SFD.043.REV1 - Social Networking Policy.pdf

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Social Media Policy Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.043 Date: 6/26/2014 Revision Number: 01 PURPOSE At Spring Fire Department, we understand that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opi...

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Social Media Policy Chief’s Signature: Document Number: SFD.043 Date: 6/26/2014 Revision Number: 01 PURPOSE At Spring Fire Department, we understand that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established these guidelines for appropriate use of social media. SCOPE This policy applies to, all associates who work or volunteer for Spring Fire Department. REVIEW The Executive Board is responsible for reviewing this procedure and ensuring its accuracy. SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Guidelines In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with Spring Fire Department, as well as any other form of electronic communication. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow associates or otherwise adversely affects members, customers, suppliers, people who work on behalf of Spring Fire Department or Spring Fire Department’s legitimate business interests may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Know and follow the rules Carefully read these guidelines, as well as the, Spring Fire Departments Statement of Ethics, Workplace Harassment/Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence/Weapon Free Workplace Policies and ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Page 1 of 3 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Social Media Policy Document Number: SFD.043 Date: 6/26/2014 Revision Number: 01 Be respectful Always be fair and courteous to fellow associates, customers, members, suppliers or people who work on behalf of Spring Fire Department. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolve work-related complaints by speaking directly with your co-workers or by utilizing our Open Door Policy, than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, that disparage customers, members, associates or suppliers, or that might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other status protected by law or company policy. Be honest and accurate Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered. Remember that the Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted postings can be searched. Never post any information or rumors that you know to be false about Spring Fire Department, fellow associates, members, customers, suppliers, people working on behalf of Spring Fire Department. Post only appropriate and respectful content  Maintain the confidentiality of Spring Fire Department’s private or confidential information. Do not post internal reports, policies, procedures or other internal business-related confidential communications.  Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to a Spring Fire Department website without identifying yourself as a Spring Fire Department associate. Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for Spring Fire Department. If Spring Fire Department is a subject of the content you are creating, be clear and open about the fact that you are an associate and make it clear that your views do not represent those of Spring Fire Department, fellow associates, members, customers, suppliers or people working on behalf of Spring Fire Department. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do or subjects associated with Spring Fire Department, make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of Spring Fire Department. It is best to include a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spring Fire Department.” Page 2 of 3 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Social Media Policy Document Number: SFD.043 Date: 6/26/2014 Revision Number: 01 Using social media at work The use of social media while at work is permitted, providing that it does not interfere with job duties and/or assignments. Do not use Spring Fire Departments email addresses to register on social networks, blogs or other online tools utilized for personal use. Retaliation is prohibited Spring Fire Department prohibits taking negative action against any associate for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any associate who retaliates against another associate for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Media contacts Associates should not speak to the media on behalf of Spring Fire Department without first contacting the Deputy Chief of Support Services. I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Social Media Policy of Spring Fire Department. I understand that failure to comply with the policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. _____________________________________ __________________ Employee Signature Date __________________________________________ Employee Name (please print) _____________________________________ Representative Signature __________________ Date Page 3 of 3