Note to self: Don't blog about work..

Given the popularity of Social Media the majority of people employed nowadays have already established their own social presence online. Richards and Kosmala (2013) express that "blogging platforms have become forums for employees to either individually or collectively vent frustrations". We are able to broadcast our every thought, feeling or desire on a public forum, however unfortunately most of the time people don't think things through before they go and announce it to the world and end up later regretting their spiels, whether it be about school, politics, friends, family or in this case work. 

My workplace embraces an employee's right to a private life, and takes no position on their decision to start or maintain a personal media presence. However, as a company they must also ensure that their reputation and confidentiality are protected at all times. The company I work for actually has a "Social Media Policy" which states that they hold "very strict views about employees speaking on behalf of the company, in whatever form that may be" and that "Marketing and Community teams" are the only authorised people to represent the company in any form of media. There are official guidelines that each employee must follow if they choose to state online that they work for said company. As we are therefore considered active representatives of the company brand, if we breach any of the points listed in the policy or if we post material that the company determines detrimental to its business, we as an employee are subject to the disciplinary policy held by the company including termination of employment. Also if an employee makes a defamatory statement that is publicised online they may also be held legally liable for any damages caused as a result of his/her actions.

Personally I could write a book on the crap I have had to deal with in my working life, but I know better than to put it out into the world with the slight chance that either my prior or current employers would find out and take some sort of action. One bad publicized comment has the ability to damage any company's reputation. So next time you come home from work in a rage and take to your computer, stop and think of the consequences your five minute rant will ensue, because not only could you affect your job security but it could also destroy an entire company's reputation.

How I feel about work

References:

Richards, J., and Kosmala, K., 2013 "In the end, you can only slag people off for so long" : employee cynicism through work blogging', New Technology, Work and Employment, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 68 - 77.

Blogging For Jobs, photograph, Viewed 2 September 2013, <http://blogging4jobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/transparent.png>

Homer Simpson Nuclear Engineer, photograph, Viewed 2 September 2013, <http://emmajamesondotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/homer-simpson-nuclear-emgineer-creative-commons.jpg>