07-27-2016 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Personal Social Media Use The City of Little Canada respects employees and agents’ rights to post and maintain personal websites, blogs and social media pages, and to use and enjoy social media on their own personal devices during non-work hours. While every employee has a right to speak out on the issues facing the community, state and nation, they must take great care to make it clear that their personal opinions are their own and do not represent the official policy of position of the City. It is important for employees to remember that the personal communications of employees may reflect on the City, especially if employees are commenting on City business, supervisors or City policies. The following guidelines apply to personal communications including various forms of social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, etc.), letters to the editor of newspapers, personal endorsements, email, City correspondence, newsletters and cable television. 1. Remember that what you write or post is public, and will be so for a long time. It will also be spread to large audiences without your knowledge or permission. Use common sense when using email or social media sites. Refrain from sending or posting information that you would not want your supervisor or other employees to read, or that you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper or viewed by your parents, spouse or loved ones. 2. The City of Little Canada expects its employees to be truthful, courteous and respectful toward supervisors, coworkers, citizens, customers and other persons associated with the City. Do not engage in name-calling or personal attacks. 3. Refrain from making disparaging comments about the workplace, policies, or supervisors, or discussing internal employment disputes on social media. Assume anything written about a co-worker or supervisor will be read by that co-worker, your supervisor and many others. 4. Employees should not comment on social media or publish something related to City business without identifying themselves and using a disclaimer such as, “I am an employee of the City of Little Canada. However, these are my own opinions and do not represent those of the City of Little Canada.” 5. If you wish to write an opinion based upon your work experience, you should not make reference to the City if you are not discussing City business. For example, you should write, “As a police officer….” Rather than “As a Little Canada Police Officer….” 6. City resources, working time or official City positions must not be used for personal profit or business interests, or to participate in personal political activity. For example, an employee must not use the City’s logo, email or working time to promote his/her side business. 7. Personal social media account handles and email addresses should not be tied to the City (e.g. a handle like “LittleCanadaOfficer” or use your City email address when posting.)