The marketing department is not the only news resource available to businesses, that want to foster a positive reputation online, and offline. Increasingly corporations are investing in training and policies that encourage employees to share positive aspects of the organization, on their professional social media networks.
Word of mouth advertising and promoting the image of the organization as a good place to work, with a positive culture, offers many opportunities to growing businesses. And organizations appreciate it when their employees are supportive, and proud of both the culture and the quality of products or services that the business provides. It demonstrates loyalty, commitment and buy-in to the culture your employer has fostered.
But before you start to share content that mentions the business you work for, make sure you understand how to do it in a way that reflects in an ethical and beneficial way, both on your professional reputation, and that of your organization.
Start by Reviewing the Social Media Policy for Employees
Most major organizations have a policy in place, that provides guidelines for social media posts regarding the company. In some cases, the organization may dictate what information cannot be shared for confidentiality and even competitive or proprietary reasons.
Here are some ideas that are almost unilaterally approved by most major corporations, in terms of online sharing:
- Awards received by the company.
- New product developments or brands that have been launched.
- Charitable donations.
- Community volunteering or sponsorships and programs.
- Growth or sales benchmarks that have exceeded expectations (and have been made public).
- Employee appreciation events.
Common sense always applies, but here are some things to avoid sharing on social:
- Disparaging comments about interpersonal difficulties with management, or other team members.
- Financial difficulties.
- Staff-layoff announcements or downsizing.
- Product recalls.
- Disparaging comments about competitor products or services (even when positioning your company in a more favorable light by comparison).
- Confidential sales data, software or intellectual property.
- Salary information.
Be aware that non-compliance to an established social media policy, in some cases, can be grounds for dismissal. Make sure that you fully understand what is acceptable to share, to avoid any conflicts or reprisal actions from your employer.
If you are not sure whether something you would like to share on LinkedIn or another social media network is appropriate, you can always ask your human resource manager for guidance. Remember, that people like to do business with companies that have supportive and engaged employees, who are passionate about the organization.
When you choose to share positive aspects of your corporate culture, you are also demonstrating your commitment to your employer, and your own ethics and character, differentiating you from other professionals in your niche.
