Social media platforms have revolutionized and in some ways, hindered the way we communicate. With the increasing use of and access to social media by employees of organizations, it has become essential for companies to update their media policies to include social media guidelines.
It used the be that employees were barred from appearing on camera or issuing statements on behalf of their company. With the explosion of social media and how news is now capable of reaching the masses in an instant. it's become imperative for organizations to take extra measures to project their brands by ensuring that the appropriate personnel are speaking on their behalf.
Here are the main reasons why companies should add social media to their existing media policies:
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Protect Company Reputation: While social media platforms provide an easy and accessible platform for individuals to express their opinions and views, these opinions and can also harm a company's reputation if they're out of alignment with an organization's strategic objectives. By updating media policies with social media guidelines, companies can protect their reputation by outlining what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior on social media platforms. There cannot be gray area for employees to interpret on their own.
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Mitigate Legal Risks: Social media platforms have created new legal risks that companies need to be aware of. These risks can be mitigated by updating media policies to include social media guidelines. Prohibited content, behavior, and types of statements should be outlined in detail. This information should always be readily-accessible for employees.
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Promote Consistency: By providing social media guidelines, companies can promote consistency in their messaging and branding across all platforms. This consistency can help build trust and loyalty with customers and stakeholders but helps them to maintain control of any storyline or narrative.
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Ensure Employee Safety: Social media platforms are a breeding ground for stalking, harassment, and threats. Employees can become the target of negative behavior directed at them because their association with the company. By introducing social media guidelines, companies can help limit the exposure that their employees have to safety-related issues stemming from their social media use including phishing and disgruntled customers.
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Increased Productivity: Time spent on social media platforms can significantly reduce productivity by serving as a distraction for employees. Companies can limit or prevent the impact to by prohibiting the use of social media platforms, blocking access to them from company devices, and by instituting a social media policy.
In conclusion, companies should update their media policies to include social media guidelines to protect their reputation, mitigate legal risks, promote consistency, ensure employee safety, and encourage productivity. By doing so, companies can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
The digital landscape is ever-changing and new ways of connecting
A company's reputation relies on it's perceived and its ability to deliver a consistent message across all channels. By updating their media policies to cover social media, companies can greatly assist protecting their employees from unwanted consequences and ultimately, their brands.
