More than 60% of workers in Peru are careful about what they publish

68% of workers in Peru control what they post on their social networks for fear that this will negatively affect their professional career or lead to the loss of their job. According to the latest study by Bumeran and Hiring Room, this places us as the country with the highest percentage in this indicator at a regional level. We are followed by Panama, with 66%; Ecuador, with 65%; Chile, with 61%; and Argentina, with 60%.

It is noted that actions on social networks could directly influence professional perception and opportunities for career growth. In contrast, 7% prefer not to use their social networks, while 1% prefer not to use them. For the remaining 25% of Peruvian workers, holding back on their networks is not an option.

“Although only 41% of workers experienced or knew of a problematic work situation due to the use of social networks, it is crucial to know how to strategically manage our presence to maximize opportunities and avoid repercussions,” explains Dora Pinedo, marketing manager at Bumeran Peru.

In that sense, 32% of HR specialists say that an employee’s post affects the organization’s image and, depending on the severity of the incident, measures could be taken ranging from an informal conversation to termination of employment.

Given that one-third of human resources departments in Peru found controversial information on employees’ social networks, 26% would advise on responsible use. Meanwhile, 21% would consider offering training and 45% would implement stricter policies in order to prevent similar situations in the future.

Oversight that silences

In our country, 26% of human resources specialists said they monitor their talents’ social networks. That is, Nearly 3 out of 10 recruiting professionals monitor employees’ social networks. However, more than 70% of HR workers said that social media posts could affect their positions in organizations.

Along these lines, 44% 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.

Enrique Fernández-Maldonado, member of the Center for Public Policies and Human Rights (Peru EQUIDAD), emphasizes that the work of trade union organizations is being hindered.

“In some cases we are talking about leaders who use social media to denounce abuses by the same companies, and given the impossibility of reaching the major media outlets, social media appears as an alternative for dissemination for their bases and for the general public,” he explains.

He also points out that We would be witnessing the violation of a fundamental right that is enshrined in the constitution and in international organizations. and which is also directly related to freedom of association: freedom of expression.

Workers do not want to be monitored on social networks

• In Peru, 51% of talents do not believe it is correct for organizations to evaluate the private social networks of the people they employ, while 49% think it is okay.
• In the region, the negative trend is led by Chile, with 71%; Argentina, with 64%; Panama, with 63%; and Ecuador, with 54%.
• 92% of Peruvian talents say they have not had any problems at work due to the use of their personal social networks, only 8% say they have.
• 34% say that someone at work did have problems.
• 42% of employees were reported for posting inappropriate or controversial content that affected the organization’s reputation.