Would my social media posts affect my job?

71% of Human Resources specialists in Peru indicated that posts made by employees on social networks could affect their positions in organizations, according to the latest study by Bumeran and Hiring Room, a recruitment software. At a regional level, Argentina leads this indicator, reaching a percentage of 76%. Likewise, in other countries the trend remains similar, with Panama ahead of Peru with 72%, Chile with 69% and Ecuador with 63%.

The study also highlights that 62% of experts believe that publications can affect corporate culture and image, while the remaining 38% think the opposite. However, it is key that both employees and organizations themselves are aware of all the implications.

“In an increasingly technologically-influenced context, online presence has become an integral aspect of professional life. “Interactions on social media must be carefully managed to maintain and improve both personal and corporate image,” explains Tomás Bence Pieres, Head of Hiring Room.

More than 60% of Peruvian workers control what they publish

Research reveals that 68% of Peruvian talents control what they publish on social networks for fear that this will negatively affect their professional career or lead to the loss of their jobThis places us as the country with the highest percentage in this indicator. Next is Panama, with 66%; Ecuador with 65%; Chile with 61%; and Argentina with 60%. And actions on social networks could directly influence professional perception and growth opportunities. 25% of Peruvian workers say they do not control what they publish and 7% do not use social networks.

“Although only 41% of employees have experienced or are aware of a problematic work situation due to social media use, talented people prioritize managing their public image well. Therefore, it is crucial that professionals understand how to strategically manage their social media presence to maximize opportunities and avoid negative repercussions on their careers,” explains Dora Pinedo, head of marketing at Bumeran Peru.

In this regard, 32% of human resources specialists say that an employee’s post affects the image of the organization and, in response to this, measures could be taken that, depending on the severity of the incident, would range from an informal conversation to termination of employment.

Given that one third of HR departments in Peru found controversial information on employees’ social networks, 26% would advise on the responsible use of their social networks, clarifying that these are their property. Meanwhile, 21% would consider the possibility of offering guidance or training to talent on the proper use of these networks and 45% would implement stricter policies on the use of social networks in order to prevent similar situations in the future.

3 out of 10 HR professionals monitor social networks

26% of human resources specialists in Peru say they monitor their talents’ social networks, while 74% do not. The trend is similar in the region: 28% monitor in Ecuador; 27% in Argentina; 25% in Chile; and 17% in Panama.

Along these lines, 44% say they monitor the entire organization; another 44% monitor people who, due to their role, represent the organization, such as spokespersons; and 11% monitor those in management positions. As for the way monitoring is carried out, 50% do so occasionally and another 50% in specific cases or crises. In Peru, this is not a practice that is carried out regularly.

Nevertheless, 51% of workers oppose network monitoring because they believe it is wrong for organizations to interfere with their privacy. In the region, the negative trend is led by Chile with 71%; Argentina with 64%; Panama with 63%; and Ecuador with 54%.