SOCIAL media use in the workplace brings both benefits and hazards.

It can raise your company’s profile and engage with more prospects than you would otherwise reach.

The hazard, however, is that employees could use it against the company, their colleagues, and maybe even the company’s clients.

The best way to protect your business is to ensure that you have a clear policy on acceptable use of social media in your business, and that this policy is communicated to all staff. Make it clear that the policy applies even if the comments are made in the employee’s free time.

Once a policy is in place, there is no excuse for an employee to fail to adhere to it, and they will be aware at the outset that disciplinary procedures could follow.

For more advice, please contact David Argent, partner and head of the employment team at Lamb Brooks LLP, on 01256 305534 or email him at david.argent@lambbrooks.com.