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UPFRONT
Facebook and the workplace
Workmates or ‘friends’? One in every three UK employees who are online have been sent a friendship request on Facebook by a colleague, client or boss, according to The Protection Gap survey conducted online and commissioned by Abbey Legal Protection (ALP). When asked which Facebook-related incidents they had experienced, 21 percent of respondents said they had had their photos accessible for colleagues to view and eight percent had had Facebook information and knowledge used in a workplace situation. CEOs emerged as social networking fans, with only 42 percent claiming not to have a Facebook page. One in seven CEOs admitted to having photos uploaded and available for employees to view and a surprising 10 percent have had their Facebook knowledge used in a workplace situation. h Following the announcement of the survey results, ALP urged employers to understand the potential risks for businesses, both in terms of reputation and the efficiency related costs, of not having a clear and articulated company social networking policy in place.
36% of UK employees online have been sent ‘friend requests’ by a colleague, boss or client according to new research
Opportunity and risk
58% of UK CEOs online are now on Facebook
Commenting on the findings of The Protection Gap survey, Richard Candy, Underwriting Director Abbey Legal Protection said:
1 in every 5 workers has photos accessible for colleagues to see on Facebook
“The emergence of any new form of technology or means of communication can be extremely positive and bring welcome new ways of working into the workplace. Unfortunately, this also often translates to an increase in related risks for businesses and individuals. As was the case with the internet, mobile phones and email, social networking sites are no different.
29% of both UK CEOs and senior managers have been asked to ‘friend’ an employee, boss or client on Facebook 1 in 5 18-24 yr old workers have found their Facebook knowledge used in a workplace situation 38% of female workers have been asked to ‘friend’ a colleague, boss or client compared to 34% of male workers 42% of workers in London have been asked to ‘friend’ a colleague, boss or client, compared to 32% in the North of England and 33% in Scotland
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“These opportunities and risks vary considerably by organisation type and sector. Whilst Facebook can help to connect people and businesses, the risks range from corporate reputation and those of specific individuals, through to security breaches and even unlawful discrimination or harassment, to name but a few. “The key to minimising the minefields for businesses, is to have a clear policy in place that suits your organisation. Ensure employees are aware and familiar with it. Make sure they understand what is deemed to be inappropriate usage, and most importantly, update your policy regularly, as new issues emerge. “If you have evidence to demonstrate that these measures have been taken, you will be in a much more secure position should you ever be at the centre of a social media related legal wrangling.”
23/09/2010 13:22