Important COH Policy Regarding Employee Use of Social Media

From Ophelia Gomez, 5:03PM:

Please take a moment to review the City of Houston Executive Order 1-18, Use of Social Media http://houstonlibrary.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=42930458

This Executive Order details allowable and appropriate use of social media by city of Houston employees. Please be reminded of the following key responsibilities:

10. APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

10.1 Employees assigned to maintain City social media sites shall adhere to the principles articulated in this policy. Employees shall not work on departmental social media sites during off-duty hours unless specifically pre-approved to do so in writing on a day-to-day basis by the employee’s supervisor. All such time worked outside the employee’s normal work scheduled shall be reported and included in the employee’s 40-hour work week. Any work in excess of 40 hours will be paid overtime as required by law and City policy.

10.2 Consistent with the City’s policies on use of the City’s telephone and email systems, incidental and occasional personal use of social media is permitted during work hours provided it is very limited in duration and does not have a detrimental effect on employee productivity.

10.3 City resources, work time, social media tools, and a City employee’s official position shall not be used for personal profit or business interests or to participate in political activity. For example, a building inspector may not use the City’s logo (or its likeness), email, or work time to promote a side business as a plumber.

10.4 Personal or business venture social media account names shall not be tied to the City. For example, CityofHoustonCop would not be an appropriate personal account name.

10.5 If commenting on City business, employees should use a disclaimer which establishes that their comments represent their own opinions and do not represent those of the City of Houston.

10.6 Employees may not attribute personal statements or opinions to the City when engaging in private blogging or postings on social media sites.

10.7 Employees, City contract employees, and City volunteers shall not use their City email account or password in conjunction with a personal social networking site.

10.8 City employees, contract employees for the City, and City volunteers shall not post images, files, or text depicting City property, equipment, or personnel in any manner that would adversely affect the reputation of the City or a City department.

10.9 The following guidelines apply to personal communications using various forms of social

10.9.1 Use common sense when using social media sites. Remember that what you write is public, may be public for a long time, and may spread to large audiences. Refrain from posting information that you would not want your supervisor or other employees to read or that you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper or on television.

10.9.2 The City expects its employees to be truthful, courteous, and respectful toward supervisors, co-workers, citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the City. Employees shall not engage in name-calling or personal attacks or other such demeaning behavior.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor or the human resources, employee relations team at 832-393-1341.