EMPLOYEES may be risking their work prospects through inappropriate social media use, it was claimed today.
According to international digital agency Trademark Productions, 37% of employers vet candidates through sites like Facebook and Twitter.
The majority of these employers (65%) are looking to see if a prospective employee is professional or not, while others want to see if they would be a good fit for the company.
Personnel departments are encountering other issues with social media too, and for HR specialist Liz Strama the need for defined policies is becoming increasingly important.
“Social media has grown to such an extent that it has woven itself into the very fabric of our lives. It affects employers in every type of industry and has become a grey area in employment law. It is absolutely vital that every company has a policy on social media that is clearly defined and understood by employees,” said Liz, from HRprotected.co.uk.
But Liz thinks that there are more subtle cases that need addressing: “Clearly those who post offensive Tweets are lacking in common sense; but where the real issue lies is with the younger generation who miss out on entire careers through poorly censored social profiles.”
“People in the hospitality trade have been fired for complaining about customers, some were given their marching orders for criticising the company they work for, and others sacked for being caught out after calling in sick,” she said.
“It is down to the individual to employ diplomacy at all times, but they also need to know what is and what is not acceptable from their employer.”