The time to implement a social media policy is now.

Your social media policy outlines for employees your companies guidelines or principles for communicating in the online world. Your company should have a communications policy in place that spell out your expectations for phone and email, it’s important that you add social media and online site usage to this policy.

Here is an excerpt from our employee manual in regards to Electronic Privacy. Feel free to use the information when revising or creating your social media policy. You may also want to consider adding in repercussions for not following the policy:

Electronic Privacy

All electronic media, (computers, telephones, faxes, etc.) on the premises are owned by Directive which reserves and maintains its right in control over these pieces of equipment at all times. You will have no right to expect privacy when utilizing these facilities.

*Any fax, telephone, email, internet or intranet communication may be monitored.

Social Media

• There is no right to privacy with electronic communications; including social media.
• Use common sense and be responsible: Exercise good judgment and common sense when writing about the organization and its representatives. You are personally responsible for the content published or blogged in any online media.
• Be Authentic: Let people know who you are, put your name and title when communicating anything concerning the company. Customers prefer to buy from those they know and trust.
• Consider your audience: You want to consider who your readers are; you don’t want to alienate groups because of something you may say.
• What You Say: Avoid slang, obscenity, slurs, anything demeaning or inflammatory. Think twice before hitting submit.
• Understand Our Online Community: The Company’s online followers, customers should feel comfortable sharing, connecting and receiving help from you.
• Confidential and Proprietary Information: Don’t provide the company's confidential and other proprietary information. Permission to publish or report internal/private conversations is required.
• Exercise Moderation: Set an acceptable limit to check update status, or send messages. It is important to continue being productive. Keep in mind our company monitor policies are in effect.
• Value: Provide worthwhile information. You best represent our company and what you publish may affect it.
• Copyrights: Respect peoples' work and give them credit when it’s due.