Employees need to be careful about what they post on social media, even in WhatsApp groups, so as not to bring their workplace into disrepute.
That's according to HR Suite Employment Law Expert Caroline Reidy, who was speaking after one Dublin woman claimed was fired from her job at Israeli tech company Wix after criticising Israel on social media.
Her LinkedIn page said she worked at Wix for four years and seven months, having previously held similar roles in eBay and Sky.
Wix President Nir Zohar said earlier this week that the company "decided to part ways" with a Dublin employee after he was "bombarded with messages from Israeli employees" with screenshots of the employee's posts.
"Wix is a global company, it is an open and a liberal company. We would never try to limit anyone’s political views, we do however also hold a strong set of internal values about our team spirit, partnership and friendship," Mr Zohar added.
A smartphone with the logo of Israeli software company Wix.com on screen in March 2022. Image: Timon Schneider / Alamy Stock PhotoWix employs around 500 people in Dublin.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil he would encourage the employee to seek legal advice if her dismissal was related to her political views.
HR Suite Employment Law Expert Caroline Reidy told The Hard Shoulder employees do need to be cautious.
"Obviously people have the right of freedom of speech but if you do something that can bring your employer into disrepute, or bring your own brand into disrepute, that could have a spillover on to the work environment," she said.
"We're seeing more and more that people are forgetting that, whether it's a WhatsApp message or a public forum, that maybe they're not really thinking, 'What is the ripple effect that this might be?'"
'Dignity and respect'
Ms Reidy said almost all companies are clamping down on such instances.
"You'll nearly see in nearly all contracts now, and all staff handbooks, the ethics piece around firstly being aware of social media, and also being aware of the implication of dignity and respect," she said.
"If something happens at 2am in the morning and you get into an altercation, that potentially could have a ripple effect that impacts your job.
"It may and it may not, but I think it's really important that the awareness is there that comments and behaviour has to be in keeping with a conduct and a code of practice and a standard of what is acceptable.
"What may happen as a consequence of something you say or something you do is somebody may say, 'I can't work with that person because they've said something that's really disrespectful to me'.
"So, all of a sudden it becomes a work-related matter."
Social media apps on a smartphone in June 2014. Image: Iain Masterton / Alamy Stock PhotoMs Reidy said most firms are also including training along with policies.
"Companies are very proactive now at not just having policies, but doing training to compliment the policies," she said.
"Let's be honest, it's only when you really hear the examples of 'You've got to be careful, if you send a WhatsApp message to a WhatsApp group' what implication that might have.
"So, I think raising awareness is key," she added.
