What are the issues with using Snapchat in the workplace?
With more people than ever choosing to use social media such as Snapchat, HR experts have warned that this can cause problems within the workplace environment. The issues that are caused are due to the way that the app is designed, and how it is supposed to function.
As with any other kind of social media platform, there is the possibility that Snapchat could be used for bullying and harassment. The added issue with Snapchat, however, is that unless you are quick enough to take a screenshot of the offending content, it will simply disappear, meaning that there is no record of the harassment or negative behaviour having ever taken place.
The app allows its users to send photos or videos to people which will disappear after a certain period of time – sometimes as little as one second. Any text messages that are sent via the app are automatically deleted as soon as the app is closed, and this means that users are not able to retrieve them to use as any kind of evidence of bullying or harassment. The very fact that communication can be deleted so quickly is the reason that Snapchat is becoming so much of an issue in this respect. The likes of Facebook and Instagram are much easier to track with regards to inappropriate behaviour – but this is not the case with Snapchat.
However, just as with all other forms of harassment, Snapchat use should be taken seriously. If possible, screenshots should be taken of the behaviour, but if this isn’t available then interviews should be conducted with all parties involved to try to get to the bottom of the issue. This can help to ascertain what is going on, but there may be difficulties when faced with accusations that can’t be confirmed with physical proof.
As a way of ensuring that issues are kept to a minimum, there should be a strong social media policy within any workplace. It may be decided that social media shouldn’t be used within the workplace environment at all, but at the very least there should be strong rules with regards to what is and isn’t acceptable to post online. A rule should also be set regarding whether employees are permitted to use work issued devices to access social media apps, as this distinction could prove vital.
In general, it is important for HR departments to keep up with any changes that occur in the digital world. This means that they are able to ensure that their employees are kept safe, and that any issues that arise in the future can be dealt with effectively.