Reference no: EM132282622
Employers should not be monitoring the social media pages of their individual employees. The only time that an employer should monitor a social media page is if that page is strictly for their company and was created for the purpose of promoting the company. There are analytical reports and data that can be obtained by monitoring the page of the company. However, employers should understand how inappropriate it is to monitor their employees personal pages. Social media was created as a therapeutic platform for individuals to connect with their friends, families and new friends. People tell their friends and families things that they would not necessarily tell their boss and the internet provides them with a quick resource to get the information to their loved ones simultaneously.
Social media was designed for individuals to have freedom to say how they feel and there should not be any consequences from employers for people expressing themselves. Employers should only provide a consequence for social media post if it is brought to their attention by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the local police department. There are different expectations for work and for your personal life and even though you should always act responsibly if you wanted to make irresponsible decisions it would be acceptable to do so via social media unless your actions are illegal. Most people on social media portray themselves in a light that highlights their talents and impresses others but in reality theirs lives may be totally different. Your virtual persona may not be who you want your bosses to identify you as but it is a safe place to show your family and friends your unprofessional true self. The main difference between who you are at work and home is the behaviors that you exhibit: Work is structured, disciplined and professional whereas home is relaxed, open and uncensored.
According to my research, monitoring the employee's social media page is not only an invasion of privacy but it can lead to discriminatory behavior from the employer in some cases. People have information on their social media pages that they may not want shared with their workplace/employers (i.e. their sexual orientation/preference, political views, and family values etc.) and that should be respected. The research emphasizes the need for the employee to have independence to post what they would like on social media without the "intrusion" of their employer because that leads to better morale in the workplace. The author writes:
"By allowing workers to live their personal lives without intrusion, smart businesses can make a powerful statement; namely, that they accept them for who they are, treasure their professional contributions to the company, and want them to be happy and fulfilled outside as well as inside the office. This, in turn, would inspire loyalty and boost productivity in the workforce, and make those companies more profitable".
It is important for me to be able to express myself in a manner that is open and honest. My personal business has nothing to do with my professional performance and work is not the place for me to air my "dirty laundry" but my social media page is my free therapy session. My family and friends help me through my life experience and that helps me to feel supported. I think it is important for the class to know that it is completely inappropriate for employers to monitor their employees social media pages because those are the personal thoughts and ideas of the individual that they have not chosen to share with their company/employer.
please put your (Opinion )or reaction in 4 paragraphs..