The document discusses the blurred lines between personal and professional lives created by increased access to social media in the workplace. It notes that while sharing personal information online is not a big deal for friends and family, it can complicate workplace dynamics for various reasons. Some issues that can arise include cyberbullying, inappropriate online comments about the workplace, and sharing confidential company information. The document provides strategies for employees to avoid potential problems, such as using privacy settings and being professional in all social media posts.

1. Social Media
Blurred Lines in
our Workplace

2. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Our Main Source
• “Blurred Lines in the Workplace” by
Leah Arnold-Smeets:
– http://www.payscale.com/author/leah-arnold-smeets
• “Blurred lines: Setting boundaries at work” by
Van Moddy:
– http://www.cnbc.com/id/101200290
• “Blurred Lines: Social Media and Confidentiality in
Workplace Investigations” by Bryan Bienias :
– http://www.seyfarth.com/BryanBienias

3. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Introduction
• Workplace dynamics have
become increasingly
problematic thanks to social
media:
– Access online to the lives
of employees and
employers.
– Opportunity to share online
comments.

4. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Online Access - What is privacy?
The quality or condition of being secluded
from the presence or view of others.
The state of being free from unsanctioned
intrusion.
The state of being concealed;
secrecy.
The condition of being necessarily
restricted to a single person.

5. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Online Comments - Freedom
It is important that we allow freedom on expression in our
world, however we must be respectful about what we say
online and aware of possible consequences
should things go astray.

6. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Social Media and Personal Aspects
• From an individual’s
perspective, sharing
personal aspects of one’s
life isn’t such a big deal
when your audience
contains family and friends.
• However, when you
consider a corporate setting,
things can become a bit
more complicated for
different reasons.

7. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Social Media – Mine field
• The social media activities
of employees have
increasingly pushed the
boundaries of lawful
workplace behavior and
created new legal challenges
for employers and
employees.

8. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Social Media – Mine field
• Cyberbullying:
– Social media is a new frontier for inappropriate behavior.
• Perils of Facebook friending:
– A Facebook friend implies a special relationship and that can
be problematic where there is a professional need to appear
impartial.
• Online gripes by employees:
– Just as social media sites are popular forums for discussions
about sports, family, or politics, the workplace can be a hot
environment for gossips, complaints and unfair comments.
• Protecting confidential information:
– Employees are legally required to maintain the confidentiality
of sensitive business matters about their companies.

9. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Strategies to avoid problems with Social Media
• Privacy settings – Always
make your personal social
media accounts private if
you post content that is
questionable from time to
time.
• Send request only when
you’re 100 percent sure the
person likes you (and you
like them).

10. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Strategies to avoid problems with Social Media
• Accept requests only when you’re 100 percent
sure you like the person (and they like you).
• Don’t add your boss, unless you’re mature
enough to keep business and personal
separate.
• Be professional and mature – No matter who
you decide to add or not, a great way to
prevent any problems on your end is to always
be professional and mature when posting to
social media.

11. Blurred Lines in our Workplace
Conclusion
• Social media is here to stay and the
employment law implications are
significant for companies of all sizes
and industry.
• Although most companies and their
workers will act with decorum and
respect while participating in social
media communications, some will
not, and, in those instances, employers
and employees must be well-protected
and informed so they can take proper
actions to protect their legal interests
and reputations.

12. Feel free to send us an e-mail.
Our Website:
www.licoreis.com
Our E-mail:
licoreis@licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com.br
Linkedin: Roberto de Paula Lico Júnior
Skype: roberto.lico
Blurred Lines in our Workplace
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