Food industry “Social Media at Work” survey 2016 launches

Leading food industry law firm, Roythornes, and specialist food marketing agency, Pelican Communications, have launched their Social Media at Work Survey 2016.

The survey, now in its sixth year, asks key industry leaders about the policies and practices they adopt in relation to social media use in the workplace.

Last year’s survey revealed that, despite around 80% of businesses having some form of online presence, a staggering 26% have no policy in place on how social media should be used, leaving them wide open to reputation management issues.

The survey also revealed more companies were allowing staff to bring their own devices to work for professional purposes, and that the number of firms introducing controls over what employees can do on social media channels while in the workplace was increasing.

Maz Dannourah, associate at Roythornes who specialises in social media and employment law, said: “During the last six years we have seen a steady increase in the number of businesses monitoring their online presence. However, social media is constantly developing and organisations need to ensure they are protecting themselves and their employees with quality policies and procedures.

“The cost of repairing reputational damage following an incident can often far outweigh that of ensuring preventative measures and appropriate protections are in place.”

Michael Bennett, managing director of Pelican Communications, said: “Food is an integral part of people’s daily social media activity and companies are using it more and more proactively to promote their brands.

“Every year this survey yields fascinating results that serve as an interesting point of discussion for industry leaders and help to chart the progress of this increasingly vital area of so many businesses.”

To take part in the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/socialmediaatwork2016