David Brace Chief Operating Officer and Deputy to the Mayor

Social Media and My Role as a City Employee

A few weeks ago, while browsing a common social media platform privately (not work-related), I skimmed through a politically charged article posted by a friend and casually, without much thought, posted a comment.  

Wow - what a mistake! Before I knew it, I was being bombarded by confrontational, negative commenters with several users bringing up my professional role at the City of Knoxville. 

My first thoughts were, “Hold on, wait, I am not trying to be confrontational.  I’m friends with the person that posted the article and my comment has nothing to do with my job!”   Regardless of my intentions, none of it mattered. The vitriolic, unrelenting world that is social media had been unleashed and I could do little more than hold on for the rollercoaster ride!   

More importantly, I was quickly reminded of the direct connection people make between who I am as a private citizen and my very public work at the City of Knoxville.

So what are the lessons? 

First, our roles in local government are very public. Yes, we are all private citizens with private lives, but our decision to work in the public sector does carry a unique burden. For many of us, when people see us in public or online, they immediately associate who we are with the City. It’s not always fair, but it's reality.

Second, our use of social media can have real impacts on our lives at home and at work. 

In most instances, the impacts are little more than personal annoyance or stress as outlined by my example above. But depending on the nature, intent and content of your social media actions and your position at the City, your actions could result in disciplinary action. 

Yes, we are all guaranteed free speech under the First Amendment, but courts have ruled that like any other employer, the government has a legitimate interest in maintaining efficient offices and agencies and speech actions can impact that interest. 

Third - think before you post.  If you have any hesitation or concerns that what you are posting may negatively impact your professional work life, talk with your department director or Human Resources and review the administrative rules and your department-specific social media policies.

Policies vary between departments as each of us play a different role at the City, so learning about your policies and receiving some guidance is important.

And finally, always take a deep breath and think before you post content publicly on the internet. If you have any hesitation, step back and make sure you clearly understand the impacts of your actions both at home and at work. Taking a few simple breaths and evaluating your actions before you hit "post" or "comment" will help keep you off the often unpleasant roller coaster that is social media.