The corporate response to slacktivism
From the December 2008 issue of Ceridian Connection.
The term "slacktivism" is coined from the words slacker and activism. It is the counterintuitive idea that people can change the world without even rising from their chairs. Those who pursue their philanthropic ideals online are known as "slacktivists." These activists prefer Internet interaction; they send chain letters to cure cancer, post Save the Whales petitions on Facebook and distribute political opinions to everyone in their address books.
But they might also spend time "photoshopping" an image of Sarah Palin. In a bikini. Holding an UZI. They might send out a passionate e-mail -- sprinkled with scatological epithets. As slacktivist behavior becomes more commonplace, be aware that your company's systems might be used to create or distribute material of this nature. And that can cause problems -- for your organization and for even the most well-meaning slacktivist.
Negative impact on the organization
The Internet certainly helps like-minded people connect. But when your company's systems are used, the downside to these actions can put your organization at risk. Bryon Miller, Ceridian risk and compliance manager, explains, "Regardless of the reason that an employee creates or issues these types of communications on your company's system, the outcome and result is the same: waste of resources, lack of productivity and a risk of liability for the employer."
If an employee distributes e-mails or images that have the potential to be perceived as slanderous or libelous, there could be legal repercussions. "Even if it is just embarrassing for the organization," says Miller, "the damage to the company's brand and reputation can be very real. And you have a responsibility to your other employees to ensure that they are not offended by what they see. At Ceridian, we want to reduce unauthorized use of our assets -- but we also want to ensure that Ceridian remains a great place to work."
Discovering the slacktivist
When you imagine the slacktivists among you, don't make assumptions. "You might imagine that younger employees have a stronger proclivity toward this," Miller says. "After all, they are more active online. And because they have so many contacts, they have a big list of like-minded folks to whom they can send material. But anyone in your workforce -- of any age -- may have slacktivist tendencies. When people feel passionately about something, it is so easy to click that mouse."
Most companies have the capability to monitor their employees' Internet traffic -- which is how many of these abuses are discovered. "If an issue came to light," says Miller, "it is likely that your IT department could help review e-mail logs, monitor distribution lists and gather additional details. Server logs can prove or disprove alleged misconduct, so they are important. HR and IT must work together closely. At Ceridian, the risk management group has responsibility for policy and controls; HR is responsible for any disciplinary actions that might result. The two teams meet, discuss and take appropriate action."
Negative impact on the slacktivist
If you determine that there is a slacktivist in your midst, meet with the employee -- and don't be surprised if the individual professes no ill intent. "These employees may honestly feel that they are supporting a good cause. But that is not part of work," says Jeff Fix, Ceridian senior vice president of human resources for Ceridian's HR/Payroll business.
"At Ceridian, we have IT policies in place that cover both the use of our technology and our ability to monitor its use. We also have solid HR policies about nonwork related activities because performance suffers when an employee is spending time on this sort of thing. So take action with the employee through performance counseling -- up to termination, if necessary. Stop these actions by addressing these situations within the context of both the law and your policies."
Education is a springboard for success
When it comes to curbing slacktivism, awareness and education hold real power. But make sure your educational efforts are effective. "Many people have grown up with these messages," says Miller. "They have heard these warnings from day one, so it is easy to tune out. Make everyone aware that just because a message is sent to one person, there is no guarantee the recipient won't send it on to a hundred -- or a thousand. That image, that e-mail and those words will exist on the server and the Internet indefinitely."
Find ways to include education as part of the fabric of your company's internal communication effort. Miller describes Ceridian's comprehensive program to educate employees about security awareness and the appropriate use of resources. "We have a multifaceted program that runs nearly year round," he says. "We use posters, brochures for each employee and messages on the plasma TV screens that are prominent in Ceridian facilities worldwide. There is an article in the company newsletter every month and e-mail messages are distributed from our chief security officer on a regular schedule -- in the United States and globally. Every month, we share information with the CEO and her direct reports. We provide focus group training for groups of users such as systems administrators and customer service representatives. A mandatory annual awareness online training provides each employee with a policy acknowledgement to indicate they understand and are aware."
As the world becomes more connected and technology fosters new ways of communicating, the lines between work and life blur. HR professionals must rise to the challenge. Count on Ceridian to provide you with policy compliance and employee relations solutions that can help you navigate this brave new world with confidence.
