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Veterinary Practice News Editorial Blog:
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Stepping Out of Line in Cyber Space
By Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR
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Today, computer keyboards have replaced typewriters, the delete button has replaced correctable ribbon, and the World Wide Web has replaced the phone for much of our daily communication with others. All this technology has its advantages, yes, but the convenience of having 24-hour access to information and acquaintances can create some challenges.
This is particularly true of the relatively new social networks such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and others. Recently stories have surfaced in the news about employees who have been terminated because of their off duty antics on the Internet.
Before you step out into cyberspace, you would be wise to remember that you are someone’s employee. Do not say or do anything that could be interpreted as reflecting negatively on you employer.
Yet common sense is not so common … which is why many organizations are realizing the need for a policy on the use of cyberspace. It goes beyond prohibiting an employee from surfing the ’Net while on the clock; even in your spare time off the clock, you should watch what you say on the Internet.
Even making critical comments about your job could be interpreted negatively if people know who your employer is, and your boss certainly won’t appreciate the put down.
Some bosses are actually friends of their employees, and this can be a challenge. On one hand, the employee must be careful about making negative comments, or getting caught in a lie. If you call in sick one day, but you update your Facebook page to announce you’re sitting on the beach enjoying a fruity cocktail, your boss will be very interested to know how this sand and surf was prescribed by your doctor.
On the flip side, bosses can lose credibility and respect if their employees are watching them horsing around with friends or making off color jokes in cyberspace. Even if you are on your best behavior, you may get in trouble for something one of your friends does on your home page or wall.
If you want to be associated with someone, you must accept that risk; however, you are ultimately responsible for anything that is left written on your wall. You may be in the awkward position of having to “unfriend” one of your acquaintances for this reason. It is certainly not worth compromising your reputation!
Generally speaking, it’s best to keep personal and professional lives separate, while keeping in mind that nothing remains 100 percent hidden or confidential.
It’s easy to sit back and laugh at these stories that we’ve read lately about transgressions in cyberspace. But they happen more often than you think.
Once when I was managing a practice, a receptionist was working on her personal blog while she maintained the front desk until late into the night for any incoming emergencies. She wrote all about her awful job while on the clock, and then even handed out her blog address to her fellow employees.
Needless to say, this wasn’t the most brilliant move! Fortunately she decided to pursue a different path with her career, and left the practice on her own before she was forced to.
As I said, common sense is not so common!
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