It seems employers just cannot get it right! The NLRB is cracking down on employers again, this time they are aiming toward social media. Employers are actively preventing employees from using social media in the workplace. Do employers have the right to prevent employees from using social media or is this action against employee rights?
Here are some prime examples of what employers are including in the employee handbook that may be unlawful:
- Not being respectful in posts about others in the workplace
- Picking fights on social media
- Posting images about the company on social media
- Discussing wages
- Not asking for consent before use of social media
- Insulting other employees online
- Sharing workplace information
Employers need to use caution when it comes to designing employee handbooks. Putting restrictions on employee rights is a sure-fire way to end up in a costly lawsuit. The NLRB is cracking down on employee handbooks, employers should make sure that their employee handbooks are aligned with employee rights. It doesn’t take much for an employee to file a lawsuit when they feel employers are interrupting what is legally protected by the NLRB.
How is your workplace dealing with social media? Is there any provisions in your employee handbook that restricts you from using social media in the workplace?