There are many gray areas involving workplace behaviours, especially when actions happen outside work. In this scenario, we have two employees being somewhat sexually explicit on Facebook. It’s not so bad that it would get blocked or turned in, but it’s enough to make some people feel uncomfortable. There is no mention of work or any other employees, but it’s just that any “friend” can see the postings, including some people at work. Yet an employee at work comes to you with this concern.
When something happens outside work that has a negative impact back at work, then the employer has to act…otherwise it’s just a huge loophole allowing people to get away with negative behaviour that invades the workplace through different means. But in a case like this, does this really concern the workplace? People voluntarily “friend” others on Facebook or other social media, so if they don’t like the content, they can easily “unfriend” others whenever they want.
If nothing is being said about other employees or the workplace, then the consensual conversations should be left alone.
TRY THIS:
Let the employee know there has to be a direct link with the workplace. If nothing is posted that has a negative impact in their workplace, then it’s really just consensual between two people who happen to be employees. If this employee doesn’t like the postings, there’s the option of getting out of the postings.
HOW ABOUT:
“When something inappropriate happens at work, I take appropriate action. Even when something is done outside work, I will take action if it has a negative impact back here. But what you’re describing appears to be consensual postings between two employees. You haven’t described any mention of our workplace, or other employees who have not consented to such banter. Unless I’m missing something, this appears to be consensual postings that are outside our interest. If you don’t like these postings, I’d encourage you to either remove yourself from them, or speak to these “friends” to suggest they tone it down…however, not because it’s related to work.”
Stephen Hammond, B.A., J.D., CSP
If you have any questions, please contact Stephen
