A recent court case in Illinois highlights the importance of developing coherent, well-defined company policies in order to ensure appropriate human resources compliance, maintain strong relationships with employees and avoid potential litigation.
An Illinois marketing professional recently came into conflict with her employer over the use of social media accounts she had personally created, BLR reports. The individual was the director of marketing, public relations and e-commerce at the company, and used the accounts to promote her employer's business.
When she received a serious injury that kept her out of work for more than eight months, however, the employer used the accounts to keep in touch with her followers and its clients, according to the source. Other employees accessed the accounts this individual had established, using them to promote the company and distribute updates on her condition. This continued after she objected.
The dispute arose and went to court over who had the ownership of and right to use the accounts. The employee noted that she established them personally, and considered them tools to promote herself as a marketing professional, not just the company. An appropriate policy might clearly separate business and personal social media uses, clarify that certain accounts are established for and belong to the company, and avoid later disputes.
