Social Media Fireflies: Shining After They’ve Moved On

It’s a common challenge for digital marketing teams getting employees to engage with the company’s social media posts through likes, shares, or reposts. Despite regular reminders, this support can be difficult to get, with employees often busy or focused on other tasks. However, an interesting shift happens once they leave the company.

Suddenly, these same individuals become more active on social media, liking and commenting on posts they previously ignored. We call these individuals “Social Media Fireflies.” Like fireflies that light up at night, their engagement seems to come after they’ve moved on from the company. It’s a curious change, and one worth understanding.

Interestingly, in places like the Western world or progressive countries such as Japan, this shift isn’t as common. There, professionals tend to keep a clear boundary between personal and professional matters. Even during significant life events like a breakup, people maintain professionalism without generating negative perceptions.

Some of the richest people in the world have been through public divorces, yet they handle these events without damaging their reputations. So why do we see this change in behavior more often in our region? Here are some possible reasons, shared with a bit of light-heartedness:

1. Just for Fun: Sometimes, former employees have time on their hands and still feel connected to their previous workplace. If a post, especially one with some controversy, catches their eye, they may engage for entertainment. In a playful way, it’s the “Chalo maja leyte hai” mindset just having a little fun.

2. I’ve Moved On: After leaving, some people may view their old company as behind the times. They might even hear comments from others like, “You’re still there?”—subtly suggesting that staying is a sign of being stuck in the past.

3. My Pride, My Decision: Leaving a company can come with a sense of needing to prove that it was the right choice. Social media becomes a platform to reinforce that narrative"I moved on, and it was the right decision."

4. Self-Reflection: In some cases, people realize they couldn’t grow as much in the company as their peers did. Rather than accepting this as part of life, they might turn to social media to express frustration, framing the organization as the problem instead of their personal situation.

5. Building Trust: During their notice period, some employees promise to help the company even after leaving, perhaps to secure an early release or maintain good relations. But when the time comes, they might feel undervalued or slighted, leading them to vent those feelings on social media instead of offering help. On a positive note, we are fortunate to have many ex-employees who continue to maintain a great relationship with us.

As part of our company policy, we prioritize hiring candidates referred by these former team members. It’s a way of acknowledging the goodwill they continue to show, and it strengthens the ties we share. This positive relationship also benefits those they refer, including their juniors, friends, and even family members. To those who may feel the urge to spread negativity online, here’s something to consider:

You will likely work for only a few organizations over your career. Each one is a place where you’ve learned, built friendships, and grown professionally. Beyond just a paycheck, you’ve gained valuable experience that will support you throughout your career. Don’t treat your former employer like a bad breakup.

Remember, your relationship was professional, not personal. Be proud of what you achieved, and share positivity rather than negativity.

Let’s continue to build a culture of respect, gratitude and appreciation whether we’re currently working together or have moved on to new opportunities.