In today’s digital age, it’s easy to connect with co-workers and staff online. However, it’s essential to remember that what you post on social media can have serious consequences for your work relationships and even your job. Once something is out there, it’s searchable and visible for a long time, so it’s crucial to follow basic etiquette rules and limit work connections to keep your social media presence from interfering with your employment.
Social Media Usage in the Workplace
No matter your position or industry, your social media presence reflects who you are as a person and as a professional. Co-workers and customers often form their first and lasting impressions of you based on your online presence. Therefore, engaging in poor behavior on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or others can damage your work relationships and make you less desirable for hiring.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Social Media Etiquette:
- Beware of connecting with co-workers: It’s important to remember that co-workers and employees are not your friends. Just because you have a good time on breaks or occasionally hang out outside of work does not mean you should invite them to your social media accounts. Maintain consistent boundaries online and offline.
- Think twice before sharing: Before you hit the post or tweet button, take a moment to consider how others may interpret your words. Is there a chance that your post could be offensive, unprofessional, self-centered, or crass? If so, it’s best to either delete the tweet or reword your post. Avoid discussing money problems, revealing details about your romantic life, venting about emotional troubles, arguing about politics, or complaining about work.
- Don’t post during work hours: Using social media during work hours can raise questions from your employers about your dedication to your job. Additionally, it can distract you from your work responsibilities and negatively impact your job performance. If you want to scroll through social media during your lunch break, that’s fine, but avoid accessing your accounts when you should be focusing on work.
- Don’t get sucked into arguments: Engaging in social media arguments may be tempting, but it never ends well and can damage your reputation. If it’s not a topic you would openly debate at work, it’s best to stay away from arguments on social media.
Additional Tips to Consider:
– Keep personal things personal: Oversharing personal details, such as what you had for dinner or your favorite brands, can be boring and harm your professional brand. Share meaningful and relevant content that adds value to your online presence.
– Watch out for photo tags: Even if you are careful about the photos you post, you cannot control what your friends tag you in. Ensure that your security settings prevent others from tagging you without permission to avoid any unwanted content appearing on your profile.
– Consider the future: Employers often review candidates’ social media profiles, and some periodically check their employees’ accounts as well. Take some time to review your old posts and delete anything that might be questionable. Avoid making negative comments about your co-workers, company, employees, or boss on social media – these comments can easily be found and put your job at risk.
Maintaining proper social media etiquette is crucial in the workplace. If you need guidance in navigating the complicated world of online etiquette, our team of top hospitality recruiters at Gecko Hospitality is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!
