The Dangers of Social Networking in the Workplace

When receiving a friend request from an employee, I set up a time to discuss my thoughts about the matter with them. I've heard some tales of warning about social networking sites at work, and thought it might not be a good idea for physicians and staff to share personal photos and info. I had a look for our official work policy about electronic communications between staff members, but didn't find anything about it. It's all too common for clear policies about new technologies to be missing altogether.

Once I'd reported the need for a clear policy to our administrator, I talked to a lawyer with a specialization in employment and labor law. The lawyer mentioned that the main problem with social networking sites is that the bulk of the content is not relevant to maintaining an appropriate professional relationship. The real concern is that when communications between staff at different management levels increases, there could be an increased risk of discrimination and harassment claims that result.

This may seem far fetched, particularly to the many physicians and managers who have good friendships with their subordinate staff members - from dinners to vacations. Still, there are many claims which employees purposefully seek out by inviting their boss to become their friend, who then look for information or content on which to base a lawsuit. More than 90% of all harassment claims are started by those who the accused consider a friend. Sometimes a professional relationship is best left at that.

A good policy which prohibits social networking between doctors and staff should also refer a grievance process which employees can use to report harassment or discrimination. This process should be used even in cases which occur off-site or on-line. Otherwise, when a staff member feels like there is no other way to resolve the problem, they will attempt to hold the practice accountable after the fact.

When we consider electronic communication between doctors and staff, it's clear that proper context can easily become lost.

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