I wonder how much work time is used surfing the web and engaging in social networking instead of working. Perhaps there were similar problems in the workplace twenty years ago. I highly doubt that distractions in the workplace are anything new. “Water cooler” cliché’s came from somewhere, right?
Back-in-the-day, I remember hearing coworkers talking about balancing their checkbooks on the job. I suppose there’s no difference between balancing your checkbook at work and checking your bank account online, is there? Or how about talking to your spouse for an hour vs. chatting up a storm on Facebook?
With so many working on computers, it’s easier than ever to be sidetracked at work. It looks like you’re working, but in actuality, you’re catching-up on the news and commenting on your friends Facebook photos.
Here are five myths employees may believe about their Facebook use:
1. Facebook is Free Speech
Nice try. Seriously, that was a good move. Run straight to the First Amendment. It makes your employer look like a Commie. In actuality, the First Amendment doesn’t apply in the private workplace. Log-off.
2. I Can Post Whatever I Want When I’m Away from Work
Think, again. Don’t even think about trying the Free Speech tactic, again. Firing an employee for unsettling speech made outside of the workplace is usually legal. Facebook is public. Think before you post.
3. I Have A Right to Privacy
You’re Right to Privacy is different and is much more limited in the workplace. It’s the company’s computer and Internet connection. Go home if you want privacy.
4. I Only Tell the Truth
That’s nice, but if it’s good news or bad news, if it’s about the company, it doesn’t matter. Keep your workplace at work and off your Facebook page.
5. There Isn’t Any Rules
Ask. Find out if your company has a policy and follow it. If they don’t, use some common sense and always follow good social media etiquette. When in doubt, delete!
Can you think of any other myths? Please, share!
[via All Facebook]
Antoine RJ Wright says
Actually, there are some issues with your statements.
Concerning #1: Speech on FB and other social networking sites can be covered by free speech rulings if they serve in a manner that benefits the public good similar to convention. I’ll need to remember the specifics of the cases in order to link to those decisions, but can say that some recent revisions to the Patroit Act v2 were debated because this was being constrained.
Concerning #2: A recent ruling doesnt agree with your stating that it is legal: http://www.cyberprivacynews.com/2011/09/nlrb-orders-reinstatement-of-employees-fired-over-facebook-posts/
Concerning #3: The right to privacy goes two ways; there is an expectation of privacy and a literal acknowledgement of it. While it has been debated if companies are in the right or not concerning the use of monitoring practices in some industries, it has been debated in courts and in the public space that even in using company-supplied computing equipment that some measure of privacy is expected. It is up to the company to detail what kind of privacy they allow, before expressing that they deny the expectation of it. Or, in other words, have a IT governance policy that spells this out or risk intrusion-type lawsuits.
* Communications and Media Law is fun as all get out (when I have the time to read cases in depth)
Eric Dye says
Oh, okay.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/26/fired-over-facebook-posts_n_659170.html#s115707&title=Swiss_Woman_Caught