Tip of the Week- Social Media Policy Database
With the NLRB recently issuing a complaint, http://www.nlrb.gov/shared_files/Press%20Releases/2010/R-2794.pdf, against a Connecticut employer for terminating an employee for posting comments on Facebook (or maybe its because a lot of HR Departments have been watching ”The Social Network,” http://www.thesocialnetwork-movie.com), many employers have been asking whether they need a social media policy or whether they need to change existing policies. (Of course, some employers are still asking, “What is social media?” and “Doesn’t ‘twittering’ violate our sexual harassment policy?”)
A good place to begin answering these questions is by benchmarking your organization’s needs and practices against others. To that end, take a look at http://socialmediagovernance.com/policies.php, the largest online database of social media policies from companies, governments, and non-profits. If nothing else, the variety of policies found at this website is a pleasant reaffirmation of the fact that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach for employers to use to address social media concerns.
About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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