Policy: 380
Social Media and Networking
Procedure:
Marion-Dillon County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (MDCBDSN) recognizes that employees may engage in "social networking" while off duty. "Social Networking", for purposes of this policy, includes all types of postings on the internet, including, but not limited to, social networking sites, (such as Facebook®, Instagram®, Snapchat® or Linkedln®); blogs and other on-line journals and diaries; bulletin boards and chat rooms; microblogging, such as Twitter®; and the posting of video on YouTube® and similar media. Social networking also includes Social Networking permitting or not removing postings by others where an employee can control the content of postings, such as on a personal profile or blog. This Policy applies to social networking while off duty.
Employees who engage in social networking should be mindful that their postings, even if done off premises and while off duty, could have an adverse effect on MDCBDSN's legitimate business interests. For example, the information posted could be MDCBDSN's confidential business information. In addition, some readers may view you as a de facto spokesperson for MDCBDSN. To reduce the likelihood that your personal social networking will have an adverse effect on the MDCBDSN, we ask that you observe the following guidelines when social networking
- Do not engage in social networking using any of MDCBDSN's electronic resources or when you are supposed to be working.
- Your social networking is subject to all of the policies of the MDCBDSN, including, but not limited to, "Nondisclosure of confidential information", "Work Rules, Conduct and Disciplinary Action", and "Employee Personal Property".
- Managers should not send "friend" requests to subordinates while on or off duty. Any employee may reject a friend request from any other employee without repercussion.
- All requests for references or recommendations, even those that are received through social networking, should be handled in accordance with MDCBDSN's standard policy for responding to such requests.
If your social networking includes any information related to MDCBDSN, please do the following:
- Make it clear to your readers that the views expressed are yours alone and do not reflect the views of the MDCBDSN.
- Do not defame or otherwise discredit MDCBDSN's products or services, or the products or services of its vendors or competitors. Do not mention customers, business partners, or suppliers without prior approval.
- Do not use MDCBDSN's logo, trademark, or proprietary graphics, or photographs of MDCBDSN's premises or products.
Do not disclose personal or contact information, or post photographs, of coworkers, supervisors, or individuals receiving support, without their prior permission.
If someone from the media or press contacts you about your social networking activities that relate to MDCBDSN, speak to your manager before responding.
If your social networking includes any information related to MDCBDSN, you should consider the following:
- MDCBDSN has spent substantial time and resources building its reputation and good will and valuable and important corporate assets. Before you engage in any social networking that identifies yourself as an employee of MDCBDSN, or that identifies MDCBDSN, please consider whether you are damaging MDCBDSN's reputation. If you are uncertain, you should consult your manager or Human Resources before posting.
- It is easier to resolve complaints about work by speaking directly with coworkers, supervisor or other management-level personnel than by posting complaints on the internet. However, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid doing so in a way that is defamatory or damaging to MDCBDSN or any of MDCBDSN's employees.
- MDCBDSN may review your social networking activities. Please note that this policy applies even if your social networking is anonymous or under a pseudonym. If you do engage in such social networking, you should be aware that in appropriate circumstances MDCBDSN will take steps to determine your identity.
- MDCBDSN may request that you temporarily confine your social networking to matters unrelated to MDCBDSN if it determines this is necessary or advisable to ensure compliance with security regulations or other laws.
If you need clarification of any aspect of this policy, contact your supervisor or the Human Resources Department.
Failure to comply with this policy may lead to discipline up to and including termination and if appropriate, MDCBDSN will pursue all available legal remedies. MDCBDSN also may report suspected unlawful conduct to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Note, however, that nothing in this policy will be interpreted to limit or interfere with your rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.