Tweet This: Social Media and the Workplace

Social media: it’s invading our lives like a horde of angry locusts, and no one is safe. Most of us have at least one social media account, whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ or MySpace.

Some of us have accounts on more than one of those social networking sites. We open our lives to the world, posting status updates about our latest jaunt to Europe or Tweeting about that great sandwich we had for lunch, or simply sharing videos of cats playing musical instruments.

A word of caution for the wise, however; social media and the workplace don’t often mix very well. How many times have we heard about people who’ve posted rambling status updates about their bosses and got called in for a stern reprimand the next morning?

What about that guy who appeared in the newspaper because he got arrested after Tweeting that he was going to attack the airport because it was closed? When it comes to social media and sharing websites, remember that everything you post online can be viewed by other people; everybody with Internet access can see your photos, shares and status updates.

When using social media in the workplace, remember that it is important to first understand the company policy regarding the use of social media. Understand the kinds of practices that are encouraged, like using digital collaboration to help a co-worker, or advertise your company in a positive light, and stay away from practices that are frowned upon.

Always stay away from violations of your company policy; in no case should you ever post things that may hurt your company’s brand, or put it in serious legal trouble. Some of these violations include threats, slander, racism (which is not right in any given situation), leaking of confidential information, and making light of tragedy. Abstain from vulgar language; it puts you in a bad light, too. Make sure you also understand company culture, as each company has different unspoken rules of conduct.

While you may think posting and sharing on your own time and on your own computer is safer, remember to draw clear distinctions between the public and private domain. What you say about your company – even if done at home and during personal time – can give employers more leverage against you, especially if you mention your company in a negative light. Remember; just about anyone with Internet access can see everything you say.

When in doubt, try the New York Times Test. Before writing to anyone, be it publicly or privately, ask yourself this: would you mind seeing it on the front page of the New York Times? Also, a word of caution: just because you send something into a private domain, or send an email to somebody’s personal inbox, it doesn’t mean it won’t find its way into the hands of someone else later. Security settings on social media may be tricky, but spend some time figuring them out so that you can implement filters to ensure certain information doesn’t reach everyone.

Ultimately, reader, do give your co-workers (yes, your boss too!) the same treatment you’d like to be given.  Ask yourself if you’re the kind of person you’d like to work on a major project with, or even go out to a simple lunch with. Be constructive in your criticisms and comments, and share things that are beneficial for your company, because what’s good for the company is good for you, too! If you want to be perceived as an asset in your Singapore job and to the company, practicing good social etiquette (even online) and helping your company upkeep its image is definitely the way to go.

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