Impact of Social Media on Workplace Retaliation Cases

Workplace retaliation cases are tricky enough on their own. However, additional complications arise when social media enters the equation. Social media can destroy or seriously hinder a workplace retaliation case, even when it seems like it should be innocuous. 

Exploring the impact of social media on workplace retaliation cases makes this clear. Doing so helps you identify the problems posed by social media and take steps to prevent them from impacting a case. 

How Does Social Media Affect Workplace Retaliation Cases?

To understand how social media influences retaliation cases, it helps to know why social media makes a difference. Companies may use information gathered from your social media to prove points or attempt to make you look bad. 

For example, if you post a picture of a fun night out with friends, the company could use that as evidence. They may argue that you aren’t experiencing the hardship from your termination that you claim you are. They could even use small background details to help support other claims they have made. 

In addition, any information you put on social media about your case could come back to haunt you. Merely discussing the case with others could be looked down on and negatively impact your prospects.

Some people may not believe this will affect them because their profile is limited or only accessible to select people. However, nothing like this is ever 100% secure. You can’t guarantee that others will avoid sharing your information or that people from the company won’t find some way to see it. 

Because of all of this, everyone must be well aware of the impact of social media on workplace retaliation cases. Armed with this knowledge, you can avoid making dangerous mistakes. 

Dos and Don’ts of Retaliation and Online Platforms

Retaliation cases in the age of social media are difficult. However, some tactics can help make them easier. Let’s look at the most common ones:

Avoid Talking About the Case

The most basic thing you should do when dealing with a retaliation case is to avoid discussing it on social media. Posts about the case can severely hinder your chances of success. 

This is true even when you think the information will not get out there. Sharing a post with friends could result in them sharing it, eventually reaching the company. Meanwhile, a friend could post a screenshot of your DMs. 

In short, avoid posting anything or discussing it via private messages if possible. 

Restrict Who Can See Your Social Media

Another basic tactic you can use to protect your social media is to restrict who can see it. By switching your profile from public to private and restricting it so that only friends can see it, there is less chance that your former employers could find anything on it.

However, this only works if you don’t have former coworkers or employers as friends. Even then, it isn’t foolproof, as these settings may allow friends of friends to see your posts or actions. Either way, there is still a chance someone could share something you say with a company member. 

Avoid Posting Altogether

Avoid posting or using social media altogether to eliminate the chances of inadvertently sharing evidence in retaliation claims. Even seemingly harmless posts can hurt you in ways you might never expect.

Shut Down Your Social Media

Shutting down your profile prevents you from accidentally making a mistake and using your social media in a way that could hurt you. It may also prevent employers from digging into your social media to use old posts against you. 

Most social media platforms allow you to do this temporarily. You can shut down your page during your case and restore it once the storm has passed. This might feel like a downer, but a few months of inconvenience are nothing compared to years of digging your way out of a ruined reputation.

Dealing With Workplace Harassment on Social Media

Sometimes, social media causes a workplace retaliation case. If you experience workplace harassment over social media, it may be the centerpiece of your case. 

You must know how to navigate retaliation cases with social media proof. You will likely need to take screenshots of the behavior to give to your workplace retaliation lawyer. Avoid instigating further harassment or sharing this information with others. 

Mitigate the Impact of Social Media on Workplace Retaliation Cases

Navigating social media while handling a workplace retaliation case can be tricky. Because of this, care is key to avoiding problems. 

Working with an experienced workplace retaliation lawyer can make your case go much more smoothly. Contact Kent Pincin at 301-376-0922 for the help you need. Our attorneys will listen to your situation carefully, determine whether you have a case, and inform you of the steps to take.