ACAS Publishes Guidance On Social Networking In The Workplace

In light of the significant increase of internet and social media usage over recent years, ACAS has now published some helpful guidance for employers on the implications of social networking within the workplace. The guidance considers the impact of sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube and provides tips for employers on how best to tackle these new issues.

It is estimated that the misuse of the internet and social networking by workers costs Britain's economy billions of pounds each year and studies have indicated that, on average, workers spend seven hours online per week. This is, therefore, an issue that employers must take seriously.

Summary of the ACAS Guidance

The Guidance is broken down into five individual factsheets, which each address different problems posed by social media and provide advice on how employers can address them, as follows:

1. Managing Performance

   One of the main concerns for employers who make social media available to their staff is that of time wasting. In addition, more and more employees are now able to work remotely, which raises unique challenges for performance management. There are also health and safety concerns as to whether employees are getting sufficient time away from their desk / computer each day.

   In response to these concerns, ACAS advises that employers:

   draw up a policy on the use of social media whilst at work. The policy should make it clear when and how social media can be used within the organisation and should be clearly linked to disciplinary procedures. Training should also be provided to staff in this respect educate employees of the risks of using VDUs and IT equipment from a health and safety perspective give managers guidelines on remote / home-working. Managers should be reminded that the basic rules of effective performance management still apply to those employees not based in the office. Accordingly, regular performance reviews and an ongoing dialogue with staff should be maintained. 2. Recruitment

   Many employers are already using social media to advertise vacancies and recruit employees. However, ACAS warns that this practice risks exacerbating social exclusion for those who do not have access to the internet and therefore recommends that employers always use at least two different recruitment channels.

   There is also an increasing trend for employers to screen prospective candidates by reviewing their facebook page / blogs etc before deciding whether to invite...