Ex: Leukemia, eating disorder
– FCRA
• Accurate? Current?
• More info isn’t necessarily a good thing.

16. Social Media Policy
• Corporate defense strategy
• Mitigate risk
• Clarifies guidelines/expectations
• Think BEFORE you tweet…

17. A Good Social Media Policy…
• Social media specific
• Customized
• Avoid being too broad
• BUT not too specific
• Consult legal counsel
• Example
– “Rules” or “Guidelines”
– Educate and warn

18. To Review…
• Social media has & will continue to
impact both the workplace
environment and everyday business
practices.
• Can be advantageous (recruiting)
and a liability (#bashtag).
• Proactive planning is vital!
• Social Media Policy.

19. Thank You!
• Contact Information:
Rebecca Regard
rregard@gnapartners.com
(713)235-8205