How to set a social networking policy for your employees

Along with internal and external rules, common sense plays a big part

Lately, it seems that just about everyone and everything has a Facebook page, Twitter account or blog. Employees who are responsible for updating or managing those social media channels have likely been instructed on what can and can’t be posted.

Although the FTC “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” are explicit about transparency, there are still a lot of questions that many employees have about what is and is not acceptable. Taking Constitutional Law out of the mix, let’s focus on the company or organizational policy.

Here are a set of rules that organizations should consider implementing to ensure that both the organization and the employee understand how to engage online.

Acceptable use policy for social networking

Here are some points to consider when defining an acceptable use policy for your staff. Be sure to take into account your unique organizational needs, and amend as necessary to make the policy fit your situation.