Social Media Policy

Introduction
PARRIOTT'S GARAGE believes that the use of social media represents an important development in society, which offers upsides as well as potential risks. In this Social Media Policy, we describe the rules that staff members and customers need to be aware of when using social media.

We consider all websites where you have a profile-based presence and can engage in online conversations, transparently or otherwise, to be social media. The best-known social media sites at the moment are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube. However, be aware that new ones pop up all the time. Similarly, sites such as Flickr and Slideshare also have social media aspects.

Use
Just as with the rise of the Internet, new possibilities emerge and it is not always immediately clear how everything should be regulated. But we believe that every member of staff is able to make sensible choices. This document was designed to help make these choices. If you have any questions about this, please contact Parriott's Garage management.
You probably use social media primarily in a personal capacity. The formal rules that are set out here relate primarily to what you do while at work. However, we also ask you to be aware that even when acting in a personal capacity, it is becoming ever easier for others to see who you are and where you work. This means that even in your private life and when acting in a personal capacity, you are increasingly a representative of PARRIOTT'S GARAGE.
We believe that if you are aware of this, you will act in a responsible manner.

At the same time, it is good to realize that not everything is suddenly new and different. What hasn’t changed is that you always use your common sense.
Be aware, for instance, that information you share on social media sites cannot be taken down once it’s out there. Even information that you only share with “friends” can easily be copied and shared with the rest of the world.
This and your employment contract include a number of provisions equally applicable to what you do with social media. For instance, it has always been the case that you should not publish confidential business information – this hasn’t changed!

If you get involved on social media sites in discussions about PARRIOTT'S GARAGE, whether directly or indirectly, be aware that you have a responsibility as an employee, and your contributions should always be in the interest of our company.

Usage Guidelines
Please observe the following guidelines, where applicable, when using social media:

You are solely responsible for what you communicate, regardless of the name or alias you use. Keep this in mind at all times.

If you create an account or alias, you must not in any way use the name PARRIOTT'S GARAGE in your account name or alias without the permission of Parriott's Garage Owners.

If you behave or communicate in a way detrimental to PARRIOTT'S GARAGE while using social media, it is always possible that your manager may wish to address the matter with you.

If you communicate directly or indirectly about PARRIOTT'S GARAGE, you should never do so in a negative light - whether about PARRIOTT'S GARAGE or on behalf of PARRIOTT'S GARAGE. Social media are not an appropriate channel for negative communication, and it rarely does any good.

If you become involved in a discussion that starts to become unpleasant, do not get involved any further: just walk away.

Please make sure you don’t share any information about third parties without their consent. Specifically, this means information about customers and the fact that you work for certain customers. Bear in mind that more and more applications (such as Foursquare, but also Twitter) share your location with others, and that you could therefore inadvertently divulge information about customers.

Do not respond impulsively: it never hurts to think twice before posting. If in doubt, consult with your manager.

Employee's Use of social media during working hours
Employees of PARRIOTT'S GARAGE are free to use social networks during working hours as long as it does not adversely affect their work or responsibilities. The desirability of using social media during working hours will depend on your position. Each manager will establish clear rules about this with their staff.

The use of location-based services, such as Foursquare, also qualify as social media (at least, when you share your location with online “friends”).
PARRIOTT'S GARAGE has no objection (on the contrary!) if you want to check in at work, as long as you observe the other guidelines set out in this policy.