Mention your companies name on facebook...think twice!

kt1inamillion

Hey everyone...

Firstly if this is not in the right place please move.

At work we have been informed that if we state our companies name on Facebook it is highlighted at there I.T department. If we mention our company in a bad way we may be disciplined but it's ok to mention in a good way...double standards I feel but never mind!

Can my company do this? I feel it's very Big Brother is watching you! I was under the impression it was free speech? Does this mean now if I mention any company in a bad way I'm at risk of being sued possibly? In fairness my day can't get any worse so I might try and report back on it

But seriously can they do this? Any advise opinions would be great?

Thanks in advance! x

SarEl

Simple answer - yes. Many companies have such policies and the number of people sacked for their comments on Facebook demonstrates that it is taken seriously. If it isn't something you are prepared to walk up to the MD and say - don't say it.

Sambucus_Nigra

kt1inamillion wrote: »

But seriously can they do this?

They just did!

t0rt0ise

They may, as in are legally allowed to do it, whether they can is a different question and I don't know the answer. I'd have thought that if your facebook page is secure in that you only allow friends to view it, work would not be able to track it. But maybe someone else will know.

Sambucus_Nigra

t0rt0ise wrote: »

They may, as in are legally allowed to do it, whether they can is a different question and I don't know the answer. I'd have thought that if your facebook page is secure in that you only allow friends to view it, work would not be able to track it. But maybe someone else will know.

You know Facebook, they change the privacy settings on an alomst weekly basis, and if you know someone who knows someone else, you can see exactly what has been said.

Just don't do it.

kt1inamillion

Thats the funny things there is no policy about it. A manager was like well by the way you do it you'll be in trouble. Just to get up there nose I might just type my companys name in my status every few mins...see how much they would like to follow what I'm saying then.

spring_chicken

there was a case recently where a chap posted on facebook that he was fed up to be back at work after his holiday (can't remember exactly what he said) but he ended up getting the sack.

hcb42

funnily enough seen a draft of our new handbook today with similar clauses for facebook, and even linkedin.

I actually administer our corporate pages for facebook, if you are linked to the company itself, then your actions are easily spotted.

It is difficult but best avoided altogether really!

Sambucus_Nigra

kt1inamillion wrote: »

Thats the funny things there is no policy about it. A manager was like well by the way you do it you'll be in trouble. Just to get up there nose I might just type my companys name in my status every few mins...see how much they would like to follow what I'm saying then.

There doesn't need to be a policy about it; and if you do that you might well be back here next week trying to appeal the dismissal.

A little childish don't you think?

hcb42

there is probably no policy about it, as managing social media is still a new thing, some companies dont update their HR manuals for years on end.

bringing the company into disrepute is probably what they will argue!

scheming_gypsy

kt1inamillion wrote: »

At work we have been informed that if we state our companies name on Facebook it is highlighted at there I.T department.

that doesn't happen, they're just trying to scare you into thinking they're got Harry Potteresque powers or have special Facebook access.

If we mention our company in a bad way we may be disciplined but it's ok to mention in a good way...double standards I feel but never mind!

You may be disciplined if they find out.

Can my company do this? I feel it's very Big Brother is watching you! I was under the impression it was free speech? Does this mean now if I mention any company in a bad way I'm at risk of being sued possibly? In fairness my day can't get any worse so I might try and report back on it

But seriously can they do this? Any advise opinions would be great?

Thanks in advance! x

They can do it and they'll put it as gross misconduct and fire you, so follow their rules to the letter and don't mention where you work.. slag them off but don't mention their name like they requested :cool: