Risk & Business Magazine Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers Spring 2016 | Page 29

be blurred if they use the same account for
both. Remind these employees how their
social media activity will always affect the
company’s reputation.
- For employees with personal social media
accounts, urge caution. Tell them to think
twice about anything they post about the
company on a social network, because there
is a chance a colleague, manager or client
could see. Encourage employees to use good
judgment to avoid risking their reputation—
or their job. Because this area is especially
problematic, be sure to have legal counsel
review this language.
• Social media confidentiality and nondisclosure guidelines
- Revealing any confidential company or client
information online should be prohibited,
even in a “private” forum or message, as the
security of the site could be compromised.
- Emphasize that your company policies related
to confidentiality and nondisclosure apply to
social media as well.
• Official communication guidelines
- Have a policy in place regarding ownership
of accounts and followers for all employees
using social media for business purposes.
Lawsuits have sprung from this issue, as
employees leaving companies tried to take
their account and followers with, and the
companies sued. Develop a policy now so it is
easier to enforce later.
- Discuss what is expected of employees
when they represent the company on social
networks—and be specific. Include policies,
procedures, dos and don’ts, so that employees
know their expectations and responsibilities
in their social media role.
After your policy is developed, make sure it is
distributed to all employees, and have employees sign
a form verifying that they received and understand the
policy. You may also consider requiring social media
employee training to supplement this policy.
As with all employee policies, be sure t