We recently implemented an email system that allows staff to send large group emails at the touch of a button. However, not everyone has grown used to the pitfalls – which became apparent when a sarcastic comment from an employee about next year’s modest pay rises was sent to everyone in the firm. We don’t want to appear heavy handed when the atmosphere is gloomy. But what should we do? Ben Williams, barrister at Kings Chambers says: 

Although this was probably nothing more than a throwaway comment, you need to ensure it doesn’t fester and become serious. But unless you have a clear policy for dealing with this type of thing, I would discourage the use of formal disciplinary processes. Instead, an informal word of discouragement should be enough – especially as your email system is new. 

For the future, however, there are steps you can take to make sure both you and your staff understand the repercussions of a repeat blunder. 

First, set clear boundaries for employees so that problems like this do not undermine trust, confidence or morale at work. The best way to do this is by adopting a policy on the acceptable use of workplace emails........

Questions

1. Do you think that this incident in which a worker inadvertently criticised the organisation’s future pay award in a mass email to all employees should be treated as a disciplinary offence? 

2. How should this be dealt with by the organisation? 

3. How useful are social networking sites for sharing work-related information? 

4. Write a policy document for the organisation in which you clarify the rules about the use of emails.