The term "slacktivism" is coined from the words slacker and activism. It is the counterintuitive idea that people can change the world without even rising from their chairs. Those who pursue their philanthropic ideals online are known as "slacktivists." These activists prefer Internet interaction; they send chain letters to cure cancer, post Save the Whales petitions on Facebook and distribute political opinions to everyone in their address books.
But they might also spend time "photoshopping" an image of Sarah Palin. In a bikini. Holding an UZI. They might send out a passionate e-mail -- sprinkled with scatological epithets. As slacktivist behavior becomes more commonplace, be aware that your company's systems might be used to create or distribute material of this nature. And that can cause problems -- for your organization and for even the most well-meaning slacktivist.
Negative impact on the organization
The Internet certainly helps like-minded people connect. But when your company's systems are used, the downside to these actions can put your organization at risk. Bryon Miller, Ceridian risk and compliance manager, explains, "Regardless of the reason that an employee creates or issues these types of communications on your company's system, the outcome and result is the same: waste of resources, lack of productivity and a risk of liability for the employer."
If an employee distributes e-mails or images that have the potential to be perceived as slanderous or libelous, there could be legal repercussions. "Even if it is just embarrassing for the organization," says Miller, "the damage to the company's brand and reputation can be very real. And you have a responsibility to your other employees to ensure that they are not offended by what they see. At Ceridian, we want to reduce unauthorized use of our assets -- but we also want to ensure that Ceridian remains a great place to work."
Discovering the slacktivist
When you imagine the slacktivists among you, don't make assumptions. "You might imagine that younger employees have a stronger proclivity toward this," Miller says. "After all, they are more active online. And because they have so many contacts, they have a big list of like-minded folks to whom they can send material. But anyone in your workforce -- of any age -- may have slacktivist tendencies. When people feel passionately about something, it is so easy to click that mouse."
Most companies have the capability to monitor their employees' Internet traffic -- which is how many of these abuses are discovered. "If an issue came to light," says Miller, "it is likely that your IT department could help review e-mail logs, monitor distribution lists and gather additional details. Server logs can prove or disprove alleged misconduct, so they are important. HR and IT must work together closely. At Ceridian, the risk management group has responsibility for policy and controls; HR is responsible for any disciplinary actions that might result. The two teams meet, discuss and take appropriate action."
Negative impact on the slacktivist
If you determine that there is a slacktivist in your midst, meet with the employee -- and don't be surprised if the individual professes no ill intent. "These employees may honestly feel that they are supporting a good cause. But that is not part of work," says Jeff Fix, Ceridian senior vice president of human resources for Ceridian's HR/Payroll business.
"At Ceridian, we have IT policies in place that cover both the use of our technology and our ability to monitor its use. We also have solid HR policies about nonwork related activities because performance suffers when an employee is spending time on this sort of thing. So take action with the employee through performance counseling -- up to termination, if necessary. Stop these actions by addressing these situations within the context of both the law and your policies."
Education is a springboard for success
When it comes to curbing slacktivism, awareness and education hold real power. But make sure your educational efforts are effective. "Many people have grown up with these messages," says Miller. "They have heard these warnings from day one, so it is easy to tune out. Make everyone aware that just because a message is sent to one person, there is no guarantee the recipient won't send it on to a hundred -- or a thousand. That image, that e-mail and those words will exist on the server and the Internet indefinitely."
Find ways to include education as part of the fabric of your company's internal communication effort. Miller describes Ceridian's comprehensive program to educate employees about security awareness and the appropriate use of resources. "We have a multifaceted program that runs nearly year round," he says. "We use posters, brochures for each employee and messages on the plasma TV screens that are prominent in Ceridian facilities worldwide. There is an article in the company newsletter every month and e-mail messages are distributed from our chief security officer on a regular schedule -- in the United States and globally. Every month, we share information with the CEO and her direct reports. We provide focus group training for groups of users such as systems administrators and customer service representatives. A mandatory annual awareness online training provides each employee with a policy acknowledgement to indicate they understand and are aware."
As the world becomes more connected and technology fosters new ways of communicating, the lines between work and life blur. HR professionals must rise to the challenge. Count on Ceridian to provide you with policy compliance and employee relations solutions that can help you navigate this brave new world with confidence.
