From the Conference Room to the Chat Room
3. Social media posts can provide useful information for hiring or a basis for firing. Companies will learn a lot more information about prospective employees from their social media activity versus their résumé. In fact, some companies are asking job applicants to provide their passwords for their social media accounts prior to making the decision to hire the applicant. Be mindful, however, that employees' posts on social media sites can be protected speech. Refusing to hire, or firing, employees based on this speech can lead to discrimination claims against the company. Deciding whether to use social media posts as a basis to hire or fire is like walking a tightrope—it requires balancing many factors, and given the potential liability, it should be discussed with legal counsel first.
- People:
- Lisa A. Lori