Law against the misuse of social media by employees. Whether we can terminate them?

VINCENT ALEX
Employees are using WhatsApp and Facebook to defame the employer and the organization by posting defamatory statements. What actions can be taken against them? Are there any court orders or citations that can be used?
p-lekha-jacobs
Vincent - social media usage is very subjective as some workplaces have clear guidelines and do's and don'ts associated with it. Does your organization have any such policies? Initiating a legal action would be dependent on the internal complaints management process, what steps were taken to warn employees, and how did the situation improve or how did employees respond to your questions/concerns.

A blatant legal action may not be warranted as this seems to be a case of personal remarks that employees make as a part of their informal circles on social media platforms. If you have ulterior posts from employees on social media platforms - this is very concerning and may be taken up with the concerned employees in involvement with HR, Operations/Business, PR Team to assess the gravity of effects it will have on the reputation of an organization.

So, it is completely subjective. There cannot be one final guidance on this.

For a list of cases on social media abuses - there are ample litigations going on related to rights on social media platforms. You can simply search it online.

Practical advice - it is important to have the PR, social media usage guidelines drafted and circulated for your organization that will serve as a standard across. Also, the policy should include the complaints handling procedure, including those from the employer's side.

Thank you.
manager-hr1
Sir, more than 70% of companies do not follow the rules and regulations, harassing the employees. There is nothing wrong if an employee spreads the true point, but the owner thinks it is defaming.
If you are knowledgeable about any fact, resource or experience related to this topic - please add your views. For articles and copyrighted material please only cite the original source link. Each contribution will make this page a resource useful for everyone. Join To Contribute