Get Ready: Employees Can (and Will) Call Out Bad Bosses on Social Media – Social Factor Alert

Social Media has the power to transform a Brand’s public image — both as a product/service and as a company overall. Recently, workers have used platforms to publicly call out their employers, and reports state that this trend will continue. Brands need to be prepared to earn their positive reputation without unlawful nondisparagement agreements.

As of this year, the NLRB ruled that nondisparagement clauses, which prevent employees from speaking negatively about their former employers, are now illegal. The death of these clauses has contributed to the rise of fired workers voicing their grievances on social media. Some current employees, who may not feel comfortable speaking up, will anonymously call out their employers instead. 

Employee salaries are more transparent than ever, contributing to the rise of pay gap sensitivity. Workers today are looking for more than just a paycheck – they want to feel like they’re making a difference in the world. When employees don’t speak up, it’s often due to company culture. Brands that foster a culture of openness and transparency will likely have employees who feel comfortable raising issues and concerns — before they become a social media PR nightmare.

Key Takeaways for Brands

• Employees are increasingly seeking value in their work beyond a simple paycheck. Brands offering this sense of purpose are likely to attract and retain the best employees. Employers that need to provide this risk losing employees and facing negative publicity.
• Company culture plays a critical role in the way employees perceive their jobs. A positive culture results in loyal and satisfied employees, while a negative one may lead to a lack of trust in the brand. The less trust, the less likely they will be to speak directly about issues they see, and the more likely they will turn to social media to voice their opinions.
• Transparency is becoming increasingly important as employees demand more honesty from their employers. This is especially true in the era of social media, where workers can easily share information about their workplace experiences with a broader audience. Companies prioritizing open communication with their employees are more likely to build trust and loyalty among their workforce, leading to higher engagement and productivity.