social networking and work

[indie78]

Hi

My manager called me aside to day to mention that some one had logged a greivence with the company with regards to something I had written on a social networking site.

Is this in fact possible ?surley what a indiviual says or does or infact writes away from the workplace and out of working hours is little to nothing to do with the company .

so my quetions is whats mine and indeed the companies postion with regards to this . Could I potentially face a displinary or worst case be terminated from employment for this ?

point to note it was a juvinile character assisination on the individual who does not work for the company anymore. which I greatley regret and have in fact sent a messgae of sincerest apology to the individual.

thanks in advance if you can set my mind at rest or Advise me how I should move Forward if this matter is actioned further than an informal conversation .

[Velvetee]

It does seem you have to be careful of what you write on social networking sites, particulalrly if it refers to your place of work.

You may have heard recent reports in the media, where people have lost their jobs because of what they have written on a site. I always avoid mentioning anything about my workplace.

[indie78]

I never said any defemating about my employer .

And i could understand if this individual wished to take up some kind of civil action against me personally . That would be fine by me I would rip t shreds in a court of law any day of the week .

This person was made reduntant from my employer when I joined the company then imediatley replaced . Not by me .

The Nature of our business is very skilled based and as such no one generally gets made redundant / let go unless positions are being consolidated . and a new colleage took there place in a the team which as sussequenty increased in personel .


personally I beleive this individual as a vendeta against the company . And my Juvinile retort as become a catalyst for retribution .

And although thank you for comment I would actually like advice on this matter from some one who as been in the same /similar situation or ideally from a legal proffesional .

once again thanks in advance .

[Twenty20]

A few points here......

Was this person actually working for the company when you wrote this? If they were then you could certainly be disciplined for it, it would be seen as a form of bullying I'd guess. If they dont work there anymore, and weren't when you wrote it, then you should be ok (as far as action from the company is concerned).

If, as you say, it was a 'character assassination' on the person then I doubt if you could 'rip it shreds in a court of law any day of the week'. Personally, I wouldnt be so arrogant in this situation.

As far as the company is concerned it will come down to whether the person youve insulted was actually working for the company or not. Whatever happens though, it wont have put you in a very good light with your employers as a complaint has been made.

Reading your original post again, as they have raised a grievance I assume they were employed by the company at the time otherwise they couldnt raise a grievance. So, yes, the company should take this very seriously and investigate it. It will depend on what exactly you said about the individual as to any action they take.

[mandimoo]

food for thought there. i am wondering... if i have been moaning about my workplace and colleagues on here, but not mentioned a company or individuals name, and have told no-one my username.... could i still get disciplined in some way? i suppose it is possible for someone who knows me, to jump to a conclusion that this username might be me?

[indie78]

20 /20 :

thank you for input .. I reiterate the person does not work for the comapany and did not work for the company when the comment was written . You sound like your comment comes from an HR perspective though which i apreciate every thing you have said . to clarify you believe that as the individual was not an employee I should be fine in terms of diseplinary procedures ???

Thanks in advance

[bednobs]

i'm not so sure - it's a different situation but where i used to live, there was a bloke who used to drive really recklessly in his van outside our house 9racing etc) and our neighbours complained to his company (even though he wasnt n work time) and he was disciplined