Group Messaging / Group Chat Policy

Description

The usage of group messaging services and applications amongst employees is increasing and with it comes the risk that employees may use the applications inappropriately.

There was once a time when employees would use emails to send images, videos and potentially inappropriate content to colleagues and because employers monitor emails and have made it clear that this is not acceptable it has shifted from email to group messaging applications such as Whatsapp.

Because the applications are outside of the employers systems and private to those involved many employees will say things, share things and forward messages that are inappropriate. This can lead to reputation risk to employers, legal liability for employees and potential damage to relationships amongst staff and even with clients and customers.

There was a story in a local paper on the Isle of Wight about one business where the seemingly private Facebook group chats amongst staff were shared inadvertently with someone who in turn shared them with the local paper. The comments were racist and critical of clients leading to a real risk to the business not to mention potential for discrimination claims.

We have therefore prepared a policy for you to implement within your business or organisation and which can be shared with employees to ensure that they are aware of what is and isn’t appropriate and also highlight the potential personal risk to them.