Social media in the workplace
While damaged careers, password privacy and social media in the workplace may not be top of the mind for users of major social networks, new FindLaw.com survey results show all of these issues to be increasingly controversial across a range of professions and demographics.
Necessary for compliance or an invasion of employee privacy?
While an overwhelming majority (eighty-three percent) of American adults say that employers should not be allowed to obtain passwords to personal social media accounts, seven percent of people surveyed said it was okay for employers to have their social network passwords and ten percent were unsure, according to a recent survey from FindLaw.com.
An issue of great debate, at least ten states have recently passed laws that prevent employers from requesting passwords to personal Internet accounts and legislation has been introduced or is pending in at least twenty-six additional states.
Social media posts result in job loss
A second major growing pain in the mix of social media and employment is what happens when employees post questionable content to their networks.
According to a similar FindLaw.com survey, four percent of American adults say that something they posted on social media resulted in them either being fired from their job, not being offered a job, losing a promotion, or being officially reprimanded or disciplined. An earlier survey found that 21 percent of young social media users have removed a post because of fear of repercussions.
Other aspects of social media also pose potential issues for employers.
“Many people are sensitive that information regarding their personal lives should not be available to their employers,” said Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney-editor at FindLaw.com. “If an employer, while viewing an employee’s social media page, were to discover information regarding an employee’s protected characteristics, such as religious or confidential medical information, it could open the door for potential legal iss
How We Can Help
If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed civil law attorney who has been practicing law since 1987. He is available whenever you need him to pursue your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.