Company employees are often considered one of the most credible sources for information about your company’s executive leaders, products or services. Employees have opinions about everything, and their exposure to potentially sensitive information makes them a risk for competitor intelligence.

First Amendment rights allow individuals to use their online voice freely as long as it is not libelous, becomes a nuisance or endangers others. Today’s easy access to user-generated or social media allows employees to communicate their opinions on company matters or issues. The use of a company-instituted Social Media Policy can be a first line of defense to define appropriate use of social media tools.

Company IT policies that regulate computer-use or PR policies barring employees from talking to news media may not cover newly-evolving social media trends. A solid social media policy can guide employees on how to conduct and identify themselves online as representative of your company. Every employee should consider themselves an ambassador of the company brand, and use professional conduct in the online world.

Many highly-regarded organizations have horror stories of employees divulging company secrets in online forums or uploading mean-spirited videos on YouTube. Enacting an official Social Media Policy can help prevent or mitigate inappropriate employee online posts. While possibly not legally enforceable, the Policy can spell out guidelines for acceptable use and outline prohibitive actions qualifying for discipline or termination.

Establishing a Social Media Policy can reduce potential reputation damaging information on the Web. If your organization suffers negative publicity or a crisis, damaging online information from employees could fan the flames. And, news media often troll the Internet for company dirt. So, you must remember that once it is online, it is fully open to public viewing.