Facebook

[2sp_]

An employee takes part in some nasty conversations on Facebook with client A regarding client B. The two clients had a falling out over something, but nobody seems sure what.

It's all pretty horrible stuff, but the two are very careful not to call client B by name, but have made up a nickname and refer to her as that.

The employer is friends on Facebook with both the clients, and has seen many instances of this (dare I use the word) bullying. Client B has not mentioned Client A at all on FB.

It's all very 12-year-old-girl. Pathetic and immature, but the employer is concerned over the image that it will portray of the business.

How does the employer stand in reprimanding the employee over something she is doing on her own time, on her own Facebook page?

[sara3]

we were sent such a warning at work yesterday, not to bring the "company" into disrepute, do anything that might harm its reputation, etc..

[VHG]

The employer needs to put a section in the employee handbook about NOT discussing business on social media sites.

Then they have the opportunity to give the employee a dressing down if they are caught doing it.

But late in this case, but it needs adding in the future.

[2sp_]

It might be an idea then sara, for the employer to have a word with the employee about the dangers of shooting her mouth off on FB.

The stuff they are saying is horrible, I don't even think Client B knows it is happening.

Maybe they think that as they haven't named Client B, then nobody will know who they are talking about. I figured it out, I'm sure others will too.

[2sp_]

I'm actually just following an unfolding thread on FB right now. It appears that another Client is getting involved as she is asking who they are talking about.

It's all so grubby.

[Prudie]

Is this a small employer? Most large companies (and especially public sector) have quite clear written policies these days about use of FB, Twitter etc that identifies the company or damages its reputation or that of its employess - ie you mustn't and it could lead to disciplinary action.

[2sp_]

It is a small employer, Prudie.

I hate any kind of bullying or belittling.

[sherrardk]

Maybe the policy should be that employees can't be FB friends with clients. I used to be FB friends with thing 2's teaching assistant before she became his teaching assistant.

[2sp_]

That's maybe an idea, sher.

I hate that this sort of behaviour is taking up space in my head. You would expect grown women to know how to conduct themselves.

The other thing is that I don't think client B knows that that she is subject of such derision. I really like her, do I warn her and then she can make a formal complaint? Or do I try to sort it without her finding out?

[sherrardk]

Would it be considered your responsibility to sort it out?

[2sp_]

Because I'm married to one of the partners of the business, and I run the FB page for the business.

That's how I came to find out about all this. I'm left to do all the techy, modern stuff!

[sherrardk]

In that case I would be inclined to tell the employee to stop her sniping (say it's bad for business, unprofessional, childish, etc) and implement the no clients-as-FB-friends policy.

[sherrardk]

Plant growing dalek - germinate, germinate

[sherrardk]

Sorry, wrong post!

[2sp_]

(May be the wrong post, but funny Sher!)

I hate that I have to get involved with this kind of rubbish.

Thanks for not telling me that I'm making a mountain out of a molehill.

[sherrardk]

You're not, it's mean and nasty and could potentially damage your business. It needs stopped and avoided in the future (the employee may well still bitch with client A but if you don't know about it then it's not something you can resolve).

[2sp_]

Thanks Sher.

You're right, the employee can bitch off FB if she likes. It's just such a public, permanent forum!

[bibblebub]

What does your spouse reckon?

[2sp_]

He's disgusted with it all too, bibble.

His father is the senior partner, so we have to "handle" him properly. He quite likes this employee.

[tamborine]

Go to 'print page' for evidence; call in employee for damaging business & sack or warning. You could say twas anonymous post

[2sp_]

Tambo, I've been collecting screenshots for a few weeks now.

It seems to be getting worse.