An employee can tarnish your company's reputation in 30 seconds!‎

Yes, it’s possible; it only takes an inappropriate tweet or a status update on a social media web page such as Facebook, LinkedIn or a short video on YouTube, TikTok or Tinder to cause major damage to a company’s hard-earned reputation or brand.

This could happen intentionally or as a result of ignorance or oversight.  

While the company may not have control over the intentional acts, it can do something to eliminate, or at least minimize, the actions caused by ignorance or oversight.

Here is what I think can be done:

1)     It starts with recognizing the power & risks of social media. If management does not believe in it, then such management is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

2)     Raise awareness at all levels in the company about the benefits and risks associated with social media.

3)     Conduct training to educate all employees on how to deal with social media at work or in their private life.

4)     Set a clear and concise social media policy and ensure that it is distributed to and understood by all employees.

5)     Include social media risks in the company’s risk management plan.

6)     Include social media behaviour in the company’s Code of Conduct.

7)     Perform Social Media audits on a continuous basis.

Can you suggest more actions or discuss your company's experience with this issue?