sort of agree with boss.

[lordsteatime]

After all the stuff with brexit and families falling out with each other, our employer asked that we refrain from putting our political views on social media as it will impact the business.

It is a shame because vocally if conversation comes up I will add my own views like everyone.
I also wondered if we have to be careful about social media and its impact on our employment surely the same would be for when we are overheard in public by others?
Is there a difference between speaking in 'public' and social media?

where is the line drawn ? Am I over thinking this?

[sepa]

It depends on if it's a work account? Eg, Twitter. I wouldn't put my views on Twitter as its a work account but my Facebook is fine

[sepa]

Sorry pressed to early-

If your overheard in public it's not documented I suppose but written someone could screen shot it?

[blinkowl]

Make your Facebook page private then post what you like. If you have work people on your Facebook account set up a restricted view for them.

[branofthemist]

I think your employer is right.

And yes what you say in public could impact you, your career and employer. Especially if you are videoed or recorded.

Especially if it's recorded. What goes on social media can be screen shot in a second.

People often don't think about the impact of their words when recorded.

Personally I have used FB to mention anything about my feelings regarding the referendum. My FB account is linked to my business. Which is no place for discussing politics

[slightlyfuzzy]

Problem is with social media , views that may be right or wrong get listened to and acted upon , your boss may think it could lead to the country talking it's self into a recession sooner rather than later

[Sierra259]

I think it depends what you're saying/posting. If you are rude and personally attacking/abusing people/groups then not ok. If you're just stating disappointment or a general opinion then I can't see the problem. It's just about common sense using social media. Before I post anything on FB/Twitter I ask myself "would I be happy for my mum/boss to see this? Would I say this to someone's face?" If not, it doesn't get posted.

[lordsteatime]

my facebook is not connected to work, but I am following my employers instructions as I can see the reasoning behind it.

I have a twitter account, also has no connection to work but hopefully that will be OK.!

[AyeAmarok]

On social media it's written, and there for all to see. It could be linked to the business too if you have colleagues, clients, or you mention where you work on there. Anyone could see it.

If you're sitting in a coffee shop with friends then nobody at a neighbouring table has a scooby who you are, so that's different IMO.

[branofthemist]

Does anyone in your Facebook know where you work?

[violetbunny]

Anyway thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I will tell him he can borrow the car so long as it comes back in the same condition, but if it comes back in a state again then in future he'll have to find another alternative.

I'll also try and be a bit more lenient with my standards of cleanliness as well as I know he and I have totally different standards. He just needs to at least show he's making an effort.

[Effendi]

At work we were advised not to post on social media. Civil Service.

[violetbunny]

Sorry wrong thread!!

[OwlinaTree]

I think it's better to avoid discussion of the ref at work full stop really. There's a good chance half your colleagues voted differently to you, and it's really not an appropriate place to be arguing about politics.

Some at my work have been open about voting out. Many are saying they voted in, or are expressing dismay at the result. There are a sizable number keeping quiet who I suspect voted out but don't want to say so for fear of attack (verbal not physical, we're not that bad!). We try to keep it light at work, tbh. Work places are not the natural home of political debate unless you work in local government I suppose.

[trafalgargal]

I don't think people should discuss politics when they are on a platform that connects them to their employer however I also dont think people's social media personal accounts should be linked or connected to work.

My FB doesn't have the same name I use at work and most colleagues don't even know the account exists (the ones that are on it I've known for years). My personal life and beliefs are my business and not my employers and anything I express in my private life is my business but I'm professional enough to keep the two worlds separate. My employer has no right to dictate to me but equally I have a responsibility to not put them in a poor position.

[alltoomuchrightnow]

I've been told exactly the same (an animal charity)

[KissMyArse]

I think you have to consider that some of your employer's clients/customers will have voted differently to yourself.

Those clients who voted Leave won't be impressed if they are described as thick racists by employees of a company they are doing business with. Vice versa if they voted Remain they won't be impressed by people crowing about "we won, you lost" type of comments.

It's hardly a secret that people have been rejected for job applications due to their social media postings.

[FoxyLoxy123]

Twitter is also largely work for me so I am a bit more careful on there but not FB as its private. We are meant to be quiet during purdah but otherwise it is generally not an issue. The referendum was not as big a thing for us local gov elections. I think we were allowed to speak re the EU because it could impact us quite heavily. People weren't holding back like normal anyway...

[LunaLoveg00d]

I don't think your boss has any right to say what you can and can't post on your personal social media. If however your profile says "Sarah Jones, account manager at Tesda Supermarket" then you are putting yourself out there as a representative of your company. If you do not have the name of your employer linked to your profile then there is no issue.

Lots and lots of people (mostly people who work for the BBC) make all sorts of comments on Twitter but have "views my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer" in their bio.

[Benedikte2]

Sounds as if your boss is just advising or requesting his staff in case it affects the business and its customer relations. Of course, he can't direct you but you seem to see and agree with his reasoning so there's no problem

[PovertyPain]

I have a small home business and the political stuff that people post is depressing. Comments on loyalist/republican, race, immigration, brexit, benefits, etc. I never like or comment on them because it would be business suicide. It actually annoys me that people post without taking their friends into consideration and then whine when people block them. Twits.

You don't have a private life when it comes to posting online. How many more stories have to be dragged up in the press about what such'n'such said ten years ago, so therefore get slated now, does it take before people wise up.

[DavidPuddy]

If you wish to express your vews publically then you have every right to do so.

I think we could do with a bit more open discussion of politics in this country. The apathy is astounding and I also cannot fathom why anyone would be ashamed of their own views.

[lordsteatime]

my accounts on social media in no way link directly to work as such, but customers who know my full name can look it up.
so am following employers suggestion.

I also live in a small town so perhaps being quiet in public place is the way to go, after all people have phones with cameras as well.

Ugh, we do live in a big brother world dont we!

[Noodledoodledoo]

A stall holder at the market was saying this morning a customer came up to him (butcher) and asked how he voted in the Referendum. He asked why and she said it would make her decide to shop at his stall or not.

He told - she walked away!

Some people do seem to be taking their stand to an extreme! She wasn't rude just said goodbye and walked off with no further comment!