9.3 SR 12-21-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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All news releases concerning city personnel will be the responsibility of the city administrator. When the city administrator authorizes an employee to communicate on behalf of the city in interviews, publications, news releases, on social media sites, and related communications, employees must: • Identify themselves as representing the city. Account names on social media sites must be clearly connected to the city and approved by the city administrator. • Be respectful, Professional, and truthful when providing information. Only factual information (not opinions or editorial comments) 4tetAdshall be provided. Corrections must be issued when needed. • GenerallL not include personal opinions in official city statements. Employees who have been approved to use social media sites on behalf of the city should seek assistance from the city administrator on this topic. • Notify the city administrator if they will be using their personal technology (cell phones, home computer, cameras, etc) for city business. Employees should be aware that data transmitted or stored may be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Personal Communications and Use of Social Media It is important for employees to remember that their personal communications may reflect on the cim especially if employees are commenting on city business or commenting on issues that implicate their city employment. As city representatives, employees share in the responsibility of earning and preserving the public's trust in the city. An employee's own personal communications, such as on social media, can have a significant impact on the public's belief that all city staff will carry out city functions faithfully and impartially and without regard to factors such as race, sex/gender, religion, national origin, disability sexual orientation, or other protected categories. Nonpersonal communications (performed within one's job duties) to members of the public must always be professional. The following guidelines apply to personal communications, including various forms such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs YouTube, etc.), letters to the editor of newspapers, and personal endorsements: ■ Do not share private or confidential information you have access to as a result of your Position. ■ Any personal communications made on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the efficiency of the city's operation, including by negatively affecting morale. Public comments must not undermine any city department's ability to effectively serve the public. Disruptive personal Communications can include I&dng or republishing (sharing/retweeting) a social media post of another individual or entity. The city can act on the personal communication that violates this policy without waiting for the actual disruption. ■ Remember what you write, or post cannot easily be undone. It may also be spread to larger audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social media sites. It is a good idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos you would not want your boss or other employees to read, or you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper. Keep in mind harassment, bullying, threats of violence, discrimination, or retaliation concerning a co- worker or between co-workers that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible online, even if it is done after hours, from home and on home computers. ■ The city expects its employees to be fair, courteous, and respectful to supervisors, co-workers, citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the city. Avoid using statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or bullying,