A human resources firm has warned that up to a third of bloggers and social network users risk the sack for posting damaging material about their employer.
Croner commissioned YouGov for a survey of 2,000 people which found 39% of bloggers admitted to publishing sensitive or damaging posts about their workplace.
Some companies are now issuing guidelines on employee blogging policy to safeguard against unwelcome disclosures, but the recent case of Petite Anglaise, an English secretary fired from her job as a PA in France for writing about her employer in her own journal, underscores the need for a structured approach.
As private communication is increasingly turned inside-out, in to public and social networking arenas, Croner warned businesses to survey the impact blogging could have on their reputation.
“An employee can sound off about his bad day at work on a blog without fully considering the impact such a posting may have,” said Croner’s Gillian Dowling.
“If there is a negative impact on the organisation’s corporate image which is so serious that i breaches the implied term of mutual trust and confidence, the employee could be dismissed for gross misconduct.
“The blog could also be evidence of other conduct issues or reveal workplace discrimination or bullying.”