Avoiding Social Media Mistakes as a Tennessee Worker

In today’s digital age, technology shapes more than our culture; it shapes the American workforce. While there are various benefits to incorporating the latest technology in the workplace, it can also be tricky for employees to know where the boundaries are regarding personal social media account use and professional presence.

Whether you’re a seasoned employee or gearing up to hunt for new jobs in 2023, it’s crucial for Tennessee workers to understand the federal and state-specific laws that regulate employees’ technology and social media use in the workplace. Keep reading to learn how you can safeguard your employee rights, maintain your financial security, and avoid jeopardizing your career by making costly mistakes on the internet.

In the modern age of technology, social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. However, it's important to remember that what you post online can have significant implications, especially when it comes to employment. As an employment lawyer in Tennessee, I've seen many instances where employees’ social media activities have led to severe consequences, including termination.

Before we delve into the common social media mistakes to avoid, it’s necessary to first understand how state and federal laws affect employment in Tennessee.

Understanding Tennessee Employment & Social Media Use

In today’s modern world, social media has become an essential part of daily life for most Americans. 90% of people in the U.S. actively use social media, making it all the more important to remember that what we say and post online can have serious ramifications in numerous aspects of our lives—including our career and professional image.

Unfortunately, social media slip-ups can lead to negative consequences in Tennessee workplaces, including employment termination. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your rights as a Mid-South worker and exercise them accordingly.

Like most states, Tennessee is an "at-will" employment state. This means that, barring any contractual obligations or illegal reasons, an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason. However, federal and state laws prohibit employers from firing employees based on discriminatory reasons, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, gender, and age.

There are no specific employment laws that regulate social media use for Tennessee employees. However, federal laws like the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protect employees who engage in "concerted activity" for mutual aid or protection, which can include certain social media postings. Employees also can’t be fired for posts discussing working conditions, wages, or other employment-related issues.

However, like any area of the law, these legal protections have limitations. Personal social media use that involves harassment, threats, disclosure of confidential information, or actions that harm the company's reputation can lead to disciplinary and/or legal action, including termination.

5 Social Media Mistakes to Avoid as an Employee

Remember, social media is a powerful tool that can either build or ruin your professional image. Use it wisely to avoid jeopardizing your employment. If you're unsure about what's appropriate to post, it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Below are 5 common errors that Tennessee employees can and should avoid to safeguard their careers and preserve their professional reputations.

#1. Badmouthing your company or colleagues online.

Publicly criticizing your employer or coworkers not only creates a hostile work environment but could also be viewed as defamation. Always maintain professionalism and respect when discussing work-related matters online.

#2. Sharing confidential information online.

Disclosing sensitive company information is a clear violation of most employment contracts that can lead to a range of legal actions, including (but not limited to) demotion, termination, or retaliation.

#3. Posting offensive, derogatory, or otherwise inappropriate content online.

Offensive posts, including discriminatory, racist, or sexist comments, can damage your professional image and potentially lead to termination, especially if the content creates a hostile work environment.

#4. Excessive use of social media during work hours.

While it's acceptable to take breaks, spending excessive time on social media during work hours can lead to performance issues and potential disciplinary action.

#5. Misrepresenting yourself or your professional achievements online.

Honesty is the best policy. Exaggerating your role, responsibilities, or achievements can lead to credibility issues and potential job loss if discovered by your employer.

Trusted Advocacy for Employees Throughout the Mid-South

At Donati Law, PLLC, we’ve been prioritizing the needs of Tennessee employees for over 35 years. Our skilled employment lawyers only represent employees, not employers, equipping them with invaluable experience to represent hardworking workers throughout the Mid-South. From ageism to family and medical leave to breach of contract cases, our tireless advocates have the in-depth legal knowledge and skills to represent your best interests in court.

Sadly, our compassionate team understands that it isn’t uncommon for large and powerful corporations to attempt to take advantage of mistreated workers, using money and influence to justify unjust employment decisions. Regardless of the employment law dispute you’re facing, you don’t have to navigate the legal proceedings by yourself. Reach out to our office to learn how we can guide your steps wisely and fight to obtain a favorable outcome.

Were you mistreated at work? Our experienced employment lawyers can fight to protect your rights. Call (901) 209-5500 to schedule a consultation.