Home featured Image credit: Adem AY Featured Legal Featured Like it or leave it: Can SMEs require staff to go social? Holding Redlich October 29, 2024 Sharing Instagram reels of employees chatting about their favourite products or hopping on the latest TikTok trends sounds harmless, but what happens when this content goes viral – or attracts negative attention? Featuring employees on a company’s social media has never been more popular, but the legal implications can be significant. In fact, putting staff in the spotlight raises several questions: Can employers require employees to participate in social media content promoting the business? And what should employers do if someone flat-out refuses to take part? Key considerations for employers Limit the risks : Be mindful of the legal ramifications of featuring your employees in social media content or filming in the office. Protect confidential information visible on computer screens or whiteboards, and establish clear procedures for obtaining consent to safeguard employee privacy and confidential information. Clearly define employees’ social media duties: If you feature your employees in social media content, this should be reflected in their position description. If an employee is unaware that creating or appearing in social media content is part of their formal duties, they may refuse to participate Proactively support employees : Ensure your employees know where they can raise concerns or seek help regarding their involvement in social media. Can a SME direct an employee to participate in a video for social media? Out of the blue? Probably