New guidance on use of Social Media

ACAS have recently issued guidance for employers on social networking and managing performance. They point out that the use of social media is allowing many employees to work remotely, which offers unique challenges for performance management. They also say that it blurs the distinction between work and home life, with many employees available at home and while travelling. This has led some employers to put more emphasis on managing the tasks an employee performs rather than managing the time they work.

The fact that ACAS are not saying ‘ban social media at work’ has been welcomed by Wisework. They point out the benefits and dangers and provide advice on the way forward for employers. They suggest that organisations should have a policy so it is clear to employees what they may, or may not, do.  They also recommend that line managers have guidelines on remote/home working and that they focus on end-products rather than managing time too closely. Wisework have been advising clients on remote working guidelines for many years and now include the use of Social Media in their recommendations.