Of course, it is important for your organization to provide employees with technology that enables them to do their jobs more efficiently. But there is a potential downside to the technological advancements: Employees may be using their computers to create personal “blogs.” This practice may seem harmless at first, but dangers could appear on the horizon.

Action idea: Move swiftly to prohibit or limit the use of personal blogs. Include the parameters in your organization’s manual for employees. Adhere strictly to these standards.

What exactly is a blog? Essentially, it is a website journal displaying a running commentary by the author (i.e., the blogger). It may also include links to comments on other websites.

According to a recent report, an estimated 140 million Americans read blogs, while about 12 million take credit for being a blogger. In a blog, the commentary can cover virtually anything and everything, ranging from personal information to politics and sports to random observations. Blogging requires only basic computer skills, and the necessary software is readily available.

So what is the harm if an employee is a blogger? Although the postings may generally be personal, an employee may use the blog for issues relating to his or her employment. For instance, he or she could include discussions about various aspects concerning the organization, supervisors or coworkers, human resource issues, details of the job and other types of confidential information. As you might imagine, the repercussions from such disclosures can be significant.

Increasingly, employers are taking proactive steps to reduce their risks. In several highly publicized cases, employers have even terminated employees for the comments they have posted on their blogs. Other employers are in the process of developing policies concerning blogging.

Some of the common features of such policies require employees to:

• Identify themselves on the blogs
• Establish that they speak for themselves
• State their connection to the employer if they discuss employment matters
• Preserve the confidentiality of sensitive materials
• Avoid discussions of any other parties

These precautions may be especially important to governmental entities because of areas of a sensitive nature of their work.

Action idea: Do not turn a blind eye to blogging in the workplace. This seemingly innocuous practice could have harmful ramifications if you are not careful. With the help of legal and business advisers, develop a formal policy that can stand up to the strictest scrutiny.

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