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Social Media

Employers often use social medial platforms to advertise or market products and services or to check out potential candidates. However, the use of social media can cause problems in the workplace and comes with certain restrictions. These workplace issues may include:

Protected conduct
Hiring problems
Privacy concerns
Harassment
Discipline/termination

Restricted Access to Personal Social Media AccountRestricted Access to Personal Social Media Account
Employers are prohibited under California law from requiring or requesting applicants or employees to disclose information regarding their personal social media accounts.

Using Social Media as a Hiring ToolUsing Social Media as a Hiring Tool
While California law prohibits employers from requesting applicants to divulge password protected social media information, employers still have access to the vast array of public information many individuals choose to share on social media accounts.

Social Media and Employer PoliciesSocial Media and Employer Policies
Well-drafted electronic media/Internet policies can help protect businesses from problems associated with social media. These policies should address social media use and be part of an employee handbook.

Company Social Media AccountsCompany Social Media Accounts
Many companies have a presence on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or a blog to engage current customers and reach out to new ones.

Q&As

What can I do if an employee posts a video of an injured coworker shortly after a workplace accident?

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