According to a survey conducted by Millennial Branding, individuals between the ages of 18 and 29, also known as Generation Y, have, on average, 16 friends from work on their social media networks, such as Facebook. This trend could have negative implications for their careers, as many do not realize that speaking freely about their jobs on these websites is not always a wise choice.
The founder of Millennial Branding warns that publishing anything online today has a high chance of coming back to haunt individuals in their careers later on. When work-related friends, managers, and co-workers are added to personal profiles on these platforms, they gain access to one’s social life. This could lead to uncomfortable situations at work or, in some cases, even result in termination.
The Risk of Having Work Friends on Personal Profiles
The study reveals that 64% of Generation Y individuals refrain from listing their workplace on Facebook, fearing that it could lead to being discovered by their employer. However, having work friends in one’s friend list is one way through which an employee’s anonymity can be compromised.
Why This Happens
The authors of the study explain that the issue is not one of ignorance but rather one of lack of experience. Few individuals have been taught how to navigate their online presence concerning their work and whether or not they should add their colleagues to personal social media accounts.
Employers Are Watching: The Rise of Employee Monitoring
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a poll to determine the extent of employee monitoring, specifically regarding social media usage. While the report is still pending, a spokeswoman for SHRM, Jennifer Hughes, revealed that 39% of employers are monitoring their employees’ activities on social media when they use company-provided computers, mobile phones, and other handheld devices.
Monitoring Employees Beyond the Office
Employers are not only monitoring current employees but also keeping an eye on prospective employees through social media platforms. This growing trend means that any online activity can be scrutinized, including personal opinions shared about the company or colleagues.
Social Media Policies in the Workplace
According to SHRM, 40% of organizations now have policies in place regarding social media use. Among these, 33% of organizations reported taking disciplinary action against employees who violated social media policies within the past year.
Potential Consequences for Violating Social Media Policies
Employees must understand that anything inappropriate posted online—especially regarding the workplace—can lead to serious repercussions. Depending on the company’s policies, these actions could result in disciplinary measures, ranging from warnings to termination.
Best Practices for Generation Y on Social Media
It is essential for Generation Y individuals to be mindful of their online behavior, especially when it involves sharing personal opinions about work. Employers are increasingly utilizing monitoring software to keep track of employees’ online activities. To safeguard their privacy and career prospects, individuals should refrain from posting anything negative about their company or colleagues.
The Importance of Social Media Etiquette
The study highlights the importance of maintaining a professional online presence. Even if an employee is comfortable sharing their thoughts with friends, they should remember that those thoughts can easily be seen by their employers, potentially leading to uncomfortable or damaging consequences.
Conclusion: Think Before You Post
In today’s digital world, blending personal and professional lives on social media can lead to unintended career consequences. Generation Y must remain aware of the potential risks of sharing too much online and take the necessary precautions to protect their careers. The best approach is to maintain professionalism across all platforms and always think before posting, as anything shared online can come back to impact them in the future.
