Working in a Human Resources department, you may need to sometimes post photos online of the staff who work for your company. However, before you do so, it is crucial that you keep the following 14 important things in mind.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-apple-magic-mouse-392018/
1. Understand Employees’ Comfort Levels
Always communicate with members of staff before posting their photos online, as you could assume everyone is comfortable with having their pictures shared, but that will not always be the case.
Empathy and respect must be at the forefront of your mind. So, make sure you get permission from employees before you post photos of them online.
2. Respect Privacy Settings
You also need to make sure that you understand each online platform’s privacy settings and rules for businesses.
For Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram, there may be differing policies about sharing photos of employees. So, check the platforms’ guidelines regularly to ensure compliance.
3. Adhere to Company Policy
Most companies have written guidelines regarding the use of employee images. Always adhere to those policies. They are there to protect both you as an HR professional and the staff members whose photos you choose to post.
4. Ensure the Photos You Post Online Reflect Your Company’s Values
The content you post should mirror your organisation’s mission and values; effectively becoming an extension of your brand image.
So, if you want to promote a work-life balance, for example, do not just post images from work events. Share pictures of employees engaged in recreational activities too.
5. Outline Usage Ahead of Time
Before you share any images on the net, ensure each employee understands how their images will be specifically used on each digital platform.
Have a clear communication policy in place before you begin the process of uploading employee photographs online. You can then ensure transparency and eliminate confusion or concerns later on.
6. Understand Legal Rights
It is crucial that you gain a solid understanding of copyright laws pertaining to photography and social media sharing before you post images of staff online.
While you may have taken the photo, it does not always mean that you have unrestricted rights to post it online. In some instances, using an employee’s photo without consent could lead to legal ramifications.
7. Acknowledge Cultural Differences
Keep cultural sensitivities and norms in mind while sharing pictures online. What might be acceptable in one culture could be awkward or inappropriate in another. This factor is crucial if your company operates globally and employs a diverse team with varying cultural backgrounds.
8. Be Mindful of Quality
Only high-quality photos should be shared online, as poor-quality images can not only misrepresent your employees but also detrimentally affect the perception of your business. Make sure the photos are clear, well-lit, and professional in appearance.
9. Determine Whether the Background Is Appropriate
Always be mindful of a photo’s background before posting it online. Visual clutter, distracting elements, or inappropriate visuals in the backdrop can easily detract from the primary subject and project an unprofessional image.
In some instances, concerns with privacy could also arise due to inadvertently displaying confidential documents or sensitive information visible in the frame.
Fortunately, there are some great online tools you can use to remove backgrounds easily. For instance, for background removal made simple, you could utilise Picsart’s tool. It is quick and easy to use and you will not lose any photo quality.
10. Present a Professional Image
Before publishing, ensure that the photographs portray a professional image of your employees and organisation. The attire people are wearing, their expressions, or even their posture can all convey messages about your company culture. So, be mindful of such factors.
11. Optimal Timing is Key
Always consider optimal timing when posting on social media platforms in order to maximise engagement with followers. It is best to post during peak activity hours for your audience’s time zone.
Additionally, balance posts throughout the week to maintain consistent engagement rather than overwhelming followers with excessive content at once.
12. Moderate Shared Content
After posting any staff image on social media platforms, ensure moderation is in place for comments. That way, you can protect both your company and the employees from potential online harassment or inappropriate remarks.
13. Anticipate Potential Misinterpretations
Images can often be misinterpreted. Be aware of this risk and ask multiple team members to review an image from their unique perspectives before posting it online. Their insights could help you foresee any potential misinterpretations and avoid controversy.
14. Create a Positive Narrative
Lastly, consider using photo captions strategically to tell your organisation’s story and build a positive narrative.
Thoughtful and engaging captions not only help set the tone for how the viewers perceive the image. They also reinforce your brand values and culture.
HR Future Staff Writer.