Pub. 1 2010 Issue 1

www.wvbankers.org 6 W hile many employers either ignored the use of the websites or banned access entirely when the social networking phenomenon first began, this “head in the sand” approach is not any more realistic than a com- plete ban on personal use of email in the workplace. This article provides a basic framework for the development of social networking policies by employers. First, an employer should consider its corporate culture and the implications of any policy relating to social network- ing. Some issues to consider include the following: • Are there business reasons to encourage employees to be fluent in the current generation of online communications (often referred to as “Web 2.0”)? • Is the employer recruiting employees who will expect to be permitted to access social networking sites during the work day? • Does the employer have (or plan) an online presence on social networking sites for sales or marketing purposes? Next, an employer can develop the ground rules. Topics commonly covered in social networking policies include the following: • Whether employees are permitted to access social networking sites during working hours and/or during break periods using the employer’s computer system (including handheld devices) • Clear instructions that the use of social networking sites is not to interfere with performing job duties • To what degree employees are permitted to identify themselves as employees or representatives of the employer in their online profiles • If permitted to identify themselves as associated with the employer, to what extent employees may interact with customers or clients regarding business issues • Required use of disclaimers if employees are engaged in personal blogging • Whether social networking use is monitored by the employer • Limitations on the dissemination of confidential proprietary or customer information in all online comments and communications • Guidelines regarding the use of personal information on social networking sites by the employer in the context of hiring, promotion and/ or discipline Developing Workplace Social Networking Policies By Beth Walker, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP As social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter become more popular, savvy employers are developing written social networking policies. These policies establish guidelines for employees using the online applications for both professional and personal purposes. Q Networking Policies — continued on page 8