25 May 2007
Bloggers risk dismissal by writing about work
Over a third of bloggers risk losing their jobs because of inappropriate postings.
Many bloggers could face the sack by talking about employers and colleagues in personal blogs, according to a survey by legal guidance provider, Croner.
39% of bloggers have posted details that could be potentially sensitive or damaging.
The survey shows that 39% of bloggers have posted sensitive or damaging details about their employer or a co-worker.
Gillian Dowling, technical consultant at Croner says the problem is similar to the early days of e-mail use. "In the 1990s when e-mails were introduced as a new means of communication, many recipients received rude, angry or otherwise inflammatory e-mails which had been written and sent in the heat of the moment."
Think before writing
With blogging, the employee experiences the same lack of embarrassment, as with e-mail, because there's no face-to-face contact.
Employers need to ensure that they carefully consider the impact of blogging on their organization.
"If there's a negative impact on the organization's corporate image which is so serious that it breaches the implied terms of mutual trust and confidence, the employee could be dismissed for gross misconduct," says Dowling.
"Employers need to ensure that they carefully consider the impact of blogging on their organization and take appropriate steps to minimize any potential risk," she says.
Hub discussion forum
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