Around the world, the phenomenon of social networking can be felt inside the working place. It is no longer a secret that employees usually use the likes of Facebook and other social networking tools while they are working. There are a lot of doomsayers predicting that a “parade of terrible” about this concern. One of the points that is debated regarding this issue is the distraction as presented by using this sites while employees get things done for their employers.
Experts on the field of labor and employment, sees the “problem” over the use or overused of social networking sites during working hours as something that is not at all new. Gossiping and shirking from work is done in yesteryears at water cooler, they say. The only difference now is that they are doing it right before their tables and computers. What to do about it? The same as been done before the rise of social networking sites: “thoughtful policy implementation and vigilant managerial oversight.”
New Employment Policies
The solution to the problem of social networking is the creation of new language of policy that will address the issue. This policy should include technology, code of conduct, confidentiality policy and harassment and discrimination policy.
Detailed Description of Social Networking Policy
As the set of general managerial policies are already defined, the detailed descriptions on what should be done about it are many to mention. But to start it off, there should be an unequivocal policy statement concerning the abuse of social media on the grounds of discipline. If an employee repeatedly shirk from work and stay glued on social networking sites to the detrimental of his work obligation then this may be a ground for his or her termination.
The next thing, which is the most important thing concerning the privacy of the employer and the company itself, is the rule on prohibition on disclosure of confidential, even proprietary information, and trade secret of the company to social media sites by its employee. Anybody who transgresses this policy should be meted with proper disciplinary action.