Pulse June 2017 | Page 43

I believe that guidelines for appropriate social media behavior and etiquette are critical. It is important for us to remind our teams that online content lives on forever. — JULIE PANKEY, Managing Partner JMPankey Partners • Boston, Massachusetts “We had an employee post a comment that was unprofes- sional and thus lead to the implementation of a policy that is now included in our company handbook,” says Middaugh. “So many people are influenced by what they read online, whether it’s true or false. It’s important to protect the reputation of your business.” It would be impossible to regularly monitor each employee’s social media accounts. Plus, many employees might view it as intrusive. Instead, give employees clear instructions on how to mention or reference your spa on social media. Provide them with appropriate hashtags, examples of proper responses to comments, and the etiquette you expect of them while on social media. “Just as we set guidelines for appropriate associate behavior, making right choices and leading by example both in and out of the workplace, I believe that guidelines for appropriate social media behavior and etiquette are critical,” says Pankey. “It is important for us to remind our teams that online content lives on forever. Think before you post. If there’s the slightest hint that someone may be offended or embarrassed by your post, it is most likely a post you should rethink.” n The 6 R’s of Social Media When in doubt, Middaugh refers her employees at Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek to the six R’s of social media usage. 1. 2. 3. Reason. Simply put: use reasonable etiquette, the same as you would offline. Represent yourself. Anonymous profiles lend themselves to more negative content. Responsibility. Make sure that what you’re saying is factually correct, and that it doesn’t violate any legal guidelines that prohibit revealing information that is confidential or proprietary. 4. Respect. What you say online is a permanent record, so don’t say anything online you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying to the whole office – with a camera rolling. 5. Restraint. Before you hit that send button, pause and reread. If you wouldn’t want that thought or contribution forever associated with your name, don’t post it. 6. No Retaliation. Don’t take adverse action against any employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any employee who retaliates against another employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooper- ating in an investigation should be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. WANT AN EXAMPLE of a social media The lounge at Spa Anjali is the perfect place for guests to unwind and check their phones, but not employees. policy you can implement into your business? Click here for JMPankey’s client guidelines on social media policies. June 2017 ■ PULSE 